A Weekend to Remember: Artesia’s Red Dirt Black Gold Festival Hits 10 Years
Join us for three days of unforgettable performances, local flavors, and community spirit in the heart of Artesia.
We are thrilled to celebrate the 10th Annual Red Dirt Black Gold festival – a milestone year for one of Artesia’s most anticipated events. This year’s celebration will expand to a three-day experience, taking place Thursday, September 11 through Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Artesia, New Mexico. The festival will also coincide with the National Championship Air Races and Air Show hosted in nearby Roswell, making Southeastern New Mexico a premier destination for the weekend.
This year, the festival will be held on Texas Street, offering downtown merchants an excellent opportunity to connect with and welcome shoppers into their locations. The entertainment lineup showcases both hometown talent and musicians from across the surrounding region. Attendees can look forward to an exciting variety of food truck vendors, unique retail and artisan booths, cornhole tournaments, and many fun activities for all ages. With live music, shopping, great food, and community fun, Red Dirt Black Gold promises to be a vibrant and memorable celebration.
Admission is $10 per day for guests ages 21 and older, while children and young adults 20 and under receive free entry. This entry fee represents exceptional value considering the wide range of entertainment and activities offered. Additionally, proceeds help support Artesia MainStreet initiatives, including beautification projects, preservation and economic development of our beautiful city, and more.
Red Dirt Black Gold is more than a celebration – it honors the hardworking people of southeastern New Mexico and recognizes the vital role the oil and gas industry plays in powering our community, which inspired the festival’s name. Attracting thousands annually, the event features outstanding musical performances and vibrant community activities that showcase Artesia’s spirit and pride.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Artesia for their steadfast support and funding, which help bring this event to life annually.
Lara Conklin,
Executive Director,
Artesia MainStreet
Lara Conklin
My name is Lara Conklin, and I am proud to be back in the town where it all began – Artesia, New Mexico. I married my high school sweetheart, Derek, and after we both graduated from Lubbock Christian University, we spent 16 years in Lubbock, Texas, raising our three wonderful children. When the opportunity came to return to Artesia, we knew it was more than just a move – it was a chance to come home and give back. This community has poured so much into our lives, and now we are excited to invest our time, energy, and heart into the people who make this place so special. As Artesia’s new MainStreet Director, I am truly delighted to step into a role that allows me to serve and celebrate the heart of our town.
