Arts & Entertainment
high culture in the high desert  
Region enriched by theater, music, art

the diversity of cultures in Alpine and Big Bend country leads to a  unique variety of arts and entertainment available regularly and in special events.  Art galleries and art events are a special attraction of the Alpine community.  Artists have been coming to this area for decades for the quiet natural beauty and special light effects found only in the Big Bend.  The Francois Fine Arts Gallery on the campus of Sul Ross State University features rotating BFA and MA student art exhibitions as well as special showings by invited artists.  The Museum of the Big Bend, also on the SRSU campus, is a treasure of the region, a key stop on any visit to Alpine and a great introduction to local cultural history. 

    There are several distinctive galleries to be found on a stroll along the downtown Holland Avenue, offering selections of the work of local and nationally recognized artists, antiques and locally crafted fine jewelry. Learn more at www.GalleriesArtists.com.

    There are two annual art events that draw regional and national attention to Alpine. The Trappings of Texas at the Museum of the Big Bend is held every year in February in conjunction with the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering.  Trappings is the oldest cowboy gear and fine Western art exhibit and sale in the U.S.

    Alpine’s Gallery Night Artwalk is held annually in November.  Artwalk is a weekend event featuring gallery openings, special showings, auctions and musical entertainment.  For information on the next Artwalk go to www.artwalkalpine.com.

    On any given evening you may find by chance local musicians performing at a number of Alpine restaurants or bars.  Regular venues include The Reata restaurant, Harry’s Tinaja, and The Railroad Blues.  The Railroad Blues books local musicians, national groups and performers from around the world, provides a spectrum of musical styles and is known as one of the best live music clubs in Texas.
    There are three special event centers in Alpine.  The Marshall Auditorium hosts regular concerts, plays and special performances.  The Gallego Center is primarily a sports center but also hosts occasional large special performances.  Both of these venues are on the SRSU campus.  The restored Granada Theater in downtown Alpine is the newest event center.  It features state of the art sound and lighting systems for music, theatrical performances, community and private events.  For more information go to www.alpinegranada.com. aT

Texas Cowboy Poetry gathering

Alpine art galleries