Upcoming Events in Big Bend Country

El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza

Tom Lea was one of the most prolific Southwestern artists of the 20th century. This exhibit features landscapes, portraits, and mural studies that highlight the correspondence between artists to tell the story of a tightly knit creative community, which made El Paso a central point for rich cultural exchange. Along with Lea, artists include Manuel Acosta, Lois Denton, Freemont Ellis, Leola Freeman, Carl Hertzog, Peter Hurd, Ada Miller, Audley Dean Nicols, Urbici Soler, and Henriette Wyeth. A gallery tour with Adair Margo, founder of the Tom Lea Institute, takes place on Oct. 10.

tomlea.com

Davis Mountains Preserve , State Highway 118 North (about 10 miles past McDonald Observatory)

The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve—home to Mount Livermore and Baldy Peak—is closed to the public for research and conservation-related management activities throughout the majority of the year. However, the preserve opens for camping, hiking, biking, equestrian, picnics, photography, birding, and other outdoor activities on select weekends throughout the year. All are invited, no reservation required.

nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/events/tx-davis-mountains-open-days

Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.

Over 40 vendors with indoor and outdoor booths feature jaspers and agates of West Texas, geodes, cabochons, fossils, jewelry, and rough material.

facebook.com/p/chihuahuan-desert-gem-mineral-club-100064703045076

McDonald Observatory, 3640 Dark Sky Drive

Join McDonald Observatory in celebrating far West Texas’s famous dark skies with special talks, tours, star parties, and other activities. Events are held at McDonald Observatory and locations throughout Alpine, Marfa, and surrounding communities.

mcdonaldobservatory.org

Fort Stockton Convention Center, 2181 I-10 Service Road

The most challenging open-road race in the country for more than 20 years, the Big Bend Open Road Race is a 118-mile loop from Fort Stockton to Sanderson and back that’s open to everyone older than 18. Festivities include a car show, a party at Rooney Park, and a parade through town showcasing all the cars and hot rods primed for the competition.

bborr.com

Brewster County Courthouse Grounds, 201 W. Avenue E

A celebration of Texas’ best wine makers, spirit distillers, and brew masters collides with beef producers and chefs from across Texas.

spiritsfestwtx.com

Val Verde County Fairgrounds , 2006 N. Main St.

See bull riders and bull fighters compete at the 47th annual event, named after the 1968 world champion and National Finals Rodeo winner from Del Rio.

georgepaulmemorialbullriding.com

Alpine Visitor Center, 106 N. Third St.

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week at the heart of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. There are demonstrations and family activities at the Alpine Farmers Market, followed by afternoon presentations and a Star Party at Alpine’s Kokernot Park with experts from McDonald Observatory.

visitalpinetx.com/dark-skies

Amistad National Recreation Area, 10477 US 90

This unique Texas birding experience connects birders with landowners. In 2025, the Birding the Border Festival returns to Del Rio where visitors have opportunities to birdwatch on private and restricted-access properties to find all kinds of bird species.

wildlife.tamu.edu/birding/birding-the-border-2025

Van Horn City Park, Third and Austin streets

A full day of celebrating the culture and traditions of Mexico include food, mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, and local talent.

Downtown, 103 E. Murphy St.

Alpine’s Cinco de Mayo celebration is a local tradition featuring a themed downtown parade, music, dancing, a car show, and the popular “Gran Mercado” (Great Market) on historic Murphy Street.

Brown Plaza, Cantu Street

Enjoy the holiday Cinco de Mayo on the border with a festival of music, culture, and celebration.

facebook.com/brownplazaofdelrio

Memorial Pool, 3251 Copper Ave.

This all-female event offers in-person and virtual options: a super sprint triathlon, a sprint triathlon, a bike-run, a run/walk, and two- and three-person relay teams.

mightymujertriathlon.com/elpaso

Annie Riggs Museum, 301 S. Main St.

This series of concerts is held every other Thursday between May 15 and July 24. Enjoy an assortment of food and drinks, a refreshing summer breeze, and local bands playing as people sing along.

annieriggsmuseum.org

Old Federal Courthouse Building , 511 E. San Antonio Ave.

Take a tour through the heart of downtown El Paso, unveiling stories behind artistic treasures. Learn the history behind sculptures, buildings, and murals, and compare the different art styles between old and new artwork.

tomlea.com/events/tours

Various locations

This annual festival celebrates the agave and its influence on culture through food, film, music, science, and spirits. Enjoy tastings hosted by agave spirit producers, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and performances by contemporary and regional musicians.

agavemarfa.com

Various locations, 120 E. Garfield St.

Local galleries stay open late to showcase their artworks while serving refreshments.

drchamber.com

Downtown , 415 N. Grant Ave.

On the first Friday of every month, downtown Odessa transforms into a vibrant hub of art, music, and culture during First Friday ODTX. This community-driven event features local artists, live performances, unique vendor markets, culinary delights, and interactive crafts and activities for all ages.

firstfridayodtx.com

Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway St.

A Van Horn tradition since 1899, Frontier Day’s and the Van Horn Jubilee include tournaments, great food, and live music throughout the weekend. School reunions and historical tours are scheduled along with traditional events.

vanhorntexas.org

Downtown, South Main Street

Get creative and draw your best Fourth of July picture on the sidewalk of downtown Del Rio.

Downtown, Grant Avenue

Celebrate the Fourth with an evening of live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a children’s area. The event ends with a fireworks display.

Brewster County Courthouse, 201 W. Avenue E

Alpine celebrates Independence Day with the annual parade, car show, live music, and fireworks. There’s also Alpine Cowboys baseball and outdoor theater. This year, civic groups are investigating and reviving past Alpine traditions for the holiday.

Brown Plaza , 305 E. Canal St.

Enjoy summers nights with family and friends listening to local music. Bring your chairs. Food trucks are available.

Kokernot Outdoor Theatre, 1104 Loop Road

Theatre of the Big Bend presents a production of the 2013 version of Richard Rodgers’ and Oscar Hammerstein II’s classic with a new book by Douglas Carter Beane.

theatrebigbend.org

Various locations, 504 W. Holland Ave.

Viva Big Bend’s 14th year features 65-plus shows in a wide range of music genres at more than 12 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, and Terlingua.

vivabigbend.com

S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena, Paso del Norte Road

Sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association, this rodeo features brave performances by real working cowboys, a chuckwagon cookoff, and other activities.

bigbendranchrodeo.com

Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, SH 11 and Horsehead Road

This celebration of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, Butterfield Stage Line, Emigrant Trail, and Comanche War Trail is held at the second-most iconic historical location in Texas, Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, between Girvin and Imperial. Enjoy chuckwagon meals, Comanche dancers, gunfighter shootouts, live cannon fire, history presentations, and walking tours.

pecoscountyhistoricalcommission.org/horsehead-crossing-celebration