May 2025 Events
Through May 3
The Museum of Art — Engaging Masters: Parody Art
The Museum of Art showcases Engaging Masters: Parody Art from the Collection of David Lyman and Christopher Alexander, running through May 3. David Lyman will be present at the opening on February 7 to lead a walkthrough, sharing insights into the collection and its themes. This free event is open to all ages!
Through May 24
Branigan Cultural Center — Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley
Join us at the Branigan Cultural Center for the opening of Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley, featuring a reception and awards ceremony on Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests can meet the featured artists and attend a special talk at 6:00 p.m. by artist and instructor Brian Fallstead, titled The Value of Observation in Wildlife Sculpture. On display from February 7 through May 24, 2025, this exhibit blends artistic expression with ecological education, showcasing sculptures and nature journaling pages from 14 local artists. This free event is open to all ages!
May 5
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) Bird Walk at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
This monthly bird walk is on the 1st Monday of every month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Meet at the park Visitor Center at 8 a.m. Guest leader Mark Pendleton will take attendees along a trail to the river. This is an easy walk with ample time to ask questions and learn about the birds in our area. This event is open to the public and does not require registration.
May 3
New Mexico Tamale Festival
Back for 2025, the New Mexico Tamale Festival, presented by Party Tenders Events, will feature a full evening of music and fun on the Plaza de Las Cruces. Included in the event are food trucks, Mexican beer gardens, a night mercado, games, live music, and more. The New Mexico Tamale Festival takes place Saturday, May 3, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
May 10
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) Bird Walk at Sagecrest Park
This monthly bird walk is on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Meet by the MVAS “Keep the Park Beautiful” sign. Group leader Johnathan Brooks will lead attendees to the trail leading west. This is an easy walk with ample time to ask questions and learn about the birds in our area. This event is open to the public and does not require registration.
May 16 – 18
Las Cruces UkeFest
New Mexico State University
The Las Cruces UkeFest draws ukulele players and performers from around the country for a weekend of workshops, a concert, jam session, and open mics. The Friday night concert is open to the public and tickets are only $10 (and can be purchased at the door). The full festival includes the concert on Friday and workshops all day Saturday with a catered lunch, a Saturday night jam session, and Sunday morning workshops. Advance registration is necessary to attend the full festival. Learn more and register at LasCrucesUkeFest.com.
May 16 – 18
Century Santa Fe
Throughout Santa Fe
Various Times
Experience the thrill of the 39th annual Santa Fe Century, New Mexico’s premier cycling event! Choose your challenge from a variety of road (20, 50, or 100-mile) and gravel (25-55 mile) routes, including timed Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo options and the Gravelón, or enjoy untimed tours showcasing the stunning landscapes of Northern New Mexico. Starting from Santa Fe Railyard Park and venturing through Rowe Mesa, this event, brought to you by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and Santa Fe County Lodgers Tax, offers something for every cyclist. Explore the cycling expo, register online by May 11th (or in person at Railyard Park), and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of camaraderie and adventure!
May 17
Stargazing at Leasburg Dam Observatory
Head out to Leasburg Dam State Park at 5 p.m. each month for a night of stargazing at the Leasburg Dam Observatory. Event times vary with the seasons. Members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces operate the 16’ Meade SCT telescope and additional telescopes outside the observatory. On clear nights with the moon below the horizon, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye and observe nebulae, star clusters, and distant galaxies through telescopes! The price is $5.00/ Vehicle NM Residents and $10.00/ vehicle non-NM residents.
May 19
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) Bird Walk at Tellbrook Park
This monthly bird walk is on the 3rd Monday of every month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Meet at the park entrance, where Mark Pendelton will lead attendees through the area. This is an easy walk with ample time to ask questions and learn about the birds in our area. This event is open to the public and does not require registration.
May 24
Nature Journaling at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Join the MVAS Nature Journal Club at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park’s native plant garden, where a variety of bird species will be nesting and hummingbirds will be feeding. Bring your nature journaling supplies, some water, your hat, and some sunscreen. The MVAS Nature Journal Club is part of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society.
Silver City Blues Festival
The Silver City Blues Festival brings two days of live music to town every Memorial Day weekend. Backed by local businesses, blues enthusiasts, and attendee donations, the festival offers something for everyone. It features a mix of local and out-of-state performers, vendors from Silver City’s Makers Market, beer gardens, food options, and more.
May 31
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) Bird Walk at Leasburg Dam State Park
This monthly bird walk is on the last Saturday of every month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Meet at the park Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. and plan to carpool to the picnic area along the Rio Grande. Group leader Dylan Osterhaus will lead the attendees. The walk is approximately one mile on the Mogollon Trail, then to the picnic area via the upper road or trail. This is an easy walk with ample time to ask questions and learn about the birds in our area. This event is open to the public and does not require registration.
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
The Game Sports Bar & Grill
Open daily 11 a.m. – midnight
Experience the top Aggie-themed sports bar in Las Cruces! The Game Sports Bar & Grill is just minutes from NMSU, offering a spacious patio, delicious food specials, and 42 ice-cold beers on tap.
Visit the website
The Game II – Extra Innings
Open daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Game II – Extra Innings, located near Hwy. 70, brings the same signature menu favorites from the original Game location. Enjoy indoor or patio dining, along with live entertainment.
Visit the website
Check the events calendars for more information.
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
Through May 3
The Museum of Art — Engaging Masters: Parody Art
The Museum of Art showcases Engaging Masters: Parody Art from the Collection of David Lyman and Christopher Alexander, running through May 3. David Lyman will be present at the opening on February 7 to lead a walkthrough, sharing insights into the collection and its themes. This free event is open to all ages!
Through May 24
Branigan Cultural Center — Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley
Join us at the Branigan Cultural Center for the opening of Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley, featuring a reception and awards ceremony on Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests can meet the featured artists and attend a special talk at 6:00 p.m. by artist and instructor Brian Fallstead, titled The Value of Observation in Wildlife Sculpture. On display from February 7 through May 24, 2025, this exhibit blends artistic expression with ecological education, showcasing sculptures and nature journaling pages from 14 local artists. This free event is open to all ages!
