Las Cruces, NM — The Las Cruces Space Festival is blasting off again this fall by inviting the entire community to celebrate the wonder of space exploration! Since 2018, this volunteer-powered festival has united families, students, artists, scientists, engineers, business owners, and space enthusiasts for an unforgettable series of hands-on activities and events. The 2026 theme, “Space Unites Us,” highlights how discovery and curiosity bring our community together.
Key Events
• September 19 – October 4: Space Art Show (The Hood, 3206 Harrelson St, Las Cruces)
The exhibition features approximately 74 works by regional artists along with entries from nearly 100 students who participated in the annual poster contest. Admission is free, and many works will be available for purchase. The gallery will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Saturday, September 19 at 5 pm – 8 pm: Space Art Show Opening & Awards Ceremony (The Hood, 3206 Harrelson St, Las Cruces)
Join us to celebrate the opening of our art show! We’ll have refreshments, face painting, and awards.
• Saturday, September 19, 6 pm – 9 pm: NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night (Downtown Plaza) The Astronomy Society of Las Cruces invites the community to explore the Moon and visible planets through telescopes during this global celebration of lunar observation.
• Thursday, September 24, 6 pm – 9:00 pm: Space Trivia Night (TorC Brewery, Las Cruces)
A lively night of competition and fun featuring space-themed trivia. Prizes awarded to top teams.
• Friday, September 25, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm: NMSU Night (O’Donnell Hall)
Families are invited to explore space-related activities hosted by New Mexico State University.
• Saturday, September 26, 9 am – 1 pm: Spaceport America Open House Enjoy America’s first commercial spaceport for a day of fun and rocket science. Register for free at www.spaceportamerica.com
• Sunday, October 4, 2 pm – 3 pm: Space Art Show Closing (The Hood, 3206 Harrelson St, Las Cruces)
Join us for the last day of the Art Show and celebrate the amazing artists and their creations. We will also kick off World Space Week and Reimagine Space: New Mexico (www.stemarts.com/worldspaceweek). Light refreshments will be provided.
Whether you’re discovering space for the first time or returning to favorite events, the Las Cruces Space Festival offers something inspiring for everyone. Explore the full schedule and updates at www.lcspacefestival.com and join us this fall to celebrate how Space Unites Us!
