LAS CRUCES, N.M., Aug. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Designed to celebrate all three national monuments in the Las Cruces area, as well the wealth of events and activities that the region has to offer, Monuments to Main Street is a full month of events that showcase the vibrant culture, natural beauty, and rich history of the destination. Hosted by Visit Las Cruces, the September celebration offers a rich experience for all visitors and locals alike.

Monument and history buffs will want to explore the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, the iconic White Sands National Monument, and the fascinating Prehistoric Trackways National Monument. A variety of guided tours and excursions provide visitors a better understanding of the history of the Mesilla Valley. Some tours require prior registration; visit http://www.Monuments2MainStreet.com for more details on timing and fees.

Visitors and locals are invited to take tours, sample southern New Mexico cuisine, and catch some sunshine beneath New Mexico skies in events ranging from Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument Aerial Tours and Billy The Kid Tours, to live Flamenco shows, film festivals, off-roading tours, corn mazes, and everything in between.

Each day throughout the month will provide an intriguing array of options to explore. Here are a few of the weekend highlights:

September 7-9

• 7th – The Prado in Las Cruces, an exhibit of 92 photographically-reproduced pieces from the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain will be on display outdoors in downtown Las Cruces. The exhibit opens during the Downtown Art Ramble on Friday, September 7, and will be on display through November 28th. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at the Plaza stage and will feature a performance by flamenco dancers.
• 8th – Join the party for the Monuments to Main Street Kick-Off Fiesta on Mesquite Street from 4-9pm at Klein Park located at 155 N Mesquite Street. Live music by Phat Soul, folklorico dancing, stagecoach rides, and more will be launching the month-long event at Klein Park. History-lovers and adventure-seekers alike will be thrilled to take the Billy the Kid tour, and the "Organ Mountains City to Sky" helicopter tour. Music lovers are invited to a performance by Emiarte Flamenco at the historic Rio Grande Theatre at 7pm.
• 9th – Southwest Expeditions hosts an El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and New Mexico Wild hosts a Slot Canyon Tour.

September 14-16

• 14th – The Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the New Mexico State University orchestra to fill the night with music during "Pops Under the Stars" in the Plaza de las Cruces. The historic Rio Grande Theater will feature a Wild and Scenic Film Festival, hosted by Friends of Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks, a night of environmental and adventure films that will inspire activism and transport viewers to the farthest reaches of the globe.
• 15th – The Apollo Astronaut Training Site Plane Tour at Kilbourne Hole Crater
• 16th – WWII Bombardier Targets Aerial tour, and Monumental Jeep Tour at Kilbourne Hole Crater

September 22-23

• 22nd – Yoga in the Monument
• 23rd – Old West Stagecoach Rides

Full Moon Hikes at White Sands National Monument (reservations required), The Apollo Astronaut Training Site tour at Kilbourne Hole Crater, and Monumental Jeep Tour to Tonuco Mountain.

Wednesday-Sunday September 27-30

Plein Air Competition kicks off on the 27th and competing artists have three days to paint anywhere in Doña Ana County and White Sands National Monument. For more information about the competition, registration, and fees, go to http://www.Locallascruces.com, call LCGCC CEO/President Carrie Hamblen at 575-323-1575, or contact at carrie@nmgreenchamber.com.

• 29th – Organ Mountain City to Sky Plane Tour, Aden Crater and Lava Flow: Rugged Wonderland Tour
• 30th – Culture Tour at Apache Flats

The month concludes with the Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo from September 26 – 30.

Visit http://www.Monuments2MainStreet.com for an updated list of daily events and full descriptions and fees, where required..

About Las Cruces
Nestled in southern New Mexico's Mesilla Valley between the Rio Grande River and Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is quickly becoming a popular southwestern destination. Visitors can experience 72 holes of spectacular year-round golf; world-class Mexican food along the Green Chile "Walk of Flame" and throughout the region, complemented by the Mesilla Valley Wine Trail and the Las Cruces Ale Trail. Birding, cycling and hiking draw outdoor lovers, and nearby White Sands National Monument is the only spot on the planet of its kind. The Sixth Annual Las Cruces Country Music Festival will be headlined by Dwight Yoakam October 19-21, and Christmas in Cruces welcomes the holiday season in early December. Las Cruces blends a unique variety of such special events, attractions, culture and historical sites, as well as superb weather, with 350 days of sunshine per year. For more information on all Las Cruces has to offer, contact Visit Las Cruces at (575) 541-2150 or visit http://www.visitlascruces.com.

Note to Media: High-res images of Las Cruces are available.
Contact:
Jamila Gilbert, Visit Las Cruces
jgilbert@las-cruces.org
575.528.3786

Peggy Bendel, Bendel Communications International
Peggy@BendelCommunications.com
917.969.9919

SOURCE Visit Las Cruces