Chris and Heather talk about the array of events coming up in Alpine for Summer 2026!

One big highlight is "Spark! Places of Innovation" a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit coming to the Museum of Big Bend from July 3-August 8. The exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program with the Texas Historical Commission.

There will be companion activities to the Spark! exhibit throughout Alpine and the Texas Mountain Trail Region.

Chris talks with Tony Curry, the nephew of Jim Kitchen – who, as a Sul Ross State University student, first carried "The Desk" up Hancock Hill back in 1981.

Chris and Tony discuss the history of this quirky Alpine landmark, and the network of hiking trails on Hancock Hill leading to it.

https://visitalpinetx.com/attractions/#hancock-hill-trails

April 17-20 is a jam-packed weekend in Alpine!

Chris talks with Lisa Nix about the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show, which (what a coincidence!) is also hosting booths and activities for Alpine's Earth Day and Dark Skies Festival.

Adelina Beall of Keep Alpine Beautiful fills us in on April 18 Earth Day events at the Gem & Mineral Show as well as at the Alpine Public Library and the Patty Manning Memorial Pollinator Garden.

McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel, meanwhile, holds forth on April 18's daytime Dark Skies activities at the Gem & Mineral Show and Alpine's own Star Party that night at Kokernot Park – preceded by a very special science-packed Owl Walk!

More info:

Gem and Mineral Show

Earth Day / Dark Skies Festival

Chris talks with Saul Garza about the return of Alpine's Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 1 & 2 for its 30th year!

Enjoy a parade, car show, and two days of street dances with live music featuring Tejano headliners La Diferenza, folklorico dancers, a "gran mercado" of vendors and much more!

See more details on the event's Facebook page.

Chris talks with Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves about:

• A resolution recently passed by the Alpine City Council opposing the proposed border wall in the Big Bend region,
• Alpine's commitment to protecting the Big Bend's Dark Skies, including the upcoming deadline to begin enforcement of the City's night sky friendly lighting ordinance, and
• The City's pending purchase of an iconic downtown property using Hotel Tax funds as an annex to the Alpine Visitor Center.

Chris talks with brand new Museum Director Dr. Emily Wilkinson, and Curator of Temporary Exhibits Karina Canteñs about the Museum of the Big Bend and its current / upcoming exhibits and events.

Get more info at museumofthebigbend.com

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos is returning to Alpine!

"El Gato Negro" is headlining a Valentine's Day Black & White Gala fundraiser for Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at the Alpine Civic Center on Saturday, February 14.

Chris talks with Berta Martinez about the event, featuring dinner with the Mariachis Aguila from 6-8pm, Fly on the Wall DJ from 8-10pm and Ruben Ramos and the Texas Revolution from 10pm-1am.

Tickets are $75, call Berta at (432) 386-3399 or Rory at (432) 386-2620 for more information.

Chris talks with Sul Ross State University classical guitar instructor Nick Hurt about Guitar in the Big Bend, an annual free concert series bringing world-class performers to Alpine and Marfa.

https://www.guitarinthebigbend.com/

Chris talks with Connie Santillan and Isaac Gutierrez of The Magical Warehouse about the 2nd Annual Far West Comic Con, returning to Alpine Saturday, January 24 at the Alpine Civic Center.

Anime voice actors, cosplayers (and a cosplay contest!), K-pop dancers, Hot Wheels races, Super Smash Bros and Magic the Gathering tournaments, and an array of vendors with original art, handmade treasures, gaming gear, pop culture collectibles and much, much more!

themagicalwarehouse.com/farwestcomiccon/

Chris and Heather look back a the year in Alpine, and then ahead to the 2026 calendar of events.