BIG THANKS to everyone who joined us for the opening reception of Arturo Bandini’s Grey Goo Gardens. GGG was made possible in part by the generous support of the City of Marfa, National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Ballroom Marfa Board of Trustees, and Ballroom Marfa members. Special shout outs to Nick Fisher for once again making the long haul from L.A. to serve his creatively curated cocktails; Jessica Koslow and Scott Barry of Sqirl for the amazing tasty treats; Hotel Brotherhood for an epic performance; and Michael Dopp and Isaac Resnikoff, the brains behind Arturo Bandini. Here are some images from the opening, courtesy of Alex Marks. More photos to come.

JOIN BALLROOM MARFA TODAY
SUPPORT ARTISTS
TRANSFORM THE FUTURE

Since 2013 Ballroom Marfa members have supported
the work of over 300 artists and musicians

Click here to make a tax deductible donation
to Ballroom Marfa before 2016 is over.

Join now,

Ballroom Marfa and Mexican Summer are presenting the fourth Marfa Myths over March 9-12, 2017 (buy tickets ). If you’re considering the journey, here are tips on how to get here.

MAKING THE VOYAGE
You can get to Marfa via plane; car; and train.

FLYING
The closest airports are El Paso and Midland, both about three hours away (directions from each here). Air travel to Marfa can be an all-day affair (unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the East Coast), so just steel yourself. Other notes:

• If you fly into El Paso, rent a car, pick up a snack at Taco Cabana or Pho Tre Bien, and blast the radio (El Paso’s Fox Jukebox is awesome; as you get closer to Marfa, tune in to Marfa Public Radio/KRTS 93.5). Driving after dark can be a bit grueling: if you can schedule it, roll into Marfa around sunset.

• If you are traveling to Marfa from El Paso, please be aware that the time zone changes from Mountain Time Zone to Central Standard Time, and you lose one hour.

• There is a municipal airport in Marfa (three miles from Marfa) and one in Alpine (26 miles from Marfa), which can service most private jets (for a list of charter companies, please see this list). The Marfa Visitor Center offers free pickups to anyone staying in a Marfa hotel or a city-taxed VRBO; and there’s a rental car service at both the Marfa and Alpine municipal airports.
Marfa Municipal Airport: (432) 729-4452
Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport: (432) 837-5929

 

Ballroom Marfa and Mexican Summer are presenting the fourth Marfa Myths over March 9-12, 2017 (buy tickets ). Check out our tips on getting to Marfa and read on about lodging options.

HOTELS
Marfa has five hotels (and one B&B):

El Cosmico
432.729.1950
El Cosmico is an 18-acre trailer, tent and teepee hotel and campground. Bicycles and wood-fired hot tubs are available to rent. A hammock grove and an outdoor kitchen with a fridge, sink and barbecue grills add to the bohemian vibe. Camping can be risky business in March in West Texas, but why not live dangerously?

Hotel Paisano
432.729.3669
West Texas gem. Restored hotel with original architectural details, plus an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The cast of Giant — Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson — stayed here during filming.

Hotel Saint George
432.729.3700
The Hotel Saint George offers 55 rooms, great views, two restaurants, and a bar/lounge, right in the heart of downtown Marfa. Texas Monthly voted it one of the ten best places to stay in Texas. The great Marfa Book Company is located in the lobby.

Riata Inn
432.729.3800
Roadside motel with big rooms and a cold pool. Cheapest option in town. Note: It’s easier to have a car if you stay here, though you can also rent a bike from Bike Marfa or Bizarro Bikes.

Thunderbird Hotel
877.729.1984
1950s motel converted into minimalist-chic retreat with modern art-laden rooms, a pool, and fire pits. Bicycles also available to rent. The cozy Capri restaurant and bar conveniently located across the street.

Marfa also has one bed and breakfast, the Arcon Inn, owned by Mona Garcia, who runs Marfa’s International Women’s Foundation (and reportedly is cousins with Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza).

Ballroom Marfa and Mexican Summer are presenting the Marfa Myths festival over March 9-12, 2017 (buy tickets ). Learn how to get here and where to stay, and check out our Marfa FAQ.

Where is Marfa?
Marfa is a small town of 2000 in Far West Texas, about three hours southeast of El Paso. For general info about Marfa, download our visitor guide — which has details about eating, tours, and shopping — or visit visitmarfa.com and Marfalist, where you can find event postings, ride shares, and more.

How much are tickets?
All-access passes are $160. A la carte tickets to individual shows range from $30 to $45. Visit the Marfa Myths ticket page for details.

How do I get to Marfa?
You can get to Marfa via car; plane; and train. If flying, fly into the Midland or El Paso airport, then rent a car to drive the remaining distance. Check out our Getting Here page for more info.

Where should I stay?
Marfa has five hotels — El Cosmico, Hotel Paisano, Hotel Saint George, Thunderbird Hotel, and Riata Inn — as well as many AirBnBs and VRBOs. There are also good options in both Fort Davis and Alpine. See our lodging recommendations for suggestions.

Are you selling a la carte event tickets?
Yes, individual tickets to each performance are available online. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the show per availability.

Where are my tickets?
All tickets are available at will call only – no tickets will be mailed. Please print or save your confirmation email for your records and bring it with you.

Can I get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable, but we are happy to transfer your ticket to someone else’s name if you can no longer attend. Please email [email protected] to transfer a ticket.

Is it all ages?
Yes, Marfa Myths is an all-ages festival. Remember to bring your ID to all venues should you want to drink alcohol.

What is your photo policy?
You are welcome to take photos and video for personal use – just be sure to tag us with #marfamyths. For press, please email us at [email protected] for more info. (Note: absolutely no drones allowed.)

Are you looking for volunteers?
Not at this time, but feel free to email us at [email protected].

What should I bring?
We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, layers (weather in March can fluctuate), maybe a hat, and a great attitude.

Can I camp?
Yes, El Cosmico offers camping. Just be aware that the temperatures in March can be chilly, so come prepared. Don’t have gear? El Cosmico has huckleberry tents for sale and sleeping bags to rent, or you can rent one of their safari tents (which have beds with heated mattress pads, in case the temperatures drop).

Can I bring my RV?
Please do! There are three RV camping locations in the area — Apache Pines RV Park, Tumble In RV Park, and El Cosmico. See our lodging page for more details.

Are there discounts for locals?
Yes! Tri-County residents can receive half-off a la carte tickets online with a special promo code, which is only available locally. Not valid on bundles.

What if I have more questions?
Email us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help. And during the fest, stop by Marfa Myths headquarters at Ballroom Marfa to get info, pick up maps, buy merch, and more.

—————————————

For general info about Marfa, you can download our visitor guide — which has more details about eating, tours, and shopping — or visit visitmarfa.com and marfalist.org, where you can find housing suggestions, ride shares, and more.

Ballroom Marfa and Mexican Summer are presenting the fourth Marfa Myths over March 9-12, 2017, and we hope you’re coming out for it (buy tickets ). Check out how to get here and where to stay, and read on for tips on eating in town.

HOURS HERE CAN BE WEIRD
Remember: Marfa is a town of 1900-ish people. It’s not a big city that offers all-hours convenience. Restaurants have odd hours, or can be closed unexpectedly.
Or open unexpectedly. When it comes to eating, just keep an open mind, be patient, adjust your expectations, and take comfort that Stripes (East location, YO!) is open 24-7.

Boyz 2 Men/Bad Hombres. Courtesy of David Beebe’s Instagram.

Ballroom Marfa and Mexican Summer are presenting the fourth Marfa Myths over March 9-12, 2017 (buy tickets ). Check out how to get here and where to stay, and read on for tips about what to do during your visit.

IN TOWN
Obviously there are loads of things to do in Marfa (wandering, shopping, eating, gallery cruising), but if you’re the more ambitious sort, here are a few around-town or near-town journeys:

Chinati Foundation
We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Chinati Foundation, the contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, artist Donald Judd. If you have any interest in contemporary art, or Minimalism, you really shouldn’t miss it. See the suite of tours here.

Judd Foundation
Judd Foundation holds and maintains artist Donald Judd’s private living and working spaces in Marfa, Texas. Comprised of a total of 15 spaces, these properties include studios installed with artwork by Judd and others, living quarters, ranch and architecture offices, and libraries, many of which are available to tour. As part of Marfa Myths, Judd Foundation is hosting an open viewing of The Block on Saturday, March 11, from 10am-1pm.

Photo by John Daniel Garcia

John Daniel Garcia talks with Graham Reynolds about the inspiration behind his Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance opera for the Big Bend Sentinel …

For Reynolds, who majored in Latin American history in college, the addition of Mexican culture was an important factor in choosing the subject of the opera.

“I wanted to dive more deeply into the landscape and the culture of Mexico and the West Texas border,” he said, adding that a trip to Mexico at age 9 sparked a life-long interest and affinity for the culture. “That trip with my parents was transformative. For the opera, we got [Mexico City-based theater collective] Lagartijas Tiradas Al Sol for the libretto. That was really important to me. I needed to have Mexican and Mexican-American collaborators for this project.”

Keep reading at Big Bend Now, and find more information about Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance at panchovillaopera.com. The production premieres in Marfa tonight, Friday November 11,

As part of our upcoming New York Gala honoring David Byrne and Jill Soloway, Ballroom Marfa and Paddle8 invite you to join us for an in-person and online benefit auction. Online bidding begins TODAY, Friday November 4, 2016, and closes at 10pm on Monday November 14. Bidding on select works will conclude as part of the live auction at the November 14 New York Gala. For details on specific lots, please visit Paddle8. The auction features works by John Baldessari, Larry Bell, Tara Donovan, Sam Falls, Loie Hollowell, Rashid Johnson, Paul McCarthy, Ed Ruscha, Yutaka Sone, Leo Villareal, Mary Weatherford, and more. See full list of available auction items by clicking here. All proceeds from the auction will support Ballroom Marfa as we continue to produce ambitious exhibitions; commission extraordinary works that are site-specific and site-inspired; enable profound cultural happenings and connections; and share the landscape of the Big Bend with a diversity of artists and musicians. Sam Falls
Untitled (Absentee 2),

Huge thanks to everyone who supported Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance on Kickstarter! We received the backing of 307 individuals and organizations from around the world, raising $54,440 to help realize this remarkable project. For more information on Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance, visit panchovillaopera.com. The opera will premiere at The Crowley Theater in Marfa on November 11 and 12, 2016. Tickets for the Saturday performance are sold out, but there are still seats for the VIP Friday show. Click here to reserve yours today!

Pancho Villa From a Safe Distance is made possible by these generous backers of our Kickstarter campaign:

Sandra Adair, Anne Adams, Peggy & Jim Adams, Sarah Adler, Pablo Alvarado, Chris Amatruda, Robert Arber, ArKtype/Thomas O. Kriegsmann, Art Production Fund, Susan Moore Ashcroft, Robin Aufses, Carol Austin, Austin Art Services, Jessica Ayers, B, bangskij, Melanie Barr, Elizabeth Baskin, Daphne Beal, R. Michael Berrier, Bruce Benson, Leah Bentley, Karen Bernstein, Jacqueline Berry, Heather Bhandari, Michael Bisbee, Stuart Bishop, Joe B. Bland, Erika Blumenfeld, Ted Bonin, Kristin Bonkemeyer, Alexia Bonomi, Suzanne Deal Booth, Luke Borders, Ryan Botkin, Bill Bragin, BRNNR, David Brody, Annie Bush, Anna Button, James C, Carole Carden, Cassie, John Caulkins, Grace Cha, Claire, Erika Clarke, S. Clements, Brooke Collins, Cynthia Collins, Teresa Corbin, Cristina, Stephen Curran, Michael Dahlke, Ann Daughety, Eric Davis, Janie DeGuerin, Brenda Delao, Paul Dery, Deborah Devins, L.B. Deyo, Fern Diaz, JD DiFabbio, Fairfax Dorn, John F Dorn, Hans Dorsinville, Drew, Pam Duerr, Glory Edim, David Egeland, Tahn Eismann, Emily, Elaine Emmi, Matt Emmi, AC Engell, Patrick Evans, Nina Fanti, Judd Farris, Jim Findlay, Jay Fitzgerald, Kerthy Fix, James Flyn, Dawn Forrest, Heather Forrester, Helen Winkler Fosdick, Katie Price Fowlkes, Julene Franki, Frazier-Brown, Douglas B Friedman, Mary Gaitan, Christine Garcia, Becky, Gardner, Rebecca Gardner, Cathy Gaubert, Trey Gerfers, Genevieve Gill, Lezlie Glade, Isabell Glimcher, Lilly Glimcher, Rebbecca Louise Goddammit, Golden Hornet Project, Matthew Goudeau, Ihor Gowda, Natalie Grand, Christine Green, Cheryl Guerrero, Mark Guiducci, Harvey Guion, Tom Haines, Laura Hajovsky, Luc Hale, Donna M Hall, Jim and Mary Hamilton, Robert Hammond, HappyRowan, Brian Harnetty, Dawn Hennessey, Brie Hensold, Tommy & Dee Hilfiger, Howard Hilliard, Remi Hisataka, Jessica Hodin, Tom Hollenback, Virginia Honig, Cedric Howe, Ioic, Nicki Ittner, Steph Itz, Mathew Jackson, JB, Catalina Maria Johnson, Jenny Johnson, Buck Johnston, Kendra Jones, Brian Jose, Dean Kameros, Randy Kaplan, Shelley Kaplan, Emily Keeton, Irene Keil, Danielle and Brooks Kieschnick, Tammy King, Beth Klehr, Megan Koch, Willa Koerner, koikuri, Sheryl L Kolasinski, Rex Koontz, Leslie Kuhn, Allie Laird, Jenny Laird, Virginia Lebermann, Jon Leland, Richard Leonarz, Mike Levy, Lisa, Liz, David Lobel, Tina & Michael Lobel, John Loner, Laura Lotti, Gary Luedecke, Robbie Luke, Katherine Magy, Ethan Maki, Billy Marginot, Mary, Max, Janet Maykus, Shannon McCormick, Willa McDonald, Kate McKenna, Mano Mercantile, Laura Merritt, The Meyer Levy Charitable Foundation, Kathryn Millan, Michael Mitchell, Polly Monear, Andrew Moore, Carol Moore, Phillip Moran, Phillipe Muller, Molly Murray, Keith Napoleon, Jason Neulander, Mike Nicholson, Fredrik Nilsen, Sharon Oberlander, Connor Oman, Kimberly Orr, Jon Otis, The Owl Wine Bar and Home Goods, Katherine Pan, Liz Pappademas, Tracy LaQuey Parker, Chase Pashkowich, Carolyn Pfeiffer, Stacy Pinelli, John Pitts, Bettina Prentice, Anita Prewett, Maria Giulia Prezioso, David Quin, Rajendra, Edia Ramey, Cassandra Ramirez, Rikhi Ramrakha, Joe Randel, Kendel Ratley, Renee Reed, Ginger Reeder, Raul Reymundi, George Reynolds, Graham Reynolds, Brooke Robinson, Isha Rogers, Lawrence Rogers, Victoria Rogers, Lees Romano, Michal Rosenn, Georgina Rovirosa, Jennifer Ash Rudick, Gryphon Rue, Charles Ruger, David Ruiz, Nancy Sanders, Katherine Sandoz, Valerie Santerli, Sara, Riccardo Sartori, Cindy Scroggins, Francisco Segura & Randy Rubio, Eugene Sepulveda, Jorge Sermini, Barbara Shack, Shane, Katherine Shaughnessy, Eiji Shimizu, Jay Shull, Laura Sico, Max Alexander Singer, siobhan, Kristin Sjoberg, Paul Smithyman, Joe Specht, Melanie Spiegel, Susan Spies, Caitlin Stedman, Steve, Steven, Stokes, Dena Stoner, Joey Story, Sara Story, DJ Stout, Yancey Strickler, Brooke Stroud, Robert Summers, Rima Suqi, Molly Surno, Diana D Sutton, Julie Swoope, Daryl Tanner, Katy Taylor, Lonn Taylor, Rachel Blackney Tepper, Frances and Robin Thompson, Laura Thoms, tizoctrevino, Jolene Torr, Dale Truitt, Max Tuncar, James Turnbull, Kristina Van Dyke & Jeff Fort, Signe Veje, Mike Vernusky, Leo Villareal, Beth Viner, T A Vogler, Molly Walker, Libby Walter, Eric Damon Walters, Tonya Walton, Julie Ann Ward, Katie Watkins, Dale Weaver, Andrew Webster, Meghan Wells, Billy Werb, Marissa Wertheimer, Allison Wheeler, Jenni Wieland, Melody Wilcocks, Brandon Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Janet Williams and Bill McDonald, Annie Wilson, Sarah Woodhatch, David Wright, Will Yankus, Jim Yoder, Alison Young, Nick Yulman,