May 2025 Events
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 2 – May 18
Black Box Theatre — Bloomsday
Decades after falling for Cait on a James Joyce tour, Robert returns to Dublin hoping to reconnect. As they revisit the past, their younger selves — Robbie and Caithleen — reappear, revealing the brief, fateful moments that once tied them together. This Irish love story weaves time travel with wit and emotion, urging us to cherish the now before it slips away. Fridays, May 2, 9, at 16 at 8 p.m. Saturdays May 3,10, and 17 at 8 p.m. Sundays May 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. Thursday May 15 at 7 p.m.
May 3 – 4
Mesilla Plaza — Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
The Mesilla Cinco de Mayo Fiesta returns to the historic Mesilla Plaza on May 3–4, 2025, bringing a weekend of cultural celebration to Las Cruces. This lively, no-cost event invites families and visitors to enjoy Mexican traditions through live music, folklorico dancing, and local food vendors. With performances, crafts, and heritage displays, the plaza transforms into a vibrant gathering space honoring Mexican history and community spirit.
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 3
Las Cruces Railroad Museum — 18th Annual Transportation Day
Stop by the museum between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for for demonstrations, displays, and activities related to all kinds of transportation. Admission to the museum and the event is FREE! Enjoy the chance to see everything from adaptive bicycles to SWAT vehicles and more! Explore modern and historic transportation with us, join in on some hands-on activities, learn train safety, and more! Located at Las Cruces Railroad Museum, 351 N. Mesilla St. and is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Routes 4 and 7, Stop 1.
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 Wayne Treers 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 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 10
Picacho Peak Guided Hike — History of the Butterfield Trail
Meet docents Mary and Anne to learn about the history of the Butterfield Trail and the geologic past that formed this desert peak. (history focus) (~3 miles, roundtrip). From 8 – 11:30 a.m. This is a free event but visit the website to register.
May 10
Branigan Cultural Center — Sculpture Demo with Brian Fallstead
Meet artist Brian Fallstead from 10 a.m. to noon, whose art is included in the Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley exhibit, and learn about sculpture through this discussion and demonstration. This program is FREE, for all ages, and open to the public. No registration is required.
May 10
World Migratory Bird Day Events
Several Migratory Bird Day events will take place at Dripping Springs Nature area. All programs begin at the visitor center where you will be directed to the location of each activity:
- 7 a.m. Master Bander Mara Weisenberger will band birds and collect data about their health and travels. Between birds, you can decorate your own bird band and join the flock!
- 8 a.m. Enjoy an easy bird walk with Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) and BLM wildlife biologist Meredith. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
- 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Swing by to chat with folks from MVAS and learn more about your local birds and how to protect them!
- 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join the MVAS Nature Journal Club to learn how to deepen your connection to nature using words, pictures, and numbers. Bring a sketchbook, pens, pencils, or a travel watercolor kit. Supplies will also be available to borrow. No experience or artistic talent required!
- 12:30 – 12:50 p.m. Don Dapkus shares all about our tiniest feathered visitors to the Native Plant Garden in this 20-minute Hummingbird Chat!
May 10
Border Jazz Orchestra — Jazz Scholarship Benefit
The Border Jazz Orchestra will present a Jazz Scholarship Benefit concert on May 10th.Doors will be open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Atkinson Recital Hall on the NMSU Campus. The concert is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate to the Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society Bob Burns/Helen Sachs Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund has benefited dozens of aspiring young jazz musicians since its inception. Three of the scholarship recipients will be performing with the professional ensemble. The concert will feature BJO’s own Jessika Brust and her Trio “The Ivory Jazz Foxes” in Jessika’s arrangements of WWII’s Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Christina Aguilera’s Candyman. The concert will also feature original arrangements by Bob Leatherman, Mike Tamaro, and Mike Kamuf.
May 10
Art in the Garden — Artists of Picacho Hills
The 2025 Art in the Garden Tour returns to Picacho Hills on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring 17 artists across five locations. Held annually on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, the free event draws large crowds and showcases a diverse range of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, mosaics, mixed media, and fiber art.
May 14
Branigan Memorial Library — Author Talks
Join George Pintaris at 1:30 p.m. as he discusses his work. He has published over thirty fictional short stories and five nonfiction books that delve into history, culture, and personal narratives. Pintar’s work, from historical narratives to modern-day themes, showcases his sharp insight into human nature and his commitment to telling stories that inspire, entertain, and spark reflection.
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 16
Big Brothers Big Sisters — Golf Fore Kids’ Sake
This fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Be part of our annual golf scramble and help support local youth — every dollar raised stays in our community to empower their potential. Businesses can take advantage of sponsorship options with strong marketing visibility throughout the event. Enjoy food, fun, prizes, and a silent auction, with morning and afternoon tee times available. Registration is open through May 1.
May 17
Dripping Springs Natural Area — History and Ethnobotany Hike
Meet at the La Cueva Group Site at Dripping Springs Natural Area for a hike from 8 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy broad vistas of the Monument and Mesilla Valley while learning its history and ethnobotany along this 1.5-mile hike to the cave and back with docent Tom! Registration is required for this free event.
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 17
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park — Butterfly Flutterby
Celebrate the beauty and importance of butterflies at the Asombro Institute’s annual Butterfly Flutterby, a free event happening from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Explore educational booths, enjoy hands-on crafts and family-friendly activities, and learn about the essential role butterflies play in our environment.
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 19
The Wrap at the Rio Grande Theatre
Film Las Cruces and the Rio Grande Theatre host these free monthly screenings to showcase video content created by artists from Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. It runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with films starting at 7:00 p.m. Submissions are open to all types of video projects—short films, music videos, documentaries, school segments, and more—as long as they’re projector-ready. Creatives of all experience levels, including students and professionals, are encouraged to participate. Each screening begins with a town hall from 6:30 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., offering attendees a chance to ask questions and connect with Film Las Cruces staff about local film industry developments.
May 23
Dripping Springs Natural Area — Scavenger Hunt/Art Project
Meet Artist-in-Residence Poet James-Hovda at 5 p.m. for a scavenger hunt of local natural materials then regroup to put them to use in creating your own personal piece of art with guidance from Poet at the Group Site! This free event does not require registration; just show up.
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 25
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks — Origins of the Organ Mountains
Location: Baylor Pass East Trailhead at Aguirre Spring Time: 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Discover the origins of the Organ Mountains and the common threads that link them to other geologic wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert, like White Sands and the Guadalupe Mountains, with Ranger Kevin. Prepare for a 4-mile round-trip hike that ascends 900ft to Baylor Pass. Register for this free event at [email protected]
May 26
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks — The Civil War Comes to the Mesilla Valley
Location: Baylor Pass west trailhead on Baylor Canyon Rd Time: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Experience the stories and struggles of our region’s past that shaped it into the complex and beautiful place of today, along this 1.5-mile hike with docent Tom. Register for this free event.
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.
May 31
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks — B.A.R.K Program
Location: Dripping Springs Visitor Center Time: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
B.A.R.K Ranger Program, swear-in, and hike with wildlife biologist Meredith! All leashed doggos who take part will earn a certificate. The first 7 to sign up and show up leashed and ready will also receive an OMDP BARK Ranger dog tag. Register for this free event by emailing [email protected].
May 31
ADOVADA de MESILLA at FARMesilla
FARMesilla (1840 Avenida de Mesilla) presents the inaugural ADOVADA de MESILLA, a lively celebration of Southern New Mexico’s signature dish. This friendly competition invites the region’s top cooks to share their unique versions of traditional adovada, giving attendees a chance to sample a variety of bold, flavorful recipes. With festive live music, local restaurant participation, frozen cocktails, and craft beer, the event offers an afternoon full of food and fun. Competitors will vie for a grand prize and a people’s choice award, making this a must-attend gathering for both culinary enthusiasts and casual food lovers alike. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $25. Purchase tickets online.
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!
May 2 – May 31
Nopalito’s Galeria — Crossing Borderlines
An exhibition of Artwork by seven regional Chicano/a and Indigenous artists. The opening reception will be on Friday, May 2, 2025.
The band, “Sons of Soul” will be providing live music in the patio.
