Frank Ray headlines, live entertainment, car show, chalk art contest, farmers market
¡mira! Las Cruces is set to kick off its first event April 29 with a mix of family-friendly activities by day and live music by night. The event, presented by Visit Las Cruces highlights the art and culture, cuisine, outdoor recreation and the sights and sounds that make the city and its surrounding communities one of a kind.
The festival is from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Plaza de Las Cruces and free for all ages.
Local talent and rising country star Frank Ray headlines ¡mira! Las Cruces along with opening acts Rodeo Norteño and Proud Pete.
Ray is a country artist and songwriter, born and raised in southern New Mexico. He has been named one of Pandora’s Artists to Watch as well as a CMT Next Up Now artist. He’s toured nationally with artists like Kane Brown, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Kip Moore, LANCO, Old Dominion and Hunter Hayes.
There will be additional performances starting at 2 p.m. and throughout the day. Live acts include the Organ Mountain High School cheer and poms, Centennial High School cheer and drumline, Alma de Arte bucket drum line, Las Cruces Ukes, Mariachi Jalisciense, dance lessons on the plaza presented by Sol Ballroom and Ballet Folklórico Diamantes del Valle. La Academia Dolores Huerta’s ballet folklórico, mariachi and Norteño groups also will perform.
“¡mira! Las Cruces is an opportunity to highlight our beautiful city and the people and places that make it a vibrant community,” Visit Las Cruces Marketing Director Lorena Lozano said. “From the live entertainment to car show and vendors everything is intentional and meant to display the area’s food, culture, art and music.”
Prior to the main acts taking the stage, attendees will get a chance to experience live art and mural painting, a chalk art competition, rock climbing, interactive booths, face painting, live screen printing by Organ Mountain Outfitters and a car show. Visit Las Cruces and lotería selfie stations will be set up for those who want to capture a photo with their loved ones.
The Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market is moving from Saturday to Sunday, April 30 that weekend; however, there will be a mini farmers and crafts market during the festival.
The Rio Grande Theater is hosting a free screening of Transformers (2007) with live action characters in attendance, followed by Day of Dance.
A live DJ is set to perform in the food truck area, and a beer and wine garden will be open during the entirety of the event. Although ¡mira! Las Cruces is family-friendly, only individuals 21 and older are allowed inside the gated area and must have valid identification.
“We’re hoping to make this a signature event for Las Cruces,” Assistant City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau. “Not only is it something that residents can support and be proud of, but it is a way for visitors to experience the city in just one visit and encourage them to return and explore.”
Be advised, the City of Las Cruces will be shutting down Main Street at 5 a.m. Saturday from the north roundabout to Bowman Avenue, as well as Las Cruces and Griggs avenues. Free parking is available throughout the area. Attendees can enter the event through entrances on Main Street, Las Cruces Avenue, Griggs Avenue, Campos Street, and La Placita.
There is limited seating, so visitors are allowed to bring chairs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
For updates and more information on ¡mira! Las Cruces, visit visitlascruces.com.