3 Best Performing Arts in Big Bend National Park, Texas

The Chinati Foundation, occupying 15 buildings on a 340-acre campus, is in the vanguard of the "minimalist" movement that defines the Marfa aesthetic. It emphasizes large installations and changes its exhibits regularly, and it has a well-attended annual open house. People fly from all over the country to view the collection, and the foundation conducts guided tours Wednesday through Sunday of its huge contemporary-art holdings. Guided tour times are subject to change based on availability. Advance reservations are encouraged via website, email, or phone.

Ballroom Marfa is part gallery, part live-music venue. Young, hip, modern, and undeniably cool, the Ballroom welcomes visitors Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday 10 to 3. Performers periodically take the stage on Friday and Saturday evenings. Ballroom Marfa closes at times for new installations; see the website for closures and the latest concert information.

Billed as "the world's first rodeo," The West of the Pecos Rodeo is held during the last week of June in Pecos (75 miles north of Fort Davis). Rodeo events take place throughout town, including a dance held each night after the roping, but the main event is conducted at Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena.