A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Big Bend Country
Terlingua
The Original Viva Terlingua Frank X Tolbert-Wick Fowler International Championship Chili Cookoff
Nov. 4-7
The Chili Park and Pavilion , FM 170 West
The original chili cookoff since 1967 gives travelers four days in Big Bend for food and cooking contests, live music nightly, and opportunities to explore two massive parks—Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. There is free camping available on site. Bring your own water and supplies.
Alpine
Center for Big Bend Studies Annual Conference
Nov. 6-7
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.
Artwalk
Nov. 20-21
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.
Alpine Mountain Country Christmas
Dec. 4-5
Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.
This festive community tradition features a holiday bazaar with approximately 50 vendors, live music, food, libations and Santa photos.
Van Horn
Van Horn Hollydays
Dec. 5
Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway St.
An annual Christmas tradition since 1994, Hollydays is the place to shop for gifts while ringing in the Christmas season with a parade and a fair.
El Paso
Witnessing War: Tom Lea in the Age of AI
Dec. 10
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, 500 W. University Ave.
Tom Lea Fellow Julia Hettiger, a writer, educator, and rhetoric and composition Ph.D. student from El Paso, centers the spectator in analyzing Tom Lea’s depictions of war. She examines what is lost and what is promoted when the U.S. government uses AI for military recruitment. Tom Lea’s work offers a window into the grim realities of war from an outside, neutral perspective, inviting audiences to witness them without direct wartime experience, something AI-generated graphics cannot replicate.
Odessa
“Tom Lea: Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of WWII”
Jan. 7-April 4
Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University Blvd.
“Brushstrokes from the Frontlines” is a traveling exhibit featuring the work of the first embedded World War II artist correspondent for “LIFE” Magazine, Tom Lea. Lea’s illustrations are drawn from the frontlines of four major theaters of war andcapture the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Van Horn
Culberson County Stock Show
Jan. 15-16
Van Horn Community Center, 302 Jones St.
A stock show and sale is accompanied by family activities, old-fashioned barbecue, and a Western dance.
El Paso
Segundo Barrio Mural Tour
Jan. 29
Father Rahm Mural , 111 W. Father Rahm Ave.
El Segundo Barrio has been home to thousands of families in El Paso since the 1880s. The adobe-and-brick neighborhood has been described as the Ellis Island of the Border. Join Jesus Alvarado, a native muralist, and explore Mexican and Indigenous themes, as well as political statements. Afterwards, join along for an authentic, no-host Mexican lunch at El Chewco. Receive a free copy of our Magnificent Murals curriculum.
Alpine
Wildlife Weekend
Jan. 29-31
Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.
Experience a full weekend of activities, information, and education on Texas wildlife with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Sur Ross State University’s Borderlands Research Institute, and many other conservation partners. This year’s focus is hawks and other raptors.
Guitar in the Big Bend
Feb. 4-6
Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.
Hear world-class performances in Alpine and Marfa from celebrated visiting artists. There’s also a classical guitar master class, luthier showcase, and more.
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Feb. 18-20
Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St.
Poets, musicians, songwriters, and wordsmiths come together for this eclectic event celebrating the oral traditions of the working cowboy.
El Paso
Veterans Create
Feb. 20
Military and Veteran Services Center, 10737 Gateway Blvd. W #350
Tom Lea drew animals throughout his career, from horses and bulls to his own dog, Boodle. Learn to draw man’s best friend with an art workshop led by UTEP associate art professor Tom Birkner in partnership with Emergence Health Network’s Military and Veteran Services Center. All supplies are provided. Veterans, family members, and anyone seeking a low-pressure creative experience are welcome. Free admission. Registration required.
Alpine
Far West Texas Comic Con
Feb. 27
Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.
The ultimate pop culture experience of West Texas includes featured artists, voice actors, cosplay, K-pop dancers, and gaming tournaments.