September 27 - October 1
Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo
Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 11 miles west of Las Cruces, exit 132, I-10.   Wednesday and Thursday 8 am -10 pm, Friday and Saturday 8 am -12 midnight, Sunday 8 am - 5 pm.   505-524-8602 /505-524-8610.   www.snmstatefair.com or snmsfr@fastwave.biz

October 1
Mariachi Sundays
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  4 pm - 6 pm.  Free and open to the public.  505-525-1735/505-524-3262/505-528-7070. kmedina_tom@comcast.net

October 1
Music on the patio at  La Vina Winery
La Vina Vineyard Winery, 4201 south on Highway 28, La Union, New Mexico.  1 pm - 5 pm.  A little bit of folk, a little bit of country, and a little bit of rock and roll.   We encourage everyone to come out and bring a picnic or some snacks (no alcohol allowed). You may purchase wine and enjoy the music and the patio and just hang out and have a good time.  Free admission.   505-882-7632. denise@lavinawinery.com

October 1
New Mexico State University Music Department presents Las Cruces Symphony
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street.  3 pm.  Sara Sant’Ambrogio is performing on cello, and Lonnie Klein is Conductor. Call for admission fee. 505-646-2421  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 1
Piano Recital
St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Avenue. 3 pm.  Laura Spitzer will play the piano. Free and open to the public. 505-526-6689.

October 1 - 5
Mesilla Valley Film Society offers:  “Edmond”
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, ½ block south of Old Mesilla Plaza. 7:30 pm nightly, Sunday 2:30 pm.  A middle-aged white exec. wanders into a hell of crime and punishment in search of his manhood, love and some cheap oral sex. Admission:  $6 regular, $4 Wednesday or MVFS member, $5 matinee or senior 55+ or student with ID.  505-524-8287.  www.fountaintheatre.org

October 1 - 8
Black Box Theatre presents, "Mystery of the Rose Bouquet"
No Strings Theatre Company, 430 N. Downtown Mall.  Thursday 7 pm, Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm. By Manuel Puig and directed by Ceil Herman.  Fantasy, drama, intrigue, betrayal, and humor mix in this play by the author of "Kiss of the Spider Woman".  Regular admission $9 students and seniors (over 65) $8 and Thursday bargain night, all seats $6.  505-523-1223.  www.no-strings.org

October 1 - 8
New Mexico State University Theater Arts/Southwest Theater Company (ASTC) present " Incorruptible"
New Mexico State University, Hershel Zohn Theatre. Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Michael Hollinger's "Dark Comedy about the Dark Ages".  This uproarious mix of verbal and physical humor takes audiences to a farcical world of monks, minstrels, miracles – and marketing schemes!  $15 adults, $13 students and seniors, $10 children. 505-646-4515/505-646-5766.  http://theatre.nmsu.edu or www.nmsu.edu

October 1 - 22
New Mexico State University Arts Department presents "Book Arts" Exhibit
New Mexico State University, D. W. Williams Hall Art Gallery, on University Street and Jordan Street. Public reception Friday, September 8 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Gallery hours:  Tuesday, Wednesday Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Thursday 10 am - 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm.  Closed Mondays and University holidays. 505-646-2545. www.nmsu.edu/~artgal

October 1 - 29
Mesilla Valley Maze - A Maze "n" Pumpkins
3855 West Picacho Avenue.  Saturday and Sunday 11 am - dusk.  The most fun you can have in a corn field. Bring the kids and those that are "kids at heart" to the rural fun of the Mesilla Valley Maze!  Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to look for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern.  Then discover the many twists and turns amazingly cut into the corn. Take the kids down one of our giant slides, navigate the rope maze, and cool off in the Mystic Walk. For the little kiddos, Papa Corn’s Playground and the Trike Trail are the places to be! Then grab a big ear of roasted corn, or a drink and snack from our General Store and relax under our covered picnic areas. Admission includes activities above and more!  U-Pick Garden Hours: Monday -  Friday 8 am - 3 pm and Saturday - Sunday 8 am until dusk. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, private birthday parties, and group reservations welcome.  $8 Adults, $6 Children (12 and under).  505-526-1919.  www.mesillavalleymaze.com or anna@mesillavalleymaze.com

October 1 - 31
At Water's Edge Exhibit
Las Cruces Museum of Natural History, Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 S. Telshor Blvd. Regular Museum hours:  Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm, Monday - Thursday and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Friday 10 am - 8 pm. Encounter sounds of New Mexico's river-ways in this multimedia exhibition about the changing natural environment.  Biodiversity has been greatly reduced in this incredible environment due to competition of space involving human development and plant/animal survival.  This exhibit impresses upon the visitor the importance of riparian resources to plant, animals and people. Dual Language text gallery. Free and open to the public. 505-522-3120. www.las-cruces.org/museums/natural-history/index.html

October 1 - 31
Beatrice Garrett Exhibit
Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau, 211 N. Water Street.  Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.  505-541-2444.  www.lascrucescvb.org

October 1 - 31
Legends in Leather Saddle Makers of the Southwest Exhibit
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.  Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm.  For generations, their hand-tooled creations have connected horse and rider.  As both artists and craftsmen, saddle makers designed and built a valuable tool that included a unique artistic touch.  The exhibit will feature an old-fashioned saddle store with all types of tack, an area where local saddle makers can demonstrate their craft, an interactive area that includes children's activities and show the steps to making a saddle, and an historic area profiling two of the top saddle makers in the Southwest - Austin "Slim" Green and S. D. Myres. Several of Green's and Myres' saddles will be on display.   This large, new exhibition at the museum will bring long-overdue recognition to the art.  Museum admission:  $5 adults, $3 Seniors (60 and over), $2 children (5 - 17), 4 and under free. 505-522-4100. www.frhm.org

October 1 - 31
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery Exhibit
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery, 2470 Calle de Guadalupe, in the historic Fountain Building, just across from the Fountain Theater, Mesilla. Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery October featured artists Caryl Porter and Helga DeLisle, as well as 30 other local artists in many media, offer new works for the Fall season. Regular gallery hours are 10:00-5:00, Monday - Saturday, and 12:00-5:00 Sunday. 505-522-2933.

October 1 - 31
Photography Exhibit, “Doubleday’s Cowgirls:  Women in the Rodeo”
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.   Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm.  Features 53 enlarged black-and-white photos during 1919 -1929 era. thru January 15, 2007. During the Golden Age oSports (1920's), cowgirls and the sport of rodeo flourished and evolved. Female athletes from the United States in general enjoyed increased opportunities to compete during the decade.  A self-promoter, Doubleday, was a superb photographer who associated his abilities and entrepreneurial ingenuity with an action-packed and dangerous sport. Museum admission:  $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens (60 and over), $2 for children ages 5 to 17, 4 and under free. 505-522-4100.  http://www.frhm.org

October 1 - 31
Life and Liberty after 9/11 Exhibit
Museum of Art, 490 N. Water Street. A national juried exhibit in the Las Cruces, NM, Museum of Art.  Works in all media reflecting life in America post 9/11. 505-541-2137. http://museums.las-cruces.org

October 1 - 31
New Mexico State University Memories "The First Thirty Years"
New Mexico State University Museum, Kent Hall on Jordan Street.  Call for time.  Through photographs and artifacts, this exhibit celebrates the first 30 years of New Mexico State University when it was called the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic.  505-646-3739. www.nmsu.edu

October 1 - 31
October Artists Ruth Drayer and Esterly Moyel Flores
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall. El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries: Ruth Drayer – Acrylic Paintings, Esterly Moyel Flores – Prismacolor Pencils. Galleries are open on M-W-F from 10 am to 2 pm   Saturdays from 9 am to 12 noon. 505-523-6403

October 1 - 31
Pottery from the Americas
University Art Gallery, New Mexico State University, Williams Hall, east of Solano on University Avenue.  Gallery hours:  10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 7 pm Thursday, 1 pm – 5 pm Saturday – Sunday.  This is the largest contemporary art gallery in south-central New Mexico.  A unique and comprehensive collection of both prehistoric and historical pottery.  This collection includes almost 600 pottery vessels that reflect the vibrant artistry and beauty of Southwestern and Mesoamerican ceramics.  505-646-2545.  http://artdepartment.nmsu.edu

October 1 - 31
Shelley Black Art Exhibit
Nash Gallery, 1701 Calle de Mercado.  Gallery hours:  Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm.  Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm.  An internationally renowned artist whose work ranges from vibrantly interpreted landscapes to life-like portraiture.  505-523-2311.

October 1 - 31
Sunset Stroll Nature Walk
White Sands National Monument, 45 miles east on Highway 70. One hour before sunset. A leisurely one-hour ranger-guided walk. Experience sunset over the white sands and see the plants and animals of the dune field. A photographer's delight. Starts at a sign along the dune drive.  $3 per person (16 years and under free). 505-679-2599/505-479-6124. www.nps.gov/whsa

October 1 - 31
The Shaman's World Exhibit
Tombaugh Gallery, 2000 S. Solano Drive. Lynn Unangst, Valice Raffi and Laurel Weathersbee will be featured during October. A reception will be held from 2 pm - 4 pm Oct. 7. 505-522-7281.

October 1 - December 31
New Mexico State University Department of Theater Arts and the American Southwest Theater Company "Tom Price Photo Project"
New Mexico State University, Hershel Zohn Theater lobby, McFie Circle. Call for time.  Price's new collection of photographs, chronicling the 2005 - 2006 NMSU Theater Arts/ASTC season, will be on display in the front lobby of the Hershel Zohn Theatre. Photographer Tom Price spent much of last year capturing black and white images of the NMSU Theater Arts/ASTC rehearsal and design process.  Using only available light and available space, Price's photographs capture actors, directors, designers, and technicians at work.  Price's collection is invaluable not only because it documents our rehearsal process, but also because it is an artistic achievement in its own right.  505-646-4515.

October 4
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs University of El Paso "UTEP"
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road.  7 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524.  www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 4 - 28
Printmakers’ Reflections Exhibit
Museum of Art, 490 N. Water on Downtown Mall. Reflections, a collaborative effort between two New Mexican printmaking organizations, La Prensa/Southwest Printmakers from the southwestern region and New Mexico Printmakers of Santa Fe, will be on exhibit in the Director’s Gallery. 505-541-2137.

October 5 - 7
The Southern New Mexico Speedway Fall National Days
Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 11 miles west on I-10, exit 132. Gate/Race Time TBA. Modifieds, Super Stocks, Street Stocks. 505-524-7913.  www.snmspeedway.com

October 6
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "The Big Lebowski"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. Almost Midnight Film Series presents this classic comedy. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Free screenings at 9:45 pm. For more information, contact 505-524-8287.  www.fountaintheatre.org

October 6 - 7
"An Opening Toast:  A Season of Celebration"
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle.  8 pm.  New Mexico State University Choirs led by Choral director Dr. Jerry Ann Alt, present a variety of choral music centered around the theme of immigration and sung by three university choirs. Tickets:  $10, $12, $15.  505-646-2067. saraorton@comcast.net or www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 6 - 7
New Mexico State University Music Department presents New Mexico State University Choirs
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street. 8 pm. “Opening Toast:  A Season of Celebration,” with Jerry Ann Alt, Conductor.  Call for admission fee.  505-646-2421  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 6 - 8
USSSA Whole Enchilada Softball Invitational - Men’s and Women’s Class C, D & E
Harty Baseball Fields, 1700 E. Hadley Avenue, Paz Baseball Fields, 1875 E. Hadley Avenue, Maag Park Softball Fields, 1300 E. Hadley Avenue. Call for times and schedule. 505-541-1889.  www.nmusssa.com

October 6 - 12
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents "Quinceanera"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. Fresh, spirited coming of age drama. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 7:30 pm nightly with additional shows Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287.  www.fountaintheatre.org

October 6 - 22
House of Frankenstein – comedic horror
Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 North Downtown Mall, just north of Las Cruces Avenue. Call for time.  $8 adults, $7 students, $5 children under 6. Season tickets and senior discounts available. 505-523-1200.  www.lcctnm.org.

October 6 - November 18
New Voices Exhibit
Museum of Art, 490 N. Water on Downtonw Mall.  This exhibit will features works by honors art students from Las Cruces, Oñate and Mayfield High Schools who will participate in workshops at the Museum of Arts.  The exhibit of students' artworks inspired by the art.21programming will be on display at the Museum October 4 - November 18.  505-541-2137.

October 7
Trinity Site Tour
San Antonio, New Mexico, 137 miles north of Las Cruces, exit I-25 on U.S. 380.  Call for times/directions.  The second of two annual trips to ground zero where the first atomic bomb exploded on earth. Only open first Saturday in April and October.   505-678-1134.   www.wsmr.army.mil/pao/TrinitySite/trinst.htm

October 7 - 8
5th Annual Mesilla Jazz Happening and Special Performance by Azucar
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  Free live jazz on the Historic Mesilla Plaza, accompanied by fine New Mexican wines at the wine garden . Free live jazz music from 12 noon - 8 pm on Saturday and 12 noon - 5 pm on Sunday.  Sample some of the outstanding New Mexico wineries at $10 tasting glass . Horse drawn wagons will offer free transportation throughout Mesilla. $10 admission and includes tasting and collectors glass.  505-522-1232.  www.vivamesilla.org or Dawn@HelpingHandsEvents.com

October 7 -  8
Dona Ana Modular Railroad Display
Gold Mesa, 151 Roadrunner Parkway. Saturday 9 am - 6 pm, Sunday 9 am - 3 pm. 505-532-1751. troeller@zianet.com

October 7 - 8
Southwest Quarter Horse Association
Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 11 miles west of Las Cruces, exit 132, I-10.  The Southwest Quarter Horse Association serves New Mexico and West Texas with some of the biggest and best horse shows in the country!  Office opens at 7 am and show starts at 8 am.  Open amateur, novice amateur, select.  505-524-8602 . www.swqha.com

October 8
62nd Annual Fabulous Las Cruces Civic Concert Association presents Live on Stage "Bay Street Brassworks"
Onate High School, Performing Art Center, The (PAC) Auditorium, 6800 N. Main Street.  3 pm.  Bay Street Brassworks is fast becoming one of America's busiest brass ensembles.  Performing pieces from a variety of genres,  includingclassical, show tunes, Dixieland, rock, movie songs, and numerous compositions penned by the group's own members.  Bay Street Brassworks seemingly endless versatility and educational outreach has resulted in programming that is consistently "in touch" with people of all ages, leaving audiences nationwide asking for more.  505-521-4051.

October 8
Mariachi Sundays
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  4 pm - 6 pm.  Free and open to the public.  505-525-1735/505-524-3262/505-528-7070. kmedina_tom@comcast.net

October 8
Music on the patio at La Vina Winery
La Vina Vineyard Winery, 4201 south on highway 28, La Union, New Mexico.  1 pm - 5 pm.  A little bit of folk, a little bit of country, and a little bit of rock and roll.  We encourage everyone to come out and bring a picnic or some snacks (no alcohol allowed).  You may purchase wine and enjoy the music and the patio and just hang out and have a good time. Free admission. 505-882-7632. denise@lavinawinery.com

October 8
New Mexico State University Music Department Mesilla Valley Concert Band
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street.  3 pm. William Clark is Conductor. 3 pm.  Free and open to the public. 505-646-2421.  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

November 19
The Big Band on the Rio Grande will host the next Tea Dance
Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court Avenue.  2 pm - 4:30 pm.  Our all volunteer 17-piece band plays all types of traditional and contemporary swing dance music, from Cumbias and Polkas to Waltzes and Jitterbugs and Salsas.  Our audience includes dancers of all ages, and all levels of dancing are represented.  Everyone has a great time either dancing or just socializing and listening to Big Band music.  Singles are welcome.  $5 per person.  505-373-2188.

December 8 - 10
"A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas
Black Box Theatre, 430 North Downtown Mall.  Holiday classic starring David Edwards and the No Strings Theatre Company Donors and Volunteers. Call (505) 523-1223 for performance times, prices and reservations. http://www.no-strings.org

October 9
New Mexico State University Music Department Faculty Recital
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street.  8 pm. Rhonda Taylor performing on Saxophone and Ron Stabinsky performing. Free and open to the public.  505-646-2421  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 10
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs Northern Arizona
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road.  7 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524.  www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 12
2006 - 2007 Associated Students New Mexico State University Cultural Series presents, Lovell Sisters Band
New Mexico State University Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street. Country, Folk, and contemporary Acoustic Music. General admission $12.50, students, faculty and staff $10, season passes $60. 505-646-1420/505-532-2060/915-544-8444.  www.ticketmaster.com or panam.nmsu.edu or www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 13
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs Hawaii
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road.  7 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524.  www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 13 - 14
lo-fi productions present “Bat Boy:  The Musical"
Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court Avenue. 8 pm. By Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming and Laurence O'Keefe, directed by Brandon Brown. Based on a story in The Weekly World News.  A musical comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls. West Virginia. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarians, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a "normal"  boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley.  Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy.  Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret.  Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy's unholy origin.  505-650-3496.  Tickets: $5. lo_fiproductions@hotmail.com

October 13 - 15
Black Box Theatre Presents, High School Development "One Act Plays"
No Strings Theatre Company, 430 N. Downtown Mall. Call for times. Presented by Gadsden and Mayfield High Schools. Regular admission $9 students and seniors (over 65) $8 and Thursday bargain night, all seats $6.  505-523-1223.  www.no-strings.org

October 13 - 15
Fall Parade of Homes
Various Locations.  Friday 4 pm - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm. 505-526-6126.  www.lchba.com

October 13 - 15
The Whole Enchilada Soccer Tournament
High Noon Soccer Complex, 2004 Bruins Lane, W of Valley, N of Picacho and Tashiro. 100 teams are expected to compete.  505-541-2554. www.zianet.com/soccerlc

October 13 - 19
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "Sisters in Law"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. There has been no domestic violence convictions in Kumba for several years when 2 Muslin women bring charges against their husbands. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 7:30 pm nightly with additional shows Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287. r www.fountaintheatre.org

October 13 - November 11
White Raven Studios Featured New Mexico Artists Exhibit
White Raven Studios, 425 W. Griggs Avenue.  Call for time. will be featuring J. Mehaffey, en-caustic abstract artist from Taos, and artist, Mari Broenen, media assemblage, shows in Santa Fe. Raven Studios gallery artists are Raul Dorn, Tauna Dorn, Myriam Lozada-Jarvis, Jann July, Karnia Hean, Kelly Hestir, Georjeanna Felta, Kyllan Willis, Valice Raffi, Lydia Hammerman, Roy Lohr, Sherry Doil-Carter and Sandy Zane.  White Raven Studios offer art classes and workshops led by nationally known artists and craftsmen. Handmade papers from around the world are available for sale as well as printmaking and watercolor papers. White Raven Studios also carries a variety of ceramics, handblown glass, African stone sculpture, jewelry and other gift items.  505-525-9543.

October 13 - October 30
ArtForms Annual Sculpture Show
Branigan Library, 200 East Picacho, Dresp Room B. Thursday, For more information, call 505-528-4028 or 505-528-4005.

October 13 - January 31
King Tutankhamun:  "Wonderful Things" From The Pharaoh's Tomb Exhibit
Branigan Cultural Center, 500 N. Water Street.  Gallery hours:  Tuesday - Thursday 1 pm - 7 pm, Friday 10 am - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm, closed Monday.  Open for school tours weekday mornings. More than 100 incredibly reproduced artifacts collected from King Tutankhamun's tomb.  King Tut's tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and the pieces show the history of the pharaoh's reign.  The artifacts are the only detailed and handcrafted replicas of the original items from the tomb.  They were handcrafted by artisans from the Pharaonic Village in Cairo, Egypt.  The exhibit has been seen all over the country.  Adults $5, children 12 and under $3. 505-541-2158.  www.kingtutlc.org or hbethune@las-cruces.org

October 14
2006 WALKtoberfest
Mesilla Park Recreation Center, 301 W. Bell Street.  10 am - 2 pm.  The event will conclude with a leisurely walk around the park.  All ages welcome, enterttainment by local talents, jumping balloons, face painting, pumpkin carving, arts and crafts and much more!   Come and have fun with the family!  505-541-2455.

October 14
3rd Annual Juvenile Walk to Cure Diabetes
Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, 1274 Golf Club Road.  Registration at 8 am, walk begins at 9 am.  The route will be approximately 3 kilometers.  All are welcome! No registration fee, but donations are accepted online and on the day of the walk.   505-644-1233.  www.jdrf.org/newmexico

October 14
3rd Annual Car Show
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28 at the Old Mesilla Plaza.  10 am - 3 pm.  $20 entry fee for vehicle.  Free car show and open to the public  505-523-8919. vstretch009@hotmail.com

October 14
Achenbach Canyon Hike
Hike in the Organ Mountains. The walk will be led by naturalist and area native Jack Davis. Rating is moderate, but pace will be slow. Will spend approximately 45 minutes to one hour inside the canyon to picnic and explore. Preregistration required. $5 is requested from non-South West Environmental Center members. 505-522-5552, swec@zianet.com or visit www.wildmesquite.org

October 14
Barnyard Fun Family Storytime
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Avenue.  10:30 am. All ages are invited to listen to stories and make a model farm. 505-528-4000.

October 14
Desert Experience Mini-Trail
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park site, east on Highway 70, north on Jornada Road. 9 am. Not enough time to take the full Desert Discovery Trail?  Then the Desert Experience Mini-Trail is for you. Our latest addition to the Nature Park is complete and waiting for you. Take an interpretive walk through topics like archaeology, desert plants, geology, desert animals and xeriscaping. Free and open to the public. 505-524-3334. cdnp_rink@zianet.com or www.cdnp.org

October 14
Magic Carpet StoryTime
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N Downtown Mall. 11:30 am. Free, Celebrity Reader: Bob Diven – Robert the Ratcatcher. 505-523-6403.

October 14
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "Las Cruces/ Mesilla Day"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. Short films about local history and culture, and a documentary about artist, George Mendoza, who will present the film along with talk by author/historian. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 7:30 pm nightly with additional shows Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287.  www.fountaintheatre.org

October 14
National Public Observatory Stars-N-Parks
Leasburg Dam State Park, 15 miles North of Las Cruces on I-25, get off at exit 19 and take NM 157 West to the park entrance. Arrive time: 6:30 pm. Program starts at 7:40 pm. and ends at 9:10 pm. Participants will view: Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus visible, Fall Sky becoming prominent, and losing Scorpius. Regular Park Hours: 7 am - Sunset. $5. Call for more information. 505-527-8386/505-532-1486. www.Astro-NPO.org or jgilkiso@zianet.com

October 14
New Mexico State University Aggies Men's Basketball "Midnight Madness"
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road. 12 midnight.   505-646-1420/866-672-8524.  www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 14
New Mexico State University Music Department NMSU Symphonic Winds & Jazz Ensemble
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall.  8 pm. “Scholarship Concert,” with Ken Van Winkle and Pancho Romero as Conductors.  8 pm. Call for admission fee.  505-646-2421.  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 14
Swinging Seniors Dance
Munson Senior Center, 975 S. Mesquite Street.  8 pm - 10 pm. Couples, singles and their guests are welcome. This week, Jim Corrons will perform. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. 505-528-3000.

October 14
Woodworking Event
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road. 9 am - 12 noon.  Adults only. Pre-registration is required. $15. The Doña Ana Woodcarvers will teach you how to do basic woodcarving. Our subject is a cowboy boot. Please bring a fixed-handle carving knife or purchase one for $13 when you arrive. 505-522-4100. www.frhm.org

October 14 - 15
ASA Adult Softball Tournament
Harty Fields, 1840 E. Hadley Avenue. 8 am - 11 pm. 505-522-4521.

October 14 - 15
Sun Country Striders Volksmarch 5/10 KM Walk
Fort Selden State Monument, Radium Springs, Highway 157 north of Las Cruces. You much start and finish at the same location. Start time: 8 am - 1 pm (10KM) or 8 am - 2 pm (5KM). All participants must finish by 4 pm. Free unless walking for IVV credit ($3) or awards. 505-521-7304. lizjohn@zianet.com or www.zianet.com/dpiland/SunCountry

October 15
4th Annual Kiwanis Cruces Jam Skateboard Contest
Las Cruces Skate Park, corner of Hadley Street and Walnut Avenue.  2 pm - 6 pm.  $10 per contestant registration fee to compete.  Cash prizes, t-shirts to contestants, free hot dogs and soft drinks from Wienerschnitzel, live remote by The Rocket 99.5 FM.  505-523-5083/505-523-6788.  normandetodd@aol.com

October 15
9th Annual Craft Faire Extraordinaire
University Terrace Good Samaritan Village, 3025 Terrace Drive.  10 am - 4 pm.  Over 30 Artists and Crafters from the Farmers and Crafts Market and other venues around Southern New Mexico and West Texas will offer wares to the public.  Among the arts and crafts will be:  a variety of ceramics, potpourri, scented lotions and soaps, appliqued clothing, crochet towels, metal art, aprons, candles, wood crafts, silk flower arrangements.  Breakfast and lunch will be available to at a Good Samaritan Dietary Booth.  505-556-2119.  cjamison@good-sam.com

October 15
Dona Ana County Humane Society present "YAPPY HOUR"
Blue Tea Vineyards, on Avenida de Mesilla.  5 pm - 7 pm.  Hosting a wine-tasting and dog-socializing event.  There will be snacks, wine tasting and plenty of dog-socializing.  This is a wonderful event for dogs and their owners.  Everyone is welcome; with, or without dogs!  $5 per person donation is requested at the door, and all dogs must be on a leash.  505-382-0018 ext. 117.

October 15
Mariachi Sundays
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  4 pm - 6 pm.  Free and open to the public.  505-525-1735/505-524-3262/505-528-7070.  kmedina_tom@comcast.net

October 15
New Mexico State University Aggies Football Team vs Boise State
New Mexico State University, Aggies Memorial Stadium, on Payne Street. 6 pm. This game will be aired on ESPN.  505-646-1420.  nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 15
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs University of New Mexico "UNM"
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road.  TBA.  1 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524. www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 15
The Calavera Coalition proudly presents, "To Remember is to Live Poker Run"
Dick's de Mesilla, Gardunos Las Cruces, Severos La Mesa, Stahmann's Country Store, El Patio Cantina, Mesilla.  All riders to return to El Patio by 4 pm. 505-647-2639/505-647-3347.

October 16
New Mexico State University Music Department Saxophone Studio Recital
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall. 8 pm. Rhonda Taylor is Coordinator for these performances.  Free and open to the public.  505-646-2421  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 17
Cooking With Class
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road. Join us for this gourmet luncheon. 11 am -1 pm. The chef is Ron Fineron from Coronado Country Club. Pre-registration is required. $30. 505-522-4100.   www.frhm.org

October 17
The Raven, a Musical Recital
New Mexico State University Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street. 8 pm.  Justin Raines will present The Raven. His composition is based on the poem, The Raven, by Edgar Allen Poe. Free and open to the public. 505-646-2421.

October 17 - 18
International Symposium for Personal Spacelight
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.  8 am - 6 pm both days.  First official 2006 XPrize Cup Event.  Join us for 2 days and 60 speakers.  Sam Donaldson as EMCEE.  Meet the CEO's, Presidents, Business Developers and Astronauts!  Register today!  505-646-6414. spacegrant.nmsu.edu/isps/2006

October 19
2006 - 2007 Associated Students New Mexico State University Cultural Series presents, Baird Hersey and Prana
New Mexico State University Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street. Sacred Music of Tibetan Buddhist and Tuvan Throat Singing.  General admission $12.50, students, faculty and staff $10, season passes $60. 505-646-1420/505-532-2060/915-544-8444.  www.ticketmaster.com or panam.nmsu.edu or www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 20
Astronomy Open House
Tombaugh Observatory, located east of Williams Avenue near the running track, New Mexico State University.  7 pm. Weather permitting, the public can observe Cat’s Eye Nebula and Lagoon Nebula and several clusters (M92 and Wild Duck) may also be visible.  Faculty and graduate students will be on hand to assist and answer questions. Admission is free and children are welcome. 505-646-4438.

October 20
1st Annual New Mexico Farm and Ranch Agriculture Hall Fame
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road. 6 pm - 12 midnight. Inductees:  Governor Bruce King and Dr. Gerald Thomas.  $50 a per person and open to the public.  505-522-4100 ext. 131.  www.frhm.org

October 20
Empty Bowls and Live Music Steve Smith
Annual benefit for hungry.  Steve plays solo on mandolin, mandola, guitar and vocals.  St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Ave.  8 pm   505-526-6689.

October 20
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Hershel Zohn Theatre at New Mexico State University, on Jordan Street. 10 pm.  Film screenings presented by American Southwest Theatre Company. Audiences are encouraged to “dress up” for this cult classic event and bring props. Now is the time to see it, whether they are die-hard fans or a first-timer. Admission is $5 and prop bags will be available at the theatre for an additional $5 and will have everything you need to enjoy the film.  Door prizes will be given away.  Doors open at 9 pm.  Call for details at 505-646-4515.  www.nmsu.edu

October 20 - 21
lo-fi productions present “Bat Boy:  The Musical"
Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court Avenue. 8 pm. By Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming and Laurence O'Keefe, directed by Brandon Brown. 505-650-3496. Tickets: $5. lo_fiproductions@hotmail.com

October 20 - 21
XPrize Cup Event
Las Cruces International Airport, 11 miles west of Las Cruces, exit 132, I-10.   An event where everyone can come, experience space and be part of the next generation of spaceflight.  You can watch the next generation of space vehicles fly, talk to astronauts, see the vehicles up close, fly simulators, learn about the technology, learn about the curriculum available at all levels of education, know about the careers available in the contemporary space industry and begin to dissolve the myth that you will never travel to space in your lifetime. Friday, 7 am - 4 pm gates open at 6 am , Lunar Lander Challenge Round One Competitions, Vertical Rocket Challenge Round One Competitions, Student Field Trip, Student Rocket Fly-off, Jet Pack Flight, T-38 Fly-overs, Rocket Bike, Rocket Truck, Sounding Rockets, Elevator Games. Saturday 7 am- 4 pm, gates open at 6 am,  Lunar Lander Challenge Round Two Competitions, Vertical Rocket Challenge Round Two C competitions, T-38 Fly-overs, Rocket Bike, Rocket Truck, Sounding Rockets, Elevator Games. General admission $10 for one day, $15 for two-day pass. Free activity military personnel, students attending with a teacher pass part of an official XPC field trip, children under age 3. 310-587-3355.  www.xprize.org or katie.roberts@state.nm.us

October 20 - 22
Fall Parade of Homes
Various Locations.  Friday 4 pm - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm. 505-526-6126.  www.lchba.com

October 20 - 22
The Duck Variations Performs
Black Box Theatre Annex, BBToo,717A N Mesquite Street,at the corner of Mesquite and Lucero. 8 pm. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. No Strings Theatre Company and Full House Entertainment present "The Duck Variations" by David Mamet. Tickets are $9 regular and $8 for students and seniors over 65. For reservations call 505-523-1223 or online at http://www.no-strings.org

October 20 - 26
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "Who Killed the Electric Car?"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. Information-packed history and social commentary on America’s love affair with gasoline-thirsty cars. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 7:30 pm nightly with additional shows Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287.  www.fountaintheatre.org

October 20 - 31
Affirmation 11 Art Show
Corbett Center Art Gallery on the New Mexico State University campus.  Presented by the Las Cruces Therapeutic Rectreation Program.  The theme is Dia de los Muertos.  505-646-4411.

October 20 - 31
Nightmare Haunted House
Club Fusion, 101 E. Union Street. Call for times. $5 admission and $4 admission w/canned food donation.  505-541-5181.

October 21
Live Music Steve Smith and “Hard Road"
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.  3 pm during Cowboy Days.  505-522-4100.  www.frhm.org

October 21
Magic Carpet StoryTime
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N Downtown Mall. 11:30 am. Free, Celebrity Reader: Ruth Cantrell. 505-523-6403.

October 21
New Mexico State University Aggies Equestrian Team vs Georgia Team
New Mexico State University Campus.  Call for time.  505-646-2684/505-640-8386. bump@ad.nmsu.edu

October 21
New Mexico State University Aggies Football Team vs Hawaii (Homecoming Game )
New Mexico State University, Aggies Memorial Stadium, on Payne Street.  6 pm.  505-646-1420. nmstatesports.com or  www.ticketmaster.com

October 21
Sky Safari
Leasburg Dam State Park, 15 miles north of Las Cruces on I-25, get off at Exit 19 and take NM 157 West to the park entrance. Regular Park Hours: 7 am - Sunset. $5. Call for evening program time and more information.  505-527-8386.

October 21
Walk Dona Ana Walk “Oktoberfest”
Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Avenue. 10 am - 2 pm.  505-541-2581.

October 21 - 22
Annual Cowboy Days Festival
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road. Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.  Nothing says the old west like the cowboy, and the New Mexico Farm and Ranch honors the western legend with a weekend festival complete with roping and riding demonstrations, "cowboy food", music, dancing and cowboy poetry.  Museum Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors (60 and over), $2 children (5 - 17), 4 and under free. 505-522-4100.  www.frhm.org

October 21 - 22
Annual La Vina Wine Festival Grape Stomp
La Vina Vineyard Winery, 4201 south on highway 28, La Union, New Mexico. 12 noon - 7 pm. The festival is the oldest wine festival in New Mexico and features food, entertainment and, of course, wine produced by New Mexico's oldest winery. Saturday:  Captain Radio and The Flyers, PT and The Crusiers, Azucar.  Sunday:  Marty Olivas and Jazz Q, Kat Crosby Band, Guitar Slim.   $10 adults, $5 (21 - 12 years of age), under 12 free.denise@lavinawinery.com

October 21 - 22
Annual Sunrise Lion's Club Gun Show
Dickerson's Event Center,  3920 W. Picacho Avenue. Saturday at 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday at 9 am - 3 pm. $4 adults, $3 children.  505-647-8802.

October 22
Mariachi Sundays
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  4 pm - 6 pm.  Free and open to the public.  505-525-1735/505-524-3262/505-528-7070. kmedina_tom@comcast.net

October 22
New Mexico State University Music Department Faculty Recital
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall. 3 pm.  Laura Spitzer performing. Free and open to the public.  505-646-2421  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 24
Annual Candlelight Vigil
Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Avenue.  5 pm - 9 pm.  505-526-2819.  khancock@lacasainc.org

October 26
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs Nevada
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road.  7 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524. www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 26
New Mexico State University Music Department Piano Studio Recital
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall,  North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street.  5 pm. Laura Spitzer is Coordinator for these performances..  Free and open to the public.  505-646-2421.  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 26
Walk Dona Ana Walk "Brown Bag"
Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho.  Call for time.  505-541-2581.

October 26 - 29 & November 2 – 5
Master Potters of Mata Ortiz
Exact workshop address will be provided once you register and send tuition. “The Master Potters of Mata Ortiz” Series consists of two pre-registered four day hands-on pottery, personally taught by visiting potters. Dan and Elda Gonzales will teach #1. Nicolas Quezada and his son Leonel have been invited to teach #2. The series location is a private home and patio, half a block from the Lucky J Ranch, were the extensive Mata Ortiz pottery exhibition and sales event will be held weekly on Thursdays – Sundays, October 26 – November 5. Cost for first-time workshop attendees is $190 for the 4 days. Special senior rate is $160 per person for all those over age 62. Fee includes all the materials to form, paint and fire the pottery, all of which the students may take home to use after the series. Each student will receive one formed unfired pot to learn finishing and painting techniques. Clay is provided to form a separate original pot, a bowl, burnishing finishing and polishing implements, paint brush, paint all that is needed for the dung firing.  Lunch is on your own. You may wish to bring your lunch with you and picnic at the nearby Lucky J. Water and complimentary beverages will be available for participants during the class hours. Exact class times my vary slightly according to the wishes and needs of the Master Potters.  The series #1 begins with two evening classes, starting Thursday Oct. 26 and Friday Oct. 27 from 6 pm – 10 pm.  On the weekend, classes shift to a daytime schedule. Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3 or 4 pm, culminating in the exciting outdoor dung firing process for all the newly made pottery. Well known Master Mata Ortiz potters Dan and Elda Gonzales, will be teaching this second session #2 will be all daytime classes from 10 am to 3 pm starting on Thursday November 2 through Sunday November 5. Nicolas Quezada and his son Leonel Quezada have been invited to teach the series. Major credit cards accepted. Call (505) 649-7074 to reserve your place and pay your tuition fee. For additional information, contact event coordinator Victoria Ryan: cell 925 212 4573 or email sonnymelendres@sbcglobal.net

October 27
Day of the Dead Reading for the Ancestors
Cultural Center de Mesilla, 2231 Calle de Parian, Mesilla, 7pm. Join us for this Open Mic. Free. 505-526-6220, 505-523-3988.  www.borderbookfestival.org

October 27
Halloween Havoc
Club Fusion, 101 E. Union Avenue.  7 pm - 11 pm.  A dance held at Club Fusion to have teens come out in Halloween costumes, win costume contest, and have a whole lot of FUN!  Individual, group and couple pictures will be provided. $3 admission.  505-541-5181.

October 27
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Hershel Zohn Theatre at New Mexico State University, on Jordan Street. 10 pm.  Film screenings presented by American Southwest Theatre Company. Audiences are encouraged to “dress up” for this cult classic event and bring props. Now is the time to see it, whether they are die-hard fans or a first-timer. Admission is $5 and prop bags will be available at the theatre for an additional $5 and will have everything you need to enjoy the film.  Door prizes will be given away.  Doors open at 9 pm.  Call for details at 505-646-4515.  www.nmsu.edu

October 27
Steve Smith and Jim Hurst
Black Box Theatre, 430 North Downtown Mall, 8 pm. will perform at 8 p.m. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 505- 526-8884/505-523-0603/505-525-0559. www.desertnight.com

October 27
Stargazing Event
Tombaugh Observatory east of Williams Avenue, New Mexico State University, 8 pm. Weather permitting, participants will observe the mountains and craters on the waxing crescent moon, Pleiades, the globular cluster in Hercules, the Ring Nebula, and the Andromeda and the Milky Way Galaxies. Hosted by New Mexico State University Astronomy Department. Free and all ages are welcome. 505-646-4438.

October 27 - 28
Annual Baby Boomer Expo
Dickerson's Event Center, 3920 W. Picacho Avenue. 9 am - 4 pm.  Over 70 informational exhibits, plus samples and give aways. Music and food, plus much more!  $2 admission fee.  505-640-3273. swsenior@zianet.com or www.lionsclubs.org

October 27 - 28
New Mexico State University Contemporary Dance Theater present "Walk in the Desert"
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall.  October 27 at 9 am, 10:30 am and 12;30 pm for school kids. October 28 at 10 am and 2 pm.  This is a show for kids, and it's a Southwest version of "Peter and the Wolf". Call for admission. 505-646-2070.  www.nmsu.edu

October 27 - 28 & 31
lo-fi productions present “Bat Boy:  The Musical"
Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court Avenue.  8 pm. By Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming and Laurence O'Keefe, directed by Brandon Brown. 505-650-3496. $5. lo_fiproductions@hotmail.com

October 27 – November 2
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "House of Sand"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. Two abandoned women in 1910 aided by a runaway slave. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 7:30 pm nightly with additional shows Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287. www.fountaintheatre.org

October 27 – November 6
Jose Tena's Dia de los Muertos altar
Las Cruces Art Museum on the North Downtown Mall. Admission is free. Open to the public. 505-541-2137.

October 28
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
Trails West Senior Community, 1450 Avenida de Mesilla.  9 am - 2 pm.  Wonderful hamcrafted items, great for your holiday shopping.  Don't Miss It!  505-505-524-9226.

October 28
Harvest Festival
Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Avenue.  Call for times.  Come out and enjoy a great ghoulie evening with your friends.  There will be costume contest, prizes, candy, food, games and fun!  Free and open to the public.  505-541-2563.

October 28
Haunted Warehouse Harvest Nights
Community Action Agency Warehouse, 320 E. Wyatt Drive.  7 pm - 11 pm.  $5,000 prize given to the last ticket drawn, costume encouraged but optional, prizes for costumes, hauntingly awesome auction items, steak dinner and dance. Don't Miss the Fun and must be 21 years of age and older.  Admission fee is $100 a couple and will include 2 drinks with admission fee.  505-541-7953.

October 28
Lake Lucero Tour
White Sands National Monument, 45 miles east on Highway 70.  9 am.  A 3-hour trip to the dry lake that is the source of the white sands.  Drive 18 miles (one way) and hike 3/4 mile to Lake Lucero.  Explore the geology and biology of this unique area. Advance registration is required two weeks prior to tour date. $3 per person, children $1.50.  505-679-2599/505-479-6124. www.nps.gov/whsa

October 28
Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market "Costume Capers" Trick or Treat Downtown
Downtown Mall and Las Cruces Avenue.   8 am - 12:30 pm.  Costume Contest.  Local and in-state growers sell produce in season as well as honey, herbs, baked goods, spices, salsa, chile ristras and landscape plants.  Crafters from Dona Ana County sell a variety of handcrafted items including jewelry, woodwork, candles, pottery, fine art, needlework, furniture, leather works, clothing, birdhouses, knives, photography, and gourds.  Don't be surprised if you see hordes of ghouls, witches, elves and werewolves prowling through the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.  There will be trick or treating, music, games, a craft table, costume contest and a whole lot of fun!  Come down to the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market in your best costume and have the vendors and merchants greet you with sweet treats and Halloween trinkets.  This is a free event.  All ages are welcome!  505-541-2288/505-541-2554.  ohennessey@las-cruces.org or fcmarket@las-cruces.org or
www.las-cruces.org

October 28
Magic Carpet StoryTime
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N Downtown Mall. 11:30 am. Free Celebrity Reader. 505-523-6403.  http://daarts.org or info@daarts.org

October 28
Mesilla Valley Film Society presents, "Crossing Arizona"
Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. New Mexico Connection Film. Up to date as the nightly news but far more in depth about immigration and border policy. The Mesilla Valley Film Society offers independent, foreign and alternative films. Screenings are at 1:30 pm and 4 pm.  Admission is $6 regular, $4 Mesilla Valley Film Society members or on Wednesday, $5 Sunday matinee or senior 55+ or student with identification.  For more information, contact 505-524-8287. www.fountaintheatre.org

October 28
Mesilla Valley Road Runners Motorcycle Run
Start and registration at Barnett's Harley Davidson.  9 am - 12 noon.  Food, live music and door prizes.  With the last stop at Sun Lanes Q Time Patio 3 pm- 4 pm.  505-526-8855.

October 28
New Mexico State University Aggies Volleyball Team vs Utah State
Las Cruces High School Gym, 1755 El Paseo Road. 7 pm.  505-646-1420/866-672-8524.  www.nmstatesports.com or www.ticketmaster.com

October 28
New Mexico State University Battle of the Bands
New Mexico State University, Aggie Memorial Stadium on Payne Street.  All day event beginning at 8 am.  $10 adults, 12 - 6 years of age $5 and 5 and under free. 505-646-2304505-646-1420.   www.nmsu.edu

October 28
New Mexico State University Music Department Dona Ana Lyric Opera present “Second Annual Thelma Medoff Endowment Concert” with Special Guest Donald Groves, Tenor
New Mexico State University, Music Center Recital Hall, North Horseshoe Circle and Espina Street. 8 pm in the Music Center Recital Hall.  Call for admission fee. 505-646-2421.  www.nmsu.edu/~music/

October 28
Pet Expo
Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Avenue.  9 am - 3 pm.  The event will include a Halloween costume contest for pets.  There will be a Code 3 Associates animal rescue vehicle on hand, along with police-dog training demonstrations.

October 28
Picacho Peak Hike led by Southwest Environmental Center
The area around Picacho Peak is now open to the public, so for our last Celebration of Our Mountains hike, Greg Magee, author of Southwest Environmental Center’s Dayhikes and Nature Walks, leads this hike to the top of Picacho and into Box Canyon just outside Las Cruces.  Rating is Difficult - 6 miles, 1,200 elevation gain; bring serious hiking footwear. Southwest Environmental Center, 275 North Downtown Mall, 505-522-5552.

October 28
Sugar Skull Decorating Event
Cultural Center de Mesilla, 2231 Calle de Parian, Mesilla, 10 am - 5 pm. Dias de Los Muertos Sugar Skull Decorating workshop with Patricia Minjarez. $5 children under 12, $10 age 12 and older. Join us as we decorate the traditional sugar skulls for the ancestors. Wear comfortable clothing and bring an apron, if you have one.  All materials provided, and you are welcome to bring your own beads, sequins, photos, etc. 505-526-6220, 505-523-3988 www.borderbookfestival.org

October 28
Taste of Home Cooking School "Fall Flavors"
Mayfield High School, 1955 N. Valley Drive.  Doors open to vendor booth guy at 4 pm, doors open to cooking-school gym at 5:30 pm, and show begins at 6 pm.  Free gift bags (value $40) and enter your best desser receipe to win!  Tickets can be purchased at Las Cruces Sun-News, 256 W. Las Cruces Avenue.  505-541-5400/800-745-5851.

October 28 - 29 & November 2
Annual Dia de los Muertos
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  Saturday and Sunday 12 noon - 7 pm, November 2nd candlelight procession at 6 pm.  Celebrate the Day of the Dead with lots of music and food.  Join the candlelight procession as the dead are remembered.  Homemade altars are on display and a giant piñata is broken open.  Monday workshop, Tuesday Dia of the Dead stories and folklore. The celebration also features a procession to San Albino Cemetery at 6 pm. Free and open to the public.  505-647-2639/505-640-5800/505-647-3347/505-524-3262. pkingduck@zianet.com or www.oldmesilla.org

October 28 - 29
USSSA - One-Pitch Softball Tourney  - Men’s Class D
Harty Fields, 1840 E. Hadley Avenue.  8 am - midnight.  505-541-1889.  www.nmusssa.com

October 29
Mariachi Sundays
Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28.  3 pm - 5 pm. Free and open to the public.  505-525-1735/505-524-3262/505-528-7070. kmedina_tom@comcast.net

October 29
Rio Grande Marathon: Marathon/M Relay/Half-M Run & Fitness Walk/5K run & Fitness Walk. Marathon is the Marathon Championship
Call for location, times and registration. 505-524-7824. doneugenia@aol.com

October 29
Walk Dona Ana Walk "Costume Fun Walk"
Downtown Mall, Las Cruces Avenue.  Registration at 8:30 am, walk begins at 9 am.  505-541-2581.

December 29 - January 14
"Woman Before a Glass" by Lanie Robertson
Black Box Theatre, 430 North Downtown Mall.  Directed by Ceil Herman. Starring Toni Marie as Peggy Guggenheim. “Smoking, drinking, name-dropping, art, men, and the men who make art...introduces us to the sensational history of Ms Guggenheim." (NY Times). Call (505) 523-1223 for performance times, prices and reservations. http://www.no-strings.org

October 30
The Animals Ball
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705 S. Telshor Blvd.  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Children!  Pre-school through 5th grade with parents!  Face painting, musical games and dances, singing and "La Marcha", the Singing Men of Las Cruces, instruments petting Zoo and much, much more!  Free Eats!  Prizes! Dancing!  Games! Arts! Crafts! Animal Costume Parade!  Admission:  one new orgently used children's book (or a bag of candy). 505-525-2909.

October 31
Halloween Party and Costume Contest
El Patio, 2171 Calle de Parian on the Mesilla Plaza.  Cash prizes for Best Costume and Sexiest Costume.  $2.  505-526-9943.

October 31
Heroes Unmasked Family Fall Festival
Sierra Vista Community Church, 514 N. Telshor Blvd.  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.  Family friendly costumes welcome.  Admission:  1 bag of candy per family.  505-526-9535.

October 31
Little Halloween Monster Mash
Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 S. Telshor Blvd.  5 pm - 8 pm.  Costume contest begins at 5 pm.  Registration at the court near Gordon's Jewelry.  Trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under 6 pm - 8 pm.  505-522-1001.