When people move to New Mexico, they expect a rich cultural experience. You’ll certainly find that in Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley in Southern New Mexico!
Las Cruces Museums and Theaters
The City of Las Cruces operates four museums: Museum of Art, Museum of Nature and Science, Railroad Museum, and the Branigan Cultural Center, which was the city’s first library. All the city museums are free to explore, plus you can find a wide range of classes and programs for visitors of all ages. Three of the city’s museums, plus art galleries and community theaters, are located in the downtown Arts and Culture District. You can enjoy live theater at the Black Box Theatre and Las Cruces Community Theater, both downtown. Head over to New Mexico State University for music and theatrical performances at the Atkinson Recital Hall, NMSU Center for the Arts, and the Pan Am Center. The university is also home to museums and an art gallery.
The State of New Mexico has a museum in Las Cruces as well, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. This large museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including livestock you can visit and even pony rides on weekends. Popular annual events at this museum include the HomeGrown Food Show & Gift Market, The Museums Rocks Gem & Mineral Show, and Cowboy Days. The Farm & Ranch Heritage Museums also offers a variety of presentations, art exhibits, hands-on classes, and more.
Las Cruces Art Events
For a special experience, visit downtown Las Cruces during the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers and Crafts Market or the Downtown Art Ramble on the first Friday evening of the month. During the ramble, visit downtown art galleries and museums.
The Plaza de Las Cruces is right in the middle of downtown and is home to many special events and concerts. Then enjoy a meal at one of the many downtown restaurants and brew pubs, like the Amador, Broken Spoke Tap House, Boneyard Cantina, or Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery.
In February, the entire community is immersed in art during the annual For the Love of Art Month. Visit special art exhibits and performances, then take a tour of local artist studios. ArtForms, the organization that hosts For the Love of Art Month, is one of many art groups that artists are invited to join in Las Cruces, including the New Mexico Watercolor Society Southern Chapter and the Las Cruces Art Association.
The Doña Ana Arts Council supports artists and art appreciation in a variety of ways, including hosting exhibitions at their gallery and hosting the annual Las Cruces Art Fair at the Las Cruces Convention Center and the Renaissance ArtsFaire in the fall at Young Park. Another artful event held each year is the Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts at Holy Cross Retreat Center.
Live Music in Las Cruces
For music aficionados, Las Cruces is also home to the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, the New Horizons Orchestra and New Horizons Band, the Mesilla Valley Chorale, and other organizations. Check out the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference, which features a Spectacular Concert to round out the conference. There’s even an annual ukulele festival in May for lovers of the four-stringed instrument, hosted by the Las Cruces Ukes, which always welcomes new members at their weekly practices.
In summer, enjoy free concerts in the park by a wide range of musicians or kick back and bring some popcorn for movies in the park.
Movies? Well, how about an entire festival dedicated to the appreciation of films? Attend the Las Cruces International Film Festival in spring and enjoy films, presentations by film stars and professionals, award ceremonies, and the chance to mix and mingle with filmmakers.
Posted by LasCruces.com
