Spark! Experiences: Fort Davis Calendar of Events
Spark! Places of Innovation, the Smithsonian’s nationally traveling exhibit on rural American ingenuity, opens at the Museum of the Big Bend on Friday, July 3, 2026 and runs through August 8, 2026.
Museum admission is FREE for the entire six-week run courtesy of our sponsors, Flying W Ranch and West Texas National Bank.
Below are the Spark! Experiences taking place in FORT DAVIS.
Ongoing SPARK! Experiences: July 3 – August 8
Fort Davis Rotating Exhibits
FORT DAVIS – Hotel Limpia (Blue Mountain Bar & Grill building)/
Exhibit is open 10am-6pm daily
Onsite demonstrations Saturdays from 10am – 2pm
Click Here for Full Description
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.
Opening Weekend: July 3 – 5
Old Spanish Trail Gallery & Museum Reception
FORT DAVIS – Old Spanish Trail Gallery & Museum
July 4, 1-5 p.m.
Click Here for Full Description
Heritage mountain ranch meets fine art.
1880s Baseball
FORT DAVIS – Fort Davis National Historic Site
July 5, 3 p.m.
Click Here for Full Description
Open to all, historic representation of 1880’s ball played on the Fort parade grounds
Week One: July 6 – 12
The Camels are Coming! Texas Camel Corps
FORT DAVIS – Fort Davis National Historic Site
July 8-9
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Click Here for Full Description
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.
Week Two: July 13 – 19
West of the Pecos Cattlewomen / Limpia Creek Hats
FORT DAVIS– Limpia Creek Hats
July 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Click Here for Full Description
Hat-making demonstration / presentation Women and Cattle Ranching
Week Three: July 20 – 26
West of the Pecos Cattlewomen / Limpia Creek Hats
FORT DAVIS– Limpia Creek Hats
July 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Click Here for Full Description
Hat-making demonstration / presentation Women and Cattle Ranching