A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in BIG BEND COUNTRY
Imperial
Winds Across the Pecos: Horsehead Crossing Living History Event
Oct. 25-26
Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, SH 11 at Horsehead Road between Girvin and Imperial
See two days of living history at one of the most iconic locations in Texas history, Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River. Expect chuckwagon meals, cooking demonstrations, gunfights, trail rides, live cannon fire, and reenactors. Horsehead Crossing is where the real “Lonesome Dove” took place, and is marked in history by Comanches, the Goodnight-Loving Trail, and more. The event is free, but donations are accepted.
pecoscountyhistoricalcommission.org/horsehead-crossing-celebration
Marathon
M2M: Marathon 2 Marathon
Oct. 26
The biggest event that this little town of 420 hosts, the M2M is considered an international bucket list race, with runners from 25 states and over seven countries participating over the years. It is also a Boston Marathon qualifier and a net downhill race with 450 to 500 racers. There’s also a half marathon, 10K, and 5K race. Everyone who crosses the finish line receives a T-shirt and medal, plus free beer. A pasta dinner and barbecue lunch is available for purchase.
Fort Stockton
Fall Festival
Nov. 1
Fort Stockton Convention Center, 2181 I-10 West
The town celebrates the 45th anniversary of its roadrunner mascot, Paisano Pete, with food and craft vendors and live music including the Randy Rogers Band.
Alpine
Center for Big Bend Studies Conference
Nov. 8-9
Espino Conference Center, Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St.
The 29th annual Center for Big Bend Studies conference brings together historians, archaeologists, folklorists, and other researchers studying the past and present of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico.
El Paso
La Frontera Print Fest
Nov. 9
Art Masters of El Paso, 6501 N, Mesa St., Suite C
This year, La Frontera Print Fest unites 10 artists from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez to create a panoramic print of the sister cities that features important areas, icons, and landscapes and showcases the unity and shared culture of the cities. This project aims to promote printmaking within the community and create a welcoming environment for various artists across the borderland.
Midland
Home for the Holidays Gift Market of Midland
Nov. 15-17
Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main St.
Shop with 130 merchants to find lots of new and unique gifts all in one place for all of your festive events.
Alpine
Artwalk
Nov. 22-23
Downtown Alpine, 204 E. Holland Ave.
Alpine’s biggest arts festival celebrates its 31st year. Spanning two days in November, the event showcases a variety of art exhibitions in many local businesses, all against a backdrop of festivities and live music.
Van Horn
Trans-Pecos Big Buck Tournament
Nov. 29-Dec. 16
El Mercado, 604 E. Broadway St.
Participate in a hunting tournament with animals qualifying from all Trans-Pecos regions.
Alpine
Christmas in Alpine
Dec. 1
Downtown, 201 W. Ave. E
An array of holiday activities including a Christmas parade, shopping bazaar with a variety of vendors, and a tour of historic adobe homes.
Del Rio
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6
Downtown, South Main Street
Beautifully lit Christmas floats, Santa Claus, elves, and music ring in the Christmas season in Del Rio. The mayor turns on the switch that lights up the Christmas tree and all the beautiful lights in the park. There are arts and crafts vendors on site.
Monahans
Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Dunes
Dec. 6-7
Ward County Event Center, 1525 E. Monahans Parkway
This celebration offers a variety of activities for everyone in the family, including an ice skating rink, live stage performances, craft and food vendors, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Children’s festivities include cookie decorating, ornament making, face painting, party jumpers, and a surprise appearance by the Grinch.
Van Horn
Lighted Christmas Parade and Shopping Bazaar
Dec. 7-8
Downtown, 1801 W. Broadway St.
Van Horn rings in the season with the annual Christmas tree lighting and parade, plus the Christmas Bazaar and fun for the whole family.
Canutillo
La Frontera Print Fest
Dec. 7
The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso, 7051 S. Desert Blvd.
La Frontera Print Fest unites 10 artists from El Paso to create an unforgettable panoramic print of Sister Cities. The artists create a panoramic print with ten panels using relief linocut printing, featuring the beauty of the borderland region, recreating important areas, icons, and landscapes. During the live printmaking performance, there’s an art vendor market.
visitelpaso.com/events/la-frontera-print-fest-2024-panoramic-print-day
Del Rio
Wild Game Dinner and Gun Raffle
Dec. 7
The Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd.
This annual fundraiser is one of the biggest events hosted by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, attracting a large crowd of locals and visitors. There’s wild game dishes, a winter fair, entertainment, and a gun raffle.
New Year’s Plunge
Jan. 1
Devil’s River State Natural Area, 21715 Dolan Creek Road
Start 2025 off by participating in the first New Year’s Plunge at the Devils River. Bring a towel and coffee mug for warm refreshments, then meet at the gate to walk to the river. This program is subject to cancelation depending on the weather conditions.
Monahans
Resolution Run
Jan. 11
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Park Road No. 41
Run through the scenic Sandhills of Monahans with distance options including 5K, 10K, and the Mile Health Walk. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome, and the first 100 registrants receive a free T-shirt.
El Paso
Travel the World in Architecture—Downtown El Paso
Jan. 31
Aloft El Paso Downtown, 303 Texas Ave.
The storied architecture of El Paso contains symbols of both pre-Columbian and modern styles. This tour provides a comprehensive look into the diverse architecture of downtown El Paso.
I Love El Paso
Feb. 13
St. Rogers Depot, 420 N. Campbell St.
As the founder of Rocketbuster Boots, one of the world’s most iconic custom boot makers, Nevena Christi has become an El Paso legend. Marty Snortum, the owner of Marty Snortum Studios, is considered one of the Southwest’s top photographers. Join a conversation with the couple as they discuss how they balance marriage and family life while achieving international acclaim in their artistic endeavors. Enjoy charcuterie tastings.
Alpine
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Feb. 20-22
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. This year’s event commemorates 39 years of cowboy poetry in Alpine, with a range of both free and ticketed performances.
El Paso
Discover Public Art Treasures
Feb. 28
Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, 137 Rick Francis St.
Ginger Francis, one of the earliest and most ardent supporters of Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, leads a tour of the remarkable art on campus. This tour reveals how each piece of art is intricately connected to the borderland ethos, unfolding a rich narrative as you explore the campus.
