Upcoming Events in BIG BEND COUNTRY

Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, 301 S. Main St.

Held every other Thursday beginning May 28 and ending Aug. 6, these free evening concerts at the Annie Riggs Museum are open to all.

annieriggsmuseum.org

Various locations, 114 W. Mills Ave.

Step into the shadows on an El Paso ghost tour, where whispered legends and documented hauntings blur together into a chilling journey through time. Led by passionate local guides who know these streets by heart, this experience invites you to uncover the darker chapters of the city’s story and the spirits many believe still roam after nightfall.

usghostadventures.com/el-paso-ghost-tour

Museum of the Southwest, 1705 W. Missouri Ave.

Texas sculptor Ken Womack debuts “Giant,” his first-ever solo exhibition inspired by the 1956 George Stevens film of the same name. The exhibition features 25 large-scale sculptures drawn from several years of studio production, including a number of never-before-exhibited pieces that span the full range of Womack’s practice. His work features American consumer products on a monumental scale with the materials left visible, all built from plywood, acrylic, pool noodles, and discarded cable spools. The exposed nature of each piece denies any critique of the object, leaving it to the audience to interpret.

museumsw.org/ken-womack

Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.

“Spark! Places of Innovation” is a traveling Smithsonian exhibit that takes a close look at how communities have introduced a fresh idea or an invention that creates a new way of doing or thinking.

texastimetravel.com/plan/the-smithsonian-comes-to-texas

S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena, US 90

The annual Big Bend Ranch Rodeo draws ranchers, cowboys, and spectators alike to celebrate the skills, traditions, and sheer grit of the American West. Events include team roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and wild cow milking.

bigbendranchrodeo.com

Pete P. Gallego Center, 400 N. Harrison St.

Shop for guns and knives at this event, hosted by the Alpine Lions Club. All federal, state, and local firearm ordinances and laws must be obeyed.

Convention Center Plaza , 1 Civic Center Plaza

Join the El Paso community in celebrating the bigger and better than ever Vivamos Mexico: Official Grito in downtown El Paso. This free event celebrates Mexican Independence Day and honors the history of the region with one bi-national fiesta.

visitelpaso.com/vivamos

Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.

The nation’s longest-running exhibit of premier Western art and custom cowboy gear celebrates its 40th year. Experience artist demonstrations and a live auction.

museumofthebigbend.com/trappings-of-texas

S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena, US 90 East

See the Sul Ross State University rodeo team’s world-ranking performers at the birthplace of college rodeo.

sulross.edu/rodeo

Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza

Way Out West Fest celebrates 10 years as one of the city’s most anticipated country music festivals. Featuring multi-platinum country artist Cole Swindell as this year’s headliner, the festival brings together live music across multiple stages, regional food and drink experiences, interactive activations, contests, dancing, and the vibrant energy that defines El Paso’s entertainment scene.

epwayoutwest.com

Alpine Civic Center , 801 S. Holland Ave.

The fifth annual Big Bend Bluegrass Festival brings together exceptional bluegrass talent, rich musical heritage, and the unmatched, rugged charm of the Big Bend region. Located just a short drive from Big Bend National Park and the McDonald Observatory, the festival offers the perfect soundtrack to your desert mountain adventure.

bigbendbluegrass.com/bgf5k

Downtown, 114 W. Mills Ave.

Over 45,000 people visit this chalk art competition each year, where more than 100 local and touring artists from all disciplines compete. There’s also art installations, live dance and theatrical performances, art and food vendors, and access to hands-on activities and exhibits.

chalktheblock.com

Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, 1000 Horsehead Road

A celebration of the “second most iconic spot in Texas history” sees reenactors, chuckwagons, cowboy music, Comanche dancers, and live cannon fire at the spot where Oliver Loving and Charles Goodnight hit the Pecos River on their cattle drive that inspired “Lonesome Dove.”

pecoscountyhistoricalcommission.org/horsehead-crossing-celebration

The Stable Performance Cars, 511 W. Holland Ave.

High-performance vehicles cruise Big Bend’s scenic highways, promoting geared camaraderie while raising funds for the local community. There’s also the Poker Run and the Show-n-Shine car show.

thestablealpine.com/2026-octane-fest

Biggs Army Airfield, 12716 Biggs St.

A weekend of speed, sound, and patriotic excitement comes to Fort Bliss with the Amigo Airsho. Performers include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights, world champion aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss, plus airshows and military demonstrations.

visitelpaso.com/events/annual-events-and-festivals/amigo-airsho

Downtown , 125 W. Mills Ave.

The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival is a celebration of life for those who have departed. The event is free and includes arts and cultural activities, altars and exhibits, local vendors, and performances. The parade features 60 entries of floats, performers, and local organizations.

instagram.com/p/DWUC1YDEcRe

Espino Conference Center, Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison Ave.

The Center for Big Bend Studies Annual Conference brings together historians, archaeologists, folklorists, and other researchers studying the past and present of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico.

cbbs.sulross.edu/conference

Downtown, 204 E. Holland Ave.

Alpine’s biggest arts festival spans two days in November to showcase a variety of art exhibitions in many local businesses, all against a backdrop of festivities and live music.

artwalkalpine.com