GRANTS, N.M. - The Rugged West is rolling back into town with a full weekend of music, motors, and community—three days that promise to highlight the beauty of Cibola and the businesses that make it thrive.
The weekend opens Friday, Sept. 19, at Fire & Ice Park, where the evening belongs to New Mexico favorite Darren Cordova, with Dynette Marie and Nathaniel Krantz setting the stage from 6 p.m. to midnight. Saturday stretches into an all-day affair from noon to midnight, turning the park into a Route 66 block party as Danny Duran, Power Drive, Jeremy Sanchez, and Black Pearl Band NM keep the crowd dancing and vendors busy. Food, drinks, and shopping will ring the lawn—so bring chairs and blankets and settle in for the show (and yes, Grants… dust off those dancing boots).
Tickets for the music nights are $40 preferred and $30 general. Youth tickets are $10, and children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets and festival details are posted at VisitGrants.com/Rugged-West. A direct ticket link for Friday’s headliner is available at tickets.holdmyticket. com/tickets/451463?tc =hmt.
On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20–21, the action shifts to the Grants Rodeo Grounds & Cow Palace (Exit 81) for the SXS & ATV Rodeo, where the dust flies and buckle dreams get real. Grand Entry is at 10 a.m. both days; gate is $10 per person and kids 12 & under are free. Dry camping is $20. Events include Barrel Race ($30), Poles ($30), Flags (partner, $30), Rescue Race (partner, $30), a 4D format (handicap) SXS, and an ATV straight race. Buybacks are allowed; to enter, text 505-793-2287 and pay before books close at 9 a.m., Sept. 20. (Late fees apply, and contestants must enter both days to be eligible for buckles to average winners.)
Vendors are still being accepted for the park and rodeo venues, with the Chamber encouraging local entrepreneurs to grab a spot and meet the crowds. And in a nod to the partners who help make weekends like this possible, the Chamber offered a public thank-you to Parkhurst Pharmacy, which renewed its membership as a VIP Investor Member— support that helps fuel community events and small-business growth throughout Cibola County.
For festival information, vendor inquiries, or general questions, contact the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce at (505) 240-1388 or visit VisitGrants. com/Rugged-West. Two days of music, two days of rodeo—one unforgettable Grants weekend.