Annual Events in Midland TX
There’s always something fun happening in Midland! The list below is a sampling of some of our community’s most popular annual events for visitors and residents alike.
To see a more complete selection of events, including competitive and fun runs and arts activities, visit www.VisitMidland.com or www.Midland.biz
All event dates and locations are subject to change. If your organization hosts an annual event* that you would like to have included in future publications, call the Chamber at (432) 683‑3381.
* Must have successfully completed at least two years, serve as a draw for visitors and residents alike. Competitive and/or “fun” runs, year-round and/or seasonal attractions are not eligible. Due to space limitations and other considerations, the Midland Chamber reserves the right to determine whether or not an event will be included.
January
West Texas Wedding Expo
www.wtbridal.com
Not just for brides-to-be, this annual event features a wide assortment of goods and services for any social occasion.
Improv at the Yucca
Every second Thursday
Yucca Theatre: 208 N. Colorado St.
(432) 570‑4111
Hosted by the Midland Community Theatre, this laughter-filled annual show features talented comedians performing adult improvisational comedy.
Midland Downtown Farmers Market
Year-round; see website for dates
1705 W. Missouri (Museum of
the Southwest)
http://midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com/
Featuring local goods, including sustainably grown produce, honey, meats, baked treats, pickled and canned products, fair-trade organic coffee, handmade jewelry and body care products, the farmers market brings the community together on Saturdays in Midland.
West Texas Drillers Football
www.westtexasdrillers.com
The Drillers will kick off their 12th season at Grande Stadium.
February
Permian Basin Home & Garden Show
(432) 520‑7917 | www.pbbatexas.org
Sponsored by the Permian Basin Home Builders Association, this two-day home and garden show is one of the largest events of its kind in the state. Featuring the region’s top homebuilders, remodelers, landscaping professionals and related industries all under one roof, the show includes seminars, door prizes and a silent auction.
Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference
www.pbwiec.com
Through the engagement of local and worldwide business leaders, the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference provides an annual conference to facilitate the development and sharing of information regarding the evolving usage and role of water in the Permian Basin’s Energy Industry.
Silver Spur Gun & Blade Show
February, April, August and October; check website for schedule and location
(806) 253‑1322
www.silverspurtradeshows.com
This two-day show features acres of guns, knives, holsters, military collectibles and other related items from nearly 200 vendors. The event is a buy, sell and trade show providing great opportunities for collectors.
Wang Dang Doodle
February, April and October
(432) 262‑0034 | www.tallcitybluesfest.com
This Saturday night soirée feature a mixture of favorite performances from Tall City Blues Fest and new (to Midland) performers. The name is from a Willie Dixon blues song that says, “we gonna pitch a wang dang doodle all night long!” – meaning, we’re going to have a great time! Tickets available online at Eventbrite.
West Texas Kennel Club – AKC Dog Show
www.facebook.com/WestTexasKennelClub/
This annual AKC-Approved dog show features competition for all AKC-Recognized Breeds. Event also includes Jr. Showmanship and beginner puppy competitions.
West Texas Pride Football
www.wtpridefootball.com
The West Texas Pride is a member of the Minor Professional Football league. Season begins in February.
March
Annual Scottish-Irish Faire Midland County Horseshoe Arena
(432) 362‑6620 | www.chspb.org
Held the second weekend in March, this annual festival is the largest Irish/Scottish, Welsh/Celtic music and cultural event in the Permian Basin. Featuring vendors selling Irish linen, jewelry, musical instruments, family crests and Celtic figurines, the event also includes a variety of food and beverage booths, fun activities and live music.
Jr. League of Midland’s Shotguns & Stilettos and Spring Fling Market
www.jlmidland.org
Shotguns & Stilettos is a three-day celebration of shooting and socializing. The weekend of fun includes the Ladies’ Luncheon, Clay Shoot and the Buckshot Bash. The annual Spring Fling Market kicks off the week-long fundraising event with an expansive selection of unique vendors from all across the state.
Permian Basin Comic Con
www.pbcomicconx.com
Experience the comic book universe with vendors and artists from all over Texas and beyond. The event also features a cosplay contest.
Permian Basin Spring Stampede PRO Rodeo
All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Midland Permian Basin Spring Stampede Pro Rodeo
Midland County Horseshoe Arena
This annual professional rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping. The event is sanctioned by CPRA and UPRA.
Roseland’s Annual West Texas Oil & Gas Convention
Horseshoe Pavilion
(903) 787‑7544
www.Roselandoilandgas.com
Midland’s annual Oil & Gas Convention features over 300 exhibits, product demos and heavy equipment displays. The convention kicks off with a Monday morning charity golf tournament followed by the exhibitor cocktail party on tuesday evening. The Oil & Gas Convention will be on Wednesday and Thursday with a Taste of the Oil Patch Cook-Off.
April
Annual Haley Library Art Show and Sale
(432) 682‑5785 | www.haleylibrary.com
This annual fundraiser for the Haley Library offers the chance to view and purchase the highest-quality art, bronzes and paintings from some of the most notable names in the world.
Midland RockHounds Texas
League Baseball
(432) 520‑2255
www.midlandrockhounds.org
The RockHounds’ season opener is played in mid-to-late April, and the regular season continues through August.
The Peddler Show
April and November
Bush Convention Center
(512) 358‑1000 | www.peddlershow.com
This popular trade show offers home décor, handcrafted jewelry, fashionable apparel, gourmet treats and creative gifts.
May
Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration
(432) 683‑4226 | www.hccmidland.org
Produced by the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, the city’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration celebrates the Mexican holiday with Folklorico dance, mariachi music and fun activities for all ages.
Sockers FC Season
(432) 520‑2255 | www.sockersfc.org
Soccer fans can take in a game of the world’s most watched sport and cheer on Midland’s own professional soccer team. The season continues through July.
National Travel & Tourism Week
www.VisitMidland.com
This week-long event celebrates the hotels, attractions, restaurants and other tourism partners that contribute nearly $500 million each year and approximately 4,000 jobs to our local economy.
June
Great Outdoors Expo
Midland County Horseshoe Arena Complex
(806) 253‑1322
www.silverspurtradeshows.com
This annual outdoor expo features hunting and fishing accessories; outdoor gear and apparel; boat, RV and ATV exhibits; and demonstrations.
Juneteenth
(432) 682‑3565 | www.juneteenth.com
Midland celebrates Emancipation Day each year with food, music, historic displays and gospel songs at Washington Park.
Mariachi Workshop and Concert
(432) 683‑4226 | www.hccmidland.org
This annual three-day workshop is organized by the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, and it features music instruction, a competition showcase and a concert.
Summer Lawn Concert Series
Museum of the Southwest
(432) 683‑2882 | www.museumsw.org/explore/events/summer-sunday-lawn-concerts
Enjoy Sunday evening concerts, June through August, on the lush Museum of the Southwest grounds. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers for an hour of entertainment by the best local jazz, pop, country and folk music groups. Admission is free.
Summer Mummers
(432) 682‑4111
www.summermummers.com
Catch a production chock-full of mayhem and hilarity performed at the historic Yucca Theatre in downtown Midland. Melodrama is a unique theatrical experience, invented in America, and no one does it quite like the Summer Mummers, the oldest existing theatrical organization of its kind in the country. Bring your friends, bash the villain with popcorn and enjoy side-splitting laughter during the olio. Runs June through Labor Day. ›
July
Children’s Sidewalk Parade
(432) 683‑3381
Featuring costumed kids on decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers, this patriotic Independence Day parade in Midland has been a tradition for more than 53 years.
Star-Spangled Salute
Bush Convention Center/Centennial Park
www.Midland.biz
See panel on page 129 for a complete listing of all events produced by the Midland Chamber of Commerce.
Tall City Blues Fest
Bush Convention Center
(432) 262‑0034 | www.tallcitybluesfest.com
This multi-day event, is an indoor/outdoor music festival featuring more than 20 performers on four stages. Offering educational workshops, great food and activities for all ages, the event concludes with a Sunday gospel brunch and Blues jam.
West Texas Blowout
www.westtexasblowout.com
This two-music festival features country and Tejano performances, along with free kids activities.
August
Midland County Fair
(432) 682‑1300 | www.midlandcofair.com
The Midland County Fair features fun for all ages with carnival rides, creative arts exhibits, live entertainment, a petting zoo, bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing.
September
Diez y Seis de Septiembre/Sabor
(432) 683‑4226 | www.hccmidland.org
Celebrating Mexico’s National Independence Day (Sept. 16, 1825), this annual event at Scharbauer Sports Complex features live entertainment, food and fun activities for all ages.
High Sky Wing Commemorative
Air Force AIRSHO
(432) 703‑3142 | www.airsho.org
This premier aviation event has been delighting crowds for more than 50 years. AIRSHO has been billed as “the greatest warbird show in America.” Featuring re-enactments of historic battles, and with World War II and modern military aircraft taking to the skies, the event includes pyrotechnic displays, food, drink, shopping and family entertainment.
Oktoberfest
www.livthecity.com/liv432/
The beer, sausage and pretzel festival celebrated around the world is now in Downtown Midland!
Experience unlimited mouth-watering sausages and fresh pretzels in between gulps of beer of which you’ll have many options to choose, live music, Oktoberfest-themed games and competitions, prizes and giveaways.
Septemberfest
Museum of the Southwest
(432) 683‑2882 | www.museumsw.org
Held the first weekend after Labor Day, this annual juried arts and crafts festival at the Museum of the Southwest showcases the works of regional artists. Activities include live entertainment, festival foods, games and a kids’ area.
St. Ann’s Family Fair
St. Ann’s School
(432) 687‑0941 | www.stannsfair.org
This church fair and fundraiser for St Ann’s Catholic School features carnival rides, over 50 food and game booths, plus other family-friendly activities.
Trio of Gardens
(432) 688‑7745
www.keepmidlandbeautiful.org
Explore a variety of landscape methods and designs as you view some of the best-manicured lawns in Midland.
October
Fall Gathering and Ranch Storytelling
(432) 682‑5785 | www.haleylibrary.com
An annual reunion for admirers of the West, this event at the Haley Library features two hours of ranch stories told by the men and women who lived life on the ranges of the Southwest.
Midland Arts Association Fall
Juried Art Show
www.midlandartsassociation.org
This juried art exhibition showcases works of regional artists. Exhibits include paintings, photography, glass, sculpture, drawings, ceramics and mixed media.
Midland Southwest Impressionists
Art Show and Sale
(432) 682‑5785 | www.haleylibrary.com
For 25 years, the Haley Library has honored accomplished impressionistic painters who live and work in Midland. The show includes an opening reception in late October, and the sale runs through November.
Parade of Homes
(432) 520‑7917 | www.pbbatexas.org
Experience a variety of architecture and interior design as Midlanders open their homes for inspiration.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
(432) 570‑4111 | www.mctmidland.org
It’s time to “Time Warp Again!” This cult-classic comes to life at the Yucca Theatre, complete with audience participation (house-provided props only).
November
Artist Community Market
1506 W. Illinois
(432) 687‑1149 | www.acmidland.org
The Arts Council of Midland gives local artists an opportunity to exhibit their work – providing a venue for demonstrating, displaying and selling their artwork. In addition, the Artist Community Market gives visitors the opportunity to speak to the artist one-on-one about their work, their motivation and how and why they make what they make.
Feast of Sharing
(432) 697‑1471
Visitors and residents are invited to share a meal at the advent of the holiday season. These events are hosted by H-E-B across the state to promote unity and community spirit.
Show of Support Banquet
(432) 687‑2167 | www.showofsupport.org
This reception is held to show support to the men and women of our military forces. Each year, U.S. servicemen and women from all branches of our armed forces are honored for their service to America. The banquet is held prior to their departure to participate in an all-expense-paid whitetail-deer hunt.
December
Very Merry Midland
www.livthecity.com/liv432/
Find the reason for the season at Very Merry Midland in Downtown Midland. Each year features a new theme and family-friendly activities. Attendees can experience ice skating (synthetic ice rink) and lots of fun games. Plus, you can even capture the moment in a holiday photo from inside the giant inflatable snow globe.
Midland Storytelling Festival
(432) 685‑3876
www.makingmemoriesmidland.com
Featuring nationally recognized storytellers for all ages, this yearly festival is over two decades old and includes concerts and storytelling performances and workshops.
Christmas at the Mansion
Museum of the Southwest
(432) 683‑2882 | www.museumsw.org/explore/events/christmas-at-the-mansion
Every December since 1997, the Turner Mansion has become a wonderland adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations. Guests enjoy model-train exhibits, visits with Santa and holiday carolers. A first-ever Ugly Christmas Sweater Run was launched in 2013 with a warm-up with Santa and his elves, awards for “Ugliest Sweater” and “Ugliest Family/Team,” make-your-own-s’mores kit for finishers, hot-chocolate pit stops, milk and cookie aid stations, Dash through Snow and Rudolph’s Red Nose face paint.
City of Midland Christmas Festivities
City of Midland
(432) 685‑7379 | www.midlandtexas.gov
The Tall City gets everyone into the holiday spirit with the annual tree lighting, holiday pops concert, a spectacularly lit Christmas parade and the arrival of Santa Claus in downtown Midland.
Holiday Evening
Midland College
(432) 685‑4500 | www.midland.edu
This annual fundraiser and art show at Midland College offers food and beverages with holiday music performed by students.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
(432) 552‑4430
www.midlandfestivalballet.org
This enchanting holiday classic, performed by the Midland Festival Ballet, the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale and guest artists, is a must-see event. s
Midland Chamber
of Commerce Signature Events
(432) 683‑3381 | www.Midland.biz
The Midland Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events throughout the year, providing valuable networking opportunities and information for the business community. Dates may vary due to speaker and facility availability; visit the Chamber website for scheduling.
State of Oil & Gas
(January or February)
The Midland Chamber of Commerce hosts this luncheon to inform the business community about current trends and projections within our largest industry. As the saying goes – Everyone in Midland is in the oil & gas industry! It is vital to understand how this key economic driver affects every facet of our community.
State of Education (March or April)
The Midland Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual luncheon to engage and inform the public about the challenges and opportunities facing our public and private schools as well as our colleges and universities.
Star-Spangled Salute (July)
The Star-Spangled Salute is a celebration of community and patriotism. Each Fourth of July, patrons can enjoy food vendors and free activities from morning to night. The day begins with the children’s sidewalk parade. Evening activities include the popular family fun zone, a beer garden for adults and a family-friendly variety concert in the park. The evening culminates in the grand finale – patrons watch as the sky lights up with one the largest fireworks displays in West Texas.
Midland Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting (September)
This grand annual event offers local businesses and community leaders a chance to celebrate the Midland Chamber’s accomplishments of the past year, honor volunteers and set goals for the future.
State of the Economy
(October or November)
The Midland Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual luncheon to engage and inform the public about its current economic status, plus challenges, opportunities and projections for the future of our economy.