THE SILVER CITY BLUES FESTIVAL might just be the ultimate jam session. Normally a three-day gathering of guitar pickers, honky-tonks, and blues bands in the artsy mountain town, the event this year gets packed into a single Saturday. With five bands performing at Gough Park, “it’s the largest festival in the community,” says Stephen Lindsey, event coordinator for the fest. The Memphis ensemble Ghost Town Blues Band, which recently released its fifth album, Shine, headlines a lineup that includes Silver City locals Blues Dawg and the Tyron Benoit Band from Louisiana. Beyond the music, the festival cranks up a makers’ market, beer gardens, glassblowing competition, and more. “We get a very diverse group of people,” Lindsey says.
Get fired up. While live music heats up the stage, the glassblowing should make for some fiery competition. “The Flame Off shows expert and adept glassblowing artists demonstrating their skills,” Lindsey says. “And the crowd gets to vote for the winner.”
Party on. Catch additional performances on Friday and Saturday night at venues like Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery and Q’s Southern Bistro. “We want to make it a fun weekend with things throughout downtown Silver City,” Lindsey says.
Play date. When he was a kid, Lindsey looked forward to the festival each year. Because of that, Saturday includes an area for crafts, face painting, and a bouncy house. “We want to make sure we have a fun venue for children,” he says.
The Tyron Benoit Band from Louisiana is part of the Silver City Blues lineup.
Photograph courtesy of The Road Dawg Touring Co.
May 27, 11 a.m.—8:30 p.m.
Gough Park, 1201 N. Pope St., Silver City
Enjoy New Mexico's best wine with friends at the New Mexico Wine Festival.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Zan.
Join more than 20,000 bikers at the 41st annual Red River Motorcycle Rally.
Photograph courtesy of the Town of Red River.
Truth or Consequences Fiesta
May 5-7
Every year since 1950, T or C gathers downtown for a rodeo, parade, petting zoo, disc golf tournament, block parties, live music, movie screenings, and beer gardens.
Magdalena Open Gallery Tour
May 6 & 7
More than 50 artists display their work in 15 locations throughout Magdalena during the 10th annual event. Check out gallery exhibits, meet artists, and watch demonstrations.
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival
May 11-14
A heaping helping of live music comes to Aztec during this festival, which offers yoga, workshops, rafting, and a zip line.
Red River Motorcycle Rally
May 25-29
Vroom, vroom! More than 20,000 bikers ride into the mountains for the 41st annual Red River Motorcycle Rally. Vendors set up shop with handmade goods, live musicians perform at bars and venues throughout town, and the fun revs up to full throttle.
