A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in BIG BEND COUNTRY
El Paso
“Tom Lea and Contemporaries”
Feb. 15-Dec. 31
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.
Fort Davis
Davis Mountains Preserve Open Weekends
March 14-16, July 11-13, Aug. 22-24, Nov. 7-9
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
Fort Stockton
Summer Off the Patio
May 15-July 24
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.
El Paso
Downtown Treasures
May 30
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.
Marfa
Agave Festival
June 5-8
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.
Del Rio
First Friday Art Walk
June 6
Various locations, 120 E. Garfield St.
Local galleries stay open late to showcase their artworks while serving refreshments.
Odessa
First Friday ODTX
June 6
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.
Van Horn
Frontier Day’s and Van Horn Jubilee
June 20-21
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.
Del Rio
Chalk the Walk
July 4
Downtown, South Main Street
Get creative and draw your best Fourth of July picture on the sidewalk of downtown Del Rio.
Odessa
Firecracker Fandango
July 4
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.
Alpine
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
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.
Del Rio
Noches Musicales
July 5, 12, 19, 26
Brown Plaza , 305 E. Canal St.
Enjoy summers nights with family and friends listening to local music. Bring your chairs. Food trucks are available.
Alpine
Outdoor Theater: Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”
July 5-26
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.
Viva Big Bend
July 23-27
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.
Del Rio
“State Fair” Photography Exhibit
Aug. 1-30
Del Rio Council for the Arts at the Firehouse, 120 E. Garfield St.
Del Rio Council for the Arts presents the photography of award-winning photojournalist Arthur Grace, whose color photojournalism archives are housed at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas in Austin. The exhibit showcases the unique blend of tradition and eccentricity at state fairs across 10 states.
Alpine
Big Bend Ranch Rodeo
Aug. 8-9
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.
Imperial
Horsehead Crossing Celebration
Oct. 10-11
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
