Events in Big Bend and Brewster County

Big Bend and Brewster County may be famous for their beautiful landscapes, but its annual events offer just as much to love. Throughout the year, you'll find everything from mountain biking festivals and marathons to live music events and two world-class chili cook-offs. These uniquely Texan events are worth traveling all the way to Brewster County, so pack your gear and set off for an adventure you won't soon forget.

July

Viva Big Bend

Celebrate Texas music in one of its most iconic places at Viva Big Bend. This annual event features more than 60 shows at 10 venues in Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, and Fort Davis. All the great music is set in the big and beautiful Big Bend region, providing a spectacular backdrop to a fantastic event.

Multiple Locations
Big Bend County

October 

Marathon 2 Marathon

Conquer the West Texas desert (and your own fatigue) at the Marathon 2 Marathon race. This 26.2-mile marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifying event, takes you to the heart of the town of Marathon through jaw-dropping terrain at an altitude of more than 4,000 feet. A half marathon, 10K, and 5K are also available for those who want to run a shorter distance. Registration for this end-of-October marathon can be done on the event’s website.

Multiple Locations
Marathon, TX 79842

November  

Annual Frank Tolbert-Wick Fowler Chili Cook-Off

For decades, thousands of people have flocked to Terlingua for a true Texas tradition: the Annual Frank Tolbert-Wick Fowler Chili Cook-Off. Three days of live music, fun, and great chili are all part of the fun at the cook-off, held on the first Saturday in November in the historic Terlingua Ghost Town.

Historic Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua, TX 79852

Terlingua International Chili Championship

The Terlingua International Chili Championship is also a long-running cooking competition that takes place in Terlingua and Lajitas on the first Saturday of November. More than 10,000 chili fans travel to Brewster County for this famous cook-off, while the competitors vie for the title of the world's best chili cook.

Big Bend Mountain Region
Terlingua, TX 79852

December

Fiesta de Noche Buena

Ring in the holiday season with a healthy dose of small-town West Texas charm at Fiesta de Noche Buena in Marathon. Enjoy great food, drink, and live music to go along with the children’s folkloric dancing, an outdoor tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Jolly Old Saint Nick. Along with all of these festive things, the shops along Main Street stay open later, offering the perfect opportunity to do some holiday gift shopping.

Main Street
Marathon, TX 79842