October 2023 Events
Through October 1
8 p.m. & 2 p.m.
The Book of Mormon
The Plaza Theatre
The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word, and was called “the best musical of the century,” by the New York Times.
Visit the website
Through October 5
7:30 & 2 p.m.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Fountain Theatre
The annual “one world, one week, one festival” event is back, and you can help select the winners from the ten finalists, with films hailing from Australia, Afghanistan, Finland, Iran, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as the United States.
Visit the website
Through October 29
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mesilla Valley Maze
Lyles Farm, Fairacres
A family tradition since 1999 and considered the oldest giant corn maze in the state, it features a wide range of attractions that are good old-fashioned fun for the entire family.
Visit the website
Sunday, October 1
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
3rd Annual Apple Festival
Nichols Ranch and Orchards
Spend a day in La Luz, celebrating all things apple and more, featuring apple picking, a petting zoo, local craft beer and wine, food trucks, over 80 arts and crafts vendors, and live music.
Visit the website
3 p.m.
Classics 1
Atkinson Recital Hall, NMSU
The Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra presents The Symphony and the Stage, under the direction of LCSO conductor Ming Luke.
Visit the website
6 p.m.
Mama Bears
Rio Grande Theatre
Las Cruces Public Libraries and PFLAG Las Cruces host a free screening of the documentary about a group of mothers from traditional backgrounds who defend their LGBTQ+ children from naysayers.
Visit the website
7:30 p.m.
Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase
Fountain Theatre
The annual showcase of Borderland films from female and non-binary directors makes its southern New Mexico debut with a lineup of films from around the world, including New York, Mexico, Columbia, and Spain, exploring topics like sexual awakening, immigration, and gender and generational identity.
Visit the website
Tuesday, October 3
6:30 p.m.
Cassandro Screening
CMI Theater, Milton Hall
LGBT+ Programs and NMSU’s Creative Media Institute celebrate OUTober, by co-hosting a screening of the film Cassandro, chronicling the rise of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay lucha libre wrestler from El Paso, played by Gael García Bernal.
Visit the website
8 p.m.
Becky G: Mi Casa, Tu Casa Tour
Abraham Chavez Theatre
The California-based singer, songwriter and actor brings her chart-topping hardcore rap and hooky pop in Spanish and English to her US tour, in support of her latest release Esquemas.
Visit the website
October 3 – 7
7 – 10 p.m.
Southern New Mexico Pride
Downtown Las Cruces
Join the weeklong celebration of diversity and pride, by embracing the LGBTQ community via picnics, games, drag shows, karaoke, movies, the Las Cruces Pride March and more.
Visit the website
Wednesday, October 4
2:30 – 4 p.m.
Author Chiara Galli
Zoom
In a virtual talk co-hosted by the Border Rights Collective, migration scholar and sociologist Chiara Galli will discuss her book, Precarious Protections: Unaccompanied Minors Seeking Asylum in the United States, which chronicles the experiences of unaccompanied minors from Central America pursuing applications for refugee status in the United States.
Visit the website
Friday, October 6
5:30 – 8 p.m.
25th Annual Silver City Wine Tasting and Brewfest
Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp
Wineries and breweries from across the state will present their latest offerings for tasting and purchase, along with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food booths and trucks, and more.
Visit the website
Saturday, October 7
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Scare-a-thon Movie Marathon
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library
Just in time for Halloween, the original 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters, the 2016 role-reversal remake, and the 2021 sequel Ghostbusters: Afterlife will be screened over the course of one afternoon. Who you gonna call?
Visit the website
7 p.m.
Labyrinth
Rio Grande Theatre
The 2023 Classic Film Series continues with Frank Oz’s fantasy spectacular about a sixteen-year-old girl who is given thirteen hours to sole a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother from the clutches of the Goblin King.
Visit the website
October 7 & 8
TBD
El Paso Horrorfest
El Paso Convention Center
Meet your favorite horror icons from movies and TV, attend Q&A panels, and shop from the amazing vendors at El Paso’s community-based, horror-genre-focused experience for today’s fandom.
Visit the website
October 7 – 14
7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Balloon Fiesta Park
Whether you’re a balloon enthusiast, or just like to watch as hundreds of balloons fill the skies, you’ll be enthralled by the sight of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, sharing in the spectacular beauty.
Visit the website
Sunday, October 8
5 – 7 p.m.
Community Arts Awards
The Hood
The evening, honoring individuals and organizations who are actively involved an promoting and enhancing the Arts, will begin with a reception, music provided by Alma d’Arte students, food by Lorenzo’s, an open cash bar by Drypoint, and a silent auction.
Visit the website
October 8 – 22
7:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
True West
Las Cruces Community Theatre
Two estranged brothers, with radically different lives and lifestyles, are thrown together at their mother’s home and wind up going through a role-reversal to better understand each other’s life.
Visit the website
Friday, October 13
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Empty Bowls
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Sponsored by the Potter’s Guild of Las Cruces, this unique fundraising event for El Caldito Soup Kitchen features over 1,000 one-of-a-kind bowls handcrafted by local potters, for selection by attendees, along with a lunch of soup and bread donated by local restaurants and bakeries.
Visit the website
7:30 p.m.
Atomic Comedy
Rio Grande Theatre
The Atomic Comedy Company brings America’s hottest comics from television, movies, sitcoms, and streaming to Las Cruces, featuring host John Padon and new guests every other month.
Visit the website
October 13 – 29
8 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Murder By Poe
Black Box Theatre
No Strings Theatre Company presents a mix of funhouse tricks, Grand Guignol and a deadly game of cat and mouse, with a theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous tales of terror—”The Black Cat,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “William Wilson,” “The Purloined Letter,” “The Mystery of Marie Roget” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Visit the website
Saturday, October 14
9 a.m.
Gratitude Walk/Run
Aggie Memorial Stadium
For the second consecutive year, New Mexico State University’s Marketing and Communications department hosts this family-friendly event, featuring a 1-mile fun run and timed 5k race across NMSU’s Las Cruces campus.
Visit the website
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Las Cruces Pagan Pride Day
Pioneer Women’s Park
Ceremonies, vendors and more will mark this annual event, which brings together practicing pagans of all beliefs with interested and curious community members in celebration of the Pagan Spirit.
Visit the website
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pachanga & Car Show
Young Park
Zoot suits, pinup girls, and a classic car and bike show are the highlights of this community event showcasing and promoting New Mexican culture, including ballet folklorico, live music, food trucks, raffles, contests and much more.
Visit the website
3 – 6 p.m.
Pumpkin Palooza
Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department host its fifth annual free fall event, featuring an evening of arts and crafts, photo booths, music, food vendors, costume contests, and games for the whole family.
Visit the website
5 – 11 p.m.
Great American Pizza Fest
Plaza de Las Cruces
It’s an all ages pizza party, featuring unlimited pizza sampling from over 20 local food trucks and vendors, along with winter craft beer gardens, regional wine, and local music.
Visit the website
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
7:30 p.m.
Trio Reverón
Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall @ UTEP
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with El Paso Pro Musica, as the Reverón Piao Trio presents underrepresented music from Latin America alongside contemporary and standard repertoire.
Visit the website
8 p.m.
Cristela Alonzo
Plaza Theatre
The Texas comedian and actress hits the road with her stand-up act, sharing personal stories of growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American and following her dreams to pursue a career in comedy.
Visit the website
October 17 – 18
8 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Ivan Cornejo: Terapia Tour
Abraham Chavez Theatre
The Latin star continues his tour, both in anticipation of his latest release and in support of his last release, the deluxe version of Dañado, which includes new songs among his greatest hits.
Visit the website
Wednesday, October 18
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
Saturday, October 21
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Trinity Site Open House
White Sands Missile Range
The site where the first atomic bomb was tested in 1945 is opened to the public, giving visitors the chance to walk to ground zero to the exact place where history was made.
Visit the website
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Las Cruces Air & Space Expo
Las Cruces International Airport
For the first time in 15 years, the Expo is back, with an action-packed air show, aircraft displays and tours, aerospace exhibits, STEM and family activities, and much more.
Visit the website
Wednesday, October 25
7 p.m.
Halloween Drag Show
Corbett Center Student Union outdoor stage
NMSU’s LGBT+ Programs, Chicano Programs, and Asian and Pacific Islander Programs celebrate OUTober, by co-hosting the annual drag show, this year featuring Albuquerque’s Haus of Attack, including ViLette Stratton, Assma Attack, and Trey C. Michaels, as well as Ryan Rox, from Las Cruces.
Visit the website
Friday, October 27
7 p.m.
Rob Schneider: The Narcissist Confessions
Plaza Theatre
The accomplished actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, and veteran of the award-winning NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, continues his worldwide stand-up tour.
Visit the website
Saturday, October 28
5 – 8 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parking Lot
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church presents its first Trunk or Treat event, featuring lots of trick or treat candy, a live DJ playing spooky tunes, decorated cars, face painting, costume prizes, and more.
Visit the website
5 – 9 p.m.
Zombie Walk
Plaza de Las Cruces
The undead walk the streets of Las Cruces again, for the 13th annual event putting local citizens in their best zombie attire, with a costume contest, food trucks, live music, and more!
Visit the website
October 28 – 29
6 – 9 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos
Mesilla Plaza
An age-old tradition plays out as loved ones who are no longer with us are remembered and their souls are welcomed back to the land of the living, via gorgeous and unique “ofrendas,” or altars displayed on the historic Mesilla Plaza.
Visit the website
7:30 p.m.
Pops 1
Atkinson Recital Hall, NMSU
The Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra presents Dia de los Muertos, with music by de Falla and Marquez featuring the Paso del Norte Chamber Orchestra from Ciudad Juárez.
Visit the website
Sunday, October 29
6:30 p.m.
Randy Granger Concert
White Sands National Park
For the third Full Moon Night event of the year, WSNP presents award-winning multi-instrumentalist Randy Granger, a local favorite and a staple of the Full Moon Night events.
Visit the website
Monday, October 30
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
41st Anniversary NMSU Annual Jewelry Sale
NMSU Bookstore
Peruse original handmade jewelry designed by students of the Metals and Jewelry studio at this annual fundraiser to support workshops, field trip activities, studio tools, equipment, and visiting lecturers.
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.
October 8 – 22
7:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
True West
Las Cruces Community Theatre
Two estranged brothers, with radically different lives and lifestyles, are thrown together at their mother’s home and wind up going through a role-reversal to better understand each other’s life.
Visit the website
October 13 – 29
8 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Murder By Poe
Black Box Theatre
No Strings Theatre Company presents a mix of funhouse tricks, Grand Guignol and a deadly game of cat and mouse, with a theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous tales of terror—”The Black Cat,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “William Wilson,” “The Purloined Letter,” “The Mystery of Marie Roget” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Visit the website
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
October 1 – 30, 2023
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Frank Peacock and Rhoda Winters
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery
The Mesilla gallery hosts two painters with very different perspectives – Frank Peacock and Rhoda Winters – for the month of October 2023.
Visit the website
October 6 – December 16, 2023
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Artistas de la Fronterizas – Borderland Contemporary Artists
Las Cruces Museum of Art
Sixteen contemporary artists from local borderland communities, including Las Cruces, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, come together in this colorful and expressive exhibit to showcase their work as prominent Borderland artists.
Visit the website
October 6 – December 30, 2023
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico
Branigan Cultural Center
The Center’s latest exhibit explores the history, heritage, and traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico, through 26 photographs that capture a typical Oaxacan Day of the Dead celebration.
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 December 2, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Antidotes: Seeing Beauty, Finding Connection
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Connect with the world around us through Elizabeth Abrams photography exhibit, featuring 24 beautiful landscape and wildlife images reflecting the light and texture of the environment and the seasons, whether it’s the Rio Grande or the Organ Mountains.
Visit the website
Through Summer 2024
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Las Cruces: Crossroads of History
Branigan Cultural Center
Using original artifacts and historic photographs, this exhibition tells the overarching history of Las Cruces and its prominent place in Borderland history from prehistory through the 1960s, via multiple topics including Indigenous inhabitants, Mexican occupation, entry into the United States, statehood, the Atomic Age, Civil War soldiers, ranchers, and outlaws.
Visit the website
