Back EAST
The ever-popular East Austin Studio Tour—a free self-guided art experience that attracts some 40,000 attendees—is back for its 17th year this November. Big Medium, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating artists and contemporary art throughout Texas, engages more than 1,000 artists each year through EAST, its sister event, WEST, and various other programs. Any artist within the boundaries of Interstate 35, US 183, US 290, and Riverside Drive is welcome to apply. The tour began in 2003 with 28 artist studios and has grown to represent artists across the spectrum of culture and creativity distinctive to this part of the Capital City. Last year’s event included 277 artist studios, 67 galleries, 185 exhibitions, and 42 events—all open for tour-goers to choose their own adventure as they peruse the local art scene.
BIG BEND COUNTRY
Alpine
Dia de los Quesos
Nov. 2
The fifth annual installment of Alpine’s premier queso cookoff features live music and a lot of cheese. The Ritchey Wine Saloon & Beer Garden, 102 E. Murphy St. ritcheysaloon.com
Alpine
Alpine Artwalk
Nov. 22-23
This 26th annual arts festival spans two days in November to showcase a variety of art exhibitions in many local businesses, all against a backdrop of festivities and live music. Downtown Alpine, 105 E. Holland Ave. 432-837-3067; artwalkalpine.com
Alpine
Christmas in Alpine Parade
Nov. 30
The first of three big holiday weekends in Alpine features a lighted parade, community Christmas tree lighting, caroling, and Santa at the courthouse gazebo. Downtown Alpine, 201 W. Ave. E. 432-837-3301; visitalpinetx.com/christmas
El Paso
Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
Nov. 28
Thousands of spectators line Montana Avenue each Thanksgiving morning to watch one of the largest community events in the Southwest, now in its 83rd year. The parade includes floats, giant helium balloons, equestrian units, clowns, marching bands, and a wide variety of specialty units, from Mexican Indian dancers to military ceremonial units. Montana Avenue. 915-533-4416; sunbowl.org/events/parade
El Paso
Franklin Mountains Trail Run
Nov. 8-10
This race in the Franklin Mountains features desert terrain trails that allow running with easy technical stability. The climb to North Franklin Peak is a combination of straight climbing and switchbacks. Course options include 50K, 27K, 13.1K, 10K, and 5K. Franklin Mountains State Park, 1331 McKelligon Canyon Road. 915-566-6441; trailracingovertexas.com/franklin-mountains-trail-run
Fort Davis
Open Day at Davis
Mountains Preserve
Nov. 9
The Nature Conservancy’s preserve opens for hiking, biking, equestrian activities, picnics, photography, and birding. Davis Mountains Preserve, SH 118, 25 miles northwest of Fort Davis, 10 miles past McDonald Observatory. 432-426-2390; nature.org
Presidio
Fiesta! Celebrating 10 Years of Exploring the Other Side of Nowhere
Nov. 2-3
Join Compadres Del Rancho Grande and Big Bend Ranch State Park as they celebrate the biggest state park in Texas. This all-day event
