July 2023 Events

EVENTS CALENDAR

Through July 1

8 p.m.
Viva! El Paso
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre
The annual performance musical celebrating four centuries of El Paso’s cultural history through dance, drama, narration and song, has been a family favorite since its inception in 1978.
Visit the website

Through July 16

8 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Victoria in the Highlands
Black Box Theatre
No Strings Theatre Company presents a locally written one-woman show inspired by the Highland diaries of Queen Victoria, and starring co-writer Autumn Gieb in the title role.
Visit the website

Saturday, July 1

7 p.m.
Spaceballs
Rio Grande Theatre
The 2023 Classic Film series presents Mel Brooks absurdist parody of the Star Wars francise, in which a group of misfits set out to rescue a princess from the insidious Dark Helmet, who covets her oxygen rich planet.
Visit the website

8 p.m.
America’s Patriotic Classics
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
Under the baton of Maestro Lonnie Klein, the Festival Orchestra of Las Cruces performs a vivacious selection of classical & big band favorites, Sousa military marches, Broadway standards, folk traditionals and 4^th of July classics.
Visit the website

TBA
City of Elephant Butte 25^th Anniversary Celebration
Elephant Butte Event Grounds
Join the City of Elephant Butte as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary! The big celebration will coincide with the fireworks at Elephant Butte Lake State Park on July 1st and includes food, music and more.
Visit the website

9 p.m.
Fireworks Show at Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
The biggest fireworks show in New Mexico reflected on the waters of the state’s largest body of water launches from Rattlesnake Island and can be seen from anywhere at the lake.
Visit the website

July 1 – 2

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July Jamboree
Zenith Park, Cloudcroft
The largest arts and crafts show in the region, featuring local and regional artists and crafters displaying and selling their wares, along with food, drink, live music and activities for the entire family.
Visit the website

Monday, July 3

9 – 11 p.m.
Electric Light Parade
Las Cruces
The community comes together to enjoy the electrifying spectacle of community groups and club floats covered in hundreds of twinkling lights cruising the streets of Las Cruces.
Visit the website

Tuesday, July 4

9 – 11 p.m.
Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks
Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park,
The City of Las Cruces and NMSU’s annual celebration of our nation’s birth, kicking off with a free concert by the a top national performer or band, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Visit the website

July 5 – 16

Multiple start times
Hamilton
Plaza Theatre
The winner of the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Hamilton takes the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and creates a revolutionary moment in theatre, with a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway.
Visit the website

Thursday, July 6

6 p.m.
Cool Canyon Nights: Fire & Ice
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre
El Paso Live’s Cool Canyon Nights free summer concert series continues with Fire & Ice on the mainstage, and Gabrielle Torres on the Patio Stage.
Visit the website

July 6 – 7

6 p.m.
Eli Lev
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
The rising singer/songwriter from Boonsboro, Maryland, brings his “lyrics and melodies for everyday enlightenment” to Las Cruces for two nights, in support of his latest project, an EP titled Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing.
Visit the website

July 7 – 8

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Art of Icon Making
NMSU Art Museum
A free 2-day iconography workshop with Iconographer Sara Edenburn Harper, who will lead attendees in painting an image of the face of Christ using egg tempera, and demonstrate how to prepare an icon board using traditional materials.
Visit the website

Saturday, July 8

6 – 9 p.m.
Second Saturday Art Hop
Truth or Consequences
Get a peek into the vibrant art scene in Truth or Consequences as galleries, studios, shops and restaurants on Broadway, Main and points in between open their doors for an evening of persuing, shopping and fun.
Visit the website

7 p.m.
Movies In The Park: Puss in Boots – The Last Wish
Young Park
The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department presents a free screening of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, about the legendary swashbuckler who sets out to find the mythical last with to restore his nine lives.
Visit the website

8 p.m.
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence owns the stage with her no-nonsense alter ego “Mama” in a two-tiered standup comedy show filled with adult humor and biting wisdom.
Visit the website

Sunday, July 9

7 p.m.
Music in the Park
Young Park
Las Cruces’ free concert series showcasing an eclectic mix of performances from local, regional and nationally recognized artists continues with Zack Quintana and Funk of the West.
Visit the website

July 10 – 15

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Missoula Children’s Theatre
Alma d’Arte Charter High School
The Doña Ana Arts Council presents its annual one-week theater camp for 60 young actors from first to 12^th grades.
Visit the website

Thursday, July 13

6 p.m.
Cool Canyon Nights: Radio La Chusma
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre
El Paso Live’s Cool Canyon Nights free summer concert series continues with Radio La Chusma on the mainstage, and Radio Altivo on the Patio Stage.
Visit the website

7 p.m.
Music on the Plaza
Plaza de Las Cruces
Las Cruces’ free concert series showcasing an eclectic mix of performances from local, regional and nationally recognized artists continues with Billy Townes and Border Jazz.
Visit the website

Friday, July 14

6 p.m.
Eddie Irving & The Classic Swing Band
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
Join the dinner dance on stage, when charismatic crooner Eddie Irving and his five-man band play classic “Rat Pack” favorites, including swing, tango, walt, lite rock, salsa, cha-cha, rumba and more.
Visit the website

8 p.m.
Jackson Browne
Abraham Chavez Theatre
El Paso Live presents the singer/songwriter, activist and American icon who has been making feel-good music since 1972 and shows no signs of slowing down, with over 18 million albums sold in the U.S. alone.
Visit the website

July 14 – 15

Saturday, July 15

5 – 11 p.m.
7^th Annual Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Festival
Plaza de Las Cruces
Featuring 40+ tequilas to sample, live Lucha Libre wrestling, local taco trucks, Mariachis, DJs, lawn games, salsa sampling, vendors and more!
Visit the website

Sunday, July 16

Wednesday, July 19

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Wrap
Rio Grande Theatre
Film Las Cruces presents a monthly film screening for Las Cruces and Doña Ana County artists with work to show, including short films, commercials, music videos, documentaries or time-lapse reels.
Visit the website

Thursday, July 20

6 p.m.
Cool Canyon Nights: Windy City
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre
El Paso Live’s Cool Canyon Nights free summer concert series continues with Windy City on the mainstage, and Stellar on the Patio Stage.
Visit the website

July 20 – 30

12 – 10 p.m.
Plaza Classic Film Festival
Plaza Theatre
Taking place in and around the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso, the festival celebrates classic movies with screenings and special guests, as well as being a showcase for regional filmmakers.
Visit the website

July 21 – 22

July 21 – 23

12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival
Ruidoso Convention Center
Now in its 52nd year, the popular mountain festival showcases art and artists from across the country, along with demonstrations and wine samplings from some of New Mexico’s finest wineries.
Visit the website

Saturday, July 22

7 p.m.
Movies In The Park: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Young Park
The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department presents a free screening of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, about the speedster’s continuing battles with Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles, who are in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations.
Visit the website

8 p.m.
Ricky Nelson Remembered
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
America’s original teen idol is remembered by his twin rock star sons Matthew and Gunnar, in a multi-media concert featuring footage from TV’s Ozzie & Harriet, Ricky’s biggest hits, and a few of the boys’ own rock hits from the 90s.
Visit the website

Sunday, July 23

Thursday, July 27

6 p.m.
Cool Canyon Nights: Fungi Mungle
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre
El Paso Live’s Cool Canyon Nights free summer concert series continues with Fungi Mungleon the mainstage, and Brothers, Inc. on the Patio Stage.
Visit the website

Friday, July 28

7 p.m.
Missoula Children’s Theatre: King Arthur’s Quest
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
The public performance of the classic children’s play, which has been workshopped all week long by children ages 6 – 17 in preparation for the big night.
Visit the website

July 28 – 29

Saturday, July 29

8 p.m.
Jesse & Joy
Abraham Chavez Theatre
El Paso Live presents the best-selling, award-winning sibling pop duo from Mexico City, delivering bright, warm amalgam of hooky rock, sparkling folk, norteño, pop, and cumbia, by voices that meld seamlessly amid infectiously memorable choruses.
Visit the website

8 p.m.
Doug Stone and The Stoned Age Band
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Ruidoso
A Grammy-nominated, platinum recording artist, the laid-back baritone of this neo-traditional country hitmaker captivates listeners with songs that grow sad to soulful, humorous to uplifting in a heartbeat.
Visit the website

Sunday, July 30

7 p.m.
Music in the Park
Young Park
Las Cruces’ free concert series showcasing an eclectic mix of performances from local, regional and nationally recognized artists continues with Dream Merchants and Daniel Sanchez.
Visit the website

Monday, July 31

8 p.m.
Milky Chance: Summer Haze
Abraham Chavez Theatre
Racking up more than five billion streams in the last decade, the social media darlings hit the road in support of their 2021 release Trip Tape, which featured a mix of originals, covers, demos, and remixes.
Visit the website

Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The award-winning, outdoor Farmers & Crafts Market spans seven full blocks of North Main Street in Downtown Las Cruces.
Visit the Website

First Friday Art Ramble
First Friday of Every Month, 5-8 p.m.
The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership hosts this monthly event showcasing a dozen participating museums and galleries in the Arts & Cultural District.
Visit the Website

Second Saturday Art Hop
Second Saturday of Every Month, 6-9 p.m.
The City of Truth or Consequences comes alive with local art, downtown in the commercial/hot springs district.
Visit the Website

Les Salon Des Art Divers
Downtown Blues Coffee
Wednesday Nights, 7 – 9 p.m.
Spend an evening with writers, poets, song poets, essayists, and local musicians, including the Blazing Butlers, at a free weekly cultural event for the ages.
Visit the website

Branigan Cultural Center
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This historic locale hosts changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events.
Visit the Website

Las Cruces Museum of Art
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hosting a changing slate of exciting contemporary art exhibits, programs for visitors of all ages and an extensive art studio class program.
Visit the Website

Las Cruces Railway Museum
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad depot, the museum interprets the railroad history of Las Cruces and the impact of the railroad on southern New Mexico.
Visit the Website

Museum of Nature and Science
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A museum about looking and understanding – looking up to the stars, looking out to the desert, and looking down to see ancient fossils.
Visit the Website

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Discover the backbone of New Mexico, via this 47-acre interactive museum that chronicles the state’s 3,000-year history of farming and ranching.
Visit the Website

Check the events calendars for more information.

Amador Patio Bar & Grill
The entertainment district comes alive with diverse restaurant choices, upscale nightlife and live music events.
Visit the Website

Amaro Winery & Taproom
Locally owned and operated winery and tasting room, with a Karaoke night, open mic, and rotating list of live events.
Visit the Website

Boneyard Cantina
Delicious street food paired with Icebox craft beer and appearances by local musicians on the main stage.
Visit the Website

Don Felix
Located on the corner of the Mesilla Plaza, with delicious New Mexican cuisine and live music on the patio.
Visit the Website

Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery
Serving craft beer, craft spirits, killer grub and a mix of local and travelling musical acts to chase the blues away.
Visit the Website

Palacio Bar
A neighborhood watering hole since 1936, they don’t serve food, but the music is lively and the drinks are plentiful.
Visit the Website

Truth or Consequences Brewing Company
A cozy little taproom, featuring craft beers and live music on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Visit the Website

Vintage Wines
New Mexico wines, beers and cigars in Old Mesilla, with a relaxing patio and live music several nights a week.
Visit the Website

July 1 – 31, 2023
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Linda Hagen and Hetty Smith
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery
The Mesilla gallery hosts oil painter Linda Hagen, and stained glass artist Hetty Smith for the month of July 2023.
Visit the website

Through July 30, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grace in Motion
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
The delicate beauty of hummingbirds, their incredible movement, and the critical work they do as pollinators are all captured in a new photography exhibit featuring photography by Nirmal Khandan. The exhibit features 36 portraits of hummingbird species common to the region interacting with local flora.
Visit the website

Through Summer 2023
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Honesty of Construction: The WPA and Spanish Colonial Style Furniture
Branigan Cultural Center
Drawing from the University Museum collection at New Mexico State University, the exhibit features a wide range of furniture pieces that were made during a 1930s community vocational training program that was established in Las Cruces at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now New Mexico State University). The furniture was made in the Spanish Colonial style that is characterized by the use of Ponderosa pine, mortise and tenon joinery, rounded edges, and decorative embellishments.
visit the website

Through September 16, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Specter
NMSU Art Museum
On view in the UAM’s Contemporary Gallery, is an immersive multimedia exhibition featuring work by Miami-based artist Cara Despain, who uses sculptural and video-based installations, created with found objects and archival film from the 1940s-60s, to explore the irreversible environmental consequences and hidden psychological and microscopic health effects left in the wake of nuclear weapons development and testing across the Southwest.
Visit the website

Through September 16, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Meditations on Mentor and Student
NMSU Art Museum
On display in the Bunny Conlon Modern & Contemporary Art Gallery, this exhibition explores the work and intersecting lives of the artists Agnes Martin and Karen Yank who, for nearly 17 years, met weekly as a friendship and mentorship flourished. Featured in this exhibition are a selection of Martin’s lithographs on vellum, and Yank’s steel wall-based sculptures.
Visit the website

Through September 16, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wild Pigment Project
NMSU Art Museum
Curated by Wild Pigment Project’s founding director Tilke Elkins, and on display in the Mullennix Bridge Gallery, this group exhibition, which originated at form & concept gallery in Santa Fe, NM, brings together painters and dyers, ink-makers and ceramicists, researchers, scientists and traditional cultural practitioners to explore pigments found in plants, minerals and the industrial waste stream.
Visit the website

Through September 23
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Origami In The Garden: Transforming Paper to Sculpture
Las Cruces Museum of Art
The innovative artwork of Santa Fe artists Kevin and Jennifer Box is on display, showcasing a laborious process using the lost-wax technique, through which Kevin transforms both large and small scale paper origami pieces into metal sculptures.
Visit the website