Spark! Experiences: Calendar of Events

A Museum on Main Street exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution. Inspired by Places of Invention, an exhibition developed by the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. Installed in the Education Room at the Museum of the Big Bend.

Healing Under the Stars features 12 large-scale astrophotography prints created by veterans participating in the CreatiVets Astrophotography Program. On display at the Alpine Public Library, the exhibition explores the connection between creativity, science, healing, and the night sky. Through art and astronomy, the program supports veterans through stress relief, personal expression, and community connection, and with a special focus on reaching Native American veterans through themes of identity, ancestry, and shared connection to the stars.

Step inside Big Bend Saddlery and experience the craftsmanship behind traditional West Texas saddlemaking. Visitors can watch live daily demonstrations showcasing the tools, techniques, and artistry used to create custom handmade saddles and leather goods. Rooted in ranching culture and generations of practical innovation, these demonstrations highlight a living tradition that continues to shape the identity of Far West Texas.

New Exhibit – North Hallway | Jodie P. Harris was a soldier who was stationed along the Big Bend border in 1916-17, and hand-drew a series of postcards that he mailed back to his family in Mineral Wells. Texas. We have selected and enlarged some of those postcards, which are now on display in the North Hallway. Jodie P. Harris was one of the first people to call for the creation of Big Bend National Park.

As part of the Smithsonian’s SPARK! Places of Innovation exhibition, the Museum of the Big Bend will feature selections from its permanent history exhibits as the local companion exhibit. Exploring the people, industries, cultures, and ideas that shaped Far West Texas, the exhibit highlights the innovation, resilience, and ingenuity that helped communities survive and thrive in the Big Bend region — from early transportation and ranching to border culture, trade, art, and everyday life in a rugged landscape.

The Art of the Camera: Glenn Burgess Collection features photographs, cameras, and field equipment from the collection of Glenn Burgess, an Alpine photographer known for documenting the early years of Big Bend National Park and the people and landscapes of Far West Texas during the 1940s and 1950s. The exhibit explores both the artistry and evolving technology of photography, offering a glimpse into how images of the Big Bend were captured during a transformative period in the region’s history.

Fort Davis National Historic Site, July 3 – 11
One of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post and setlement of western frontier. Demonstrations include artillery education, baseball game, and camels at the Fort.

Davis Mountains State Park, July 12 – 18
Innovative work by the CCC building the state park and Indian Lodge, adobe demonstration

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, July 19 – 25
Chihuahuan Desert research and education, awareness of this region. Planting cactus, propagating seeds, etc. demonstrations.

McDonald Observatory, July 26 – Aug 1
Pioneering telescopes and scientists exploring the cosmos where heritage, landscape and innovation meet – greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, demonstration includes astronomy and dark skies activities

Jeff Davis County Historical Commission, Aug 2 – 8
Ranching, frontier life, Bloys Camp Meeting. Demonstration includes windmill water development and live music barn dance wrap up party.

Go back in time, enjoying small-town pro ball in beautiful, historic Kokernot Field, called “The Best Little Ballpark in Texas…or Anywhere” by Sports Illustrated magazine.

Every Tuesday in July from 8 to 10 PM, bring your own chair, pack your refreshments, and settle in under some of the darkest skies in Texas for an evening of live music featuring bands. Sponsored by 5th Street Gallery, Front Street Books, Javelinas, and Alpine Pool & Spa. This a celebration not just of live music, but of Alpine itself, creativity, history, and community!

July 7 – The Latecomers

July 14 – Evie Dorsey, Ted Arbogast & Steven Bennack

July 21 – Big Bend Community Band

July 28 – The Swifts

No tickets, just come and enjoy!

Blackwell School National Historic Site preserves one of the last remaining segregated Mexican American schools in Texas, sharing the stories of students, families, and educators whose experiences helped shape the region’s history. Today, the site honors their resilience while exploring themes of education, community, and social change.

Step back in time at Indian Lodge, a one-of-a-kind pueblo-style inn nestled inside Davis Mountains State Park northwest of Fort Davis. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1935, the lodge’s original wing still features 18-inch adobe walls, hand-carved cedar furniture, and pine viga-and-latilla ceilings — craftsmanship that has endured for nearly a century. A 1967 expansion added modern amenities while preserving the lodge’s historic character.

Join us for the opening reception with food, drinks, and live music, and then head out into Alpine’s Independence Day celebration. It’s the best possible way to start your summer, and admission is free!

This program will seek to engage the audience to create their own Constitution to Nature with Oak gall ink just like our Constitution was written with.

Heritage mountain ranch meets fine art.

Open to all, historic representation of 1880’s ball played on the Fort parade grounds

Join Park Geologist Don Corrick for a guided walk through the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park. Located on an actual fossil site, this exhibit showcases the park’s world-class fossil record from the past 135 million years, starting in the Age of Dinosaurs and leading up to the present. The exhibit won a special achievement award from the prestigious American Alliance of Museums in 2018 for its innovative design and off-the-grid features. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the exhibit, located 8 miles north of Panther Junction on Highway 385 (the north entrance road).

Presidio is known for being the most continuously cultivated land in North America and has a rich history of culture, tradition and community storytelling. As part of the innovation assets of Presidio -Adobe has been a quintessential part of our borderland architecture. Starting with the native people of La Junta de los Rios, abobe was part of the building material that was used to make the pit houses they lived in. Fort Leaton State Historic Site is known for being the Largest adobe structure in Texas.

Come see the on-going restoration of the adobe at the Magoffin Home!

Join the Texas Camel Corps and discover the surprising story of the U.S. Army’s experiment with camels in the American Southwest. Learn why camels were brought to Texas in the 1850s, how they were used to navigate the harsh terrain of the West, and the lasting legends they left behind in Far West Texas history.

Hear stories about Presidio’s indigenous past while crafting dolls from corn husks. Free and open to the public. All materials will be provided.

Sonic Landscapes: Crafting Music to Define Space and Place with Dr. Justin Badgerow, a distinguished pianist and educator. Driven by a fascination with the intersections of culture, music, and nature, Dr. Badgerow’s goals for the Big Bend National Park Artist in Residence focus on using the desert landscape as a creative catalyst. A key objective is a performance of the Masada Suite (2007) by his late student, Marilyn Dieckert, whose work was directly inspired by the Big Bend region. Through a lecture-recital format, he intends to pair this music with a slideshow of the park’s natural features, serving as a “musical ambassador” for the National Park.

Join Ranger Charlie Ewing for an evening exploring telescopes and the incredible night skies of Far West Texas. Learn how telescopes work, what celestial objects to look for, and why the region is home to some of the darkest skies in the country.

Regional roundtables are events that include presentations, walking tours of host downtowns, and networking with other downtown professionals and champions. Click here to register.

The Archives of the Big Bend 50th Anniversary Shindig is the official birthday bash celebrating 50 years of the Archives of the Big Bend. It is a collaborative event between Historic Alpine and the Archives of the Big Bend (Sul Ross State University), open to the entire community. The evening will feature an educational conversation and Q&A focused on the Archives’ role in preserving our regional identity, followed by cake and champagne.

The Chinati Foundation is pleased to announce drop-in Art Lab Open Studio Days this summer. On Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Chinati’s education department will host free, introductory workshops that will provide participants of all ages the information, materials, and skills to make unique artworks. Each session will begin with a guided visit through one of Chinati’s installations, followed by a hands-on artmaking experience. All ages are welcome; young children are encouraged to attend.

Participants are encouraged to stay for as little or as long as they would like. Some of the techniques that will be explored include pinhole photography, silkscreening, and printmaking processes like cyanotyping.

All materials, light snacks, and water will be provided.

Enrollment is limited. Please sign up by sending an email to education@chinati.org with questions.

Join educator Gloria Garza as she shares how the “Three Sisters” were grown and prepared by the Native American populations of El Paso.

Join us for the opening of our new exhibit, From Stone to Table: Molcajete and Metate. The evening will include music and a salsa tasting, where visitors can vote for both the tastiest and the spiciest salsa.

A guided walking tour featuring 5+ historical sites in San Elizario. Visitors are encouraged to stay afterward to enjoy the Main Street Art Market and a Billy the Kid reenactment.

Come see the on-going restoration of the adobe at the Magoffin Home!

Come take a tour see how radio is done and record a greeting that may be played on air!

Summer programs at Alpine Public Library. The Fossil Dig with Big Bend Ranch State Park is for ages 5-12.

“Amidst a crisis in Boquillas, Mexico, bold Texas ranchers hatch a risky plan to aid neighbors. Indomitable Joan and Caroline race to the Rio Grande, danger lurking. Their unstoppable spirit proves friendship’s strength in adversity.”

Photography Workshop with Spencer Selvidge

Hat-making demonstration / presentation Women and Cattle Ranching

The Chinati Foundation is pleased to announce drop-in Art Lab Open Studio Days this summer. On Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Chinati’s education department will host free, introductory workshops that will provide participants of all ages the information, materials, and skills to make unique artworks. Each session will begin with a guided visit through one of Chinati’s installations, followed by a hands-on artmaking experience. All ages are welcome; young children are encouraged to attend.

Participants are encouraged to stay for as little or as long as they would like. Some of the techniques that will be explored include pinhole photography, silkscreening, and printmaking processes like cyanotyping.

All materials, light snacks, and water will be provided.

Enrollment is limited. Please sign up by sending an email to education@chinati.org with questions.

Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! This month we celebrate the Native peoples of our region.

Join Park Geologist Don Corrick for a guided walk through the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park. Located on an actual fossil site, this exhibit showcases the park’s world-class fossil record from the past 135 million years, starting in the Age of Dinosaurs and leading up to the present. The exhibit won a special achievement award from the prestigious American Alliance of Museums in 2018 for its innovative design and off-the-grid features. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the exhibit, located 8 miles north of Panther Junction on Highway 385 (the north entrance road).

MoBB summer camp – advance registration required: www.museumofthebigbend.com/education-program/

Summer programs at Alpine Public Library. Astronomy Adventures with McDonald Observatory is for all ages.

Tamales are not the only Mexican tradition that utilizes corn husks. Learn how to make jewelry from “hojas de tamal” in this hands-on workshop. Free and open to the public. All materials will be provided.

Cost: $30 (registration required). Includes a new 7″ molcajete, curing materials, and guided instruction.

Showcase of in-between era / custom transportation culture (cars, adaptations, regional style)

Exhibit on early frontier transportation

Hat-making demonstration / presentation Women and Cattle Ranching

The Chinati Foundation is pleased to announce drop-in Art Lab Open Studio Days this summer. On Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Chinati’s education department will host free, introductory workshops that will provide participants of all ages the information, materials, and skills to make unique artworks. Each session will begin with a guided visit through one of Chinati’s installations, followed by a hands-on artmaking experience. All ages are welcome; young children are encouraged to attend.

Participants are encouraged to stay for as little or as long as they would like. Some of the techniques that will be explored include pinhole photography, silkscreening, and printmaking processes like cyanotyping.

All materials, light snacks, and water will be provided.

Enrollment is limited. Please sign up by sending an email to education@chinati.org with questions.

Part of Viva Big Bend music festival – Panel Discussion: local luthiers and musicians talking about craft, materials, sound, and how West Texas influences their work

Photography Workshop with Spencer Selvidge

Live broadcast of Joe Nick Patoski’s Texas Music Hour of Power and Marfa Public Radio Block Party. It’s July 25 from 6pm – 9pm. The live broadcast is an exciting and energetic 2 hours of music, including some live in-studio performances, featuring Western swing, hillbilly, TexMex, Tejano, Cajunto, swamp pop, Cajun, zydeco and more! Community will gather together at the station to enjoy the live show, community spirit, and some great food and drinks! People will be able to experience the radio station at its best, surrounded by the people we serve.

Summer programs at Alpine Public Library. Astronomy Adventures with McDonald Observatory is for all ages.

Summer programs at Alpine Public Library. Touch a Truck/End of Summer Reading Celebration is for all ages.

Artist Ramon Deanda connects Alpine and Presidio through a pair of sister murals celebrating the culture, history, and spirit of Far West Texas. Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the creation of the mural facing Alpine Elementary School.

Discover how communication technology has transformed life in Far West Texas. Enjoy an open house social cocktail hour, and a video presentation showcasing the history of BBT and the innovations that have connected Big Bend communities for generations.

Cost: $10 per person (registration required)

The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo celebrates the skill, teamwork, and ingenuity of working ranch life in Far West Texas. Rooted in everyday ranch work, rodeo events highlight generations of innovation, adaptation, and practical knowledge developed to thrive in one of the most rugged landscapes in the country.