3 Best Performing Arts in Las Cruces, Southwestern New Mexico

Tierra del Encanto Ballet Folklorico performs folk dances of Mexico at the annual weekend in November.

New Mexico State University presents lectures, concerts, sports, and other special events at its Pan American Center.

A rare two-story adobe theater, the Rio Grande was restored and refurbished inside and out in 2005. This 1926 vintage movie house now functions as performing-arts space. Note the spritely colored blue-and-green bas-relief trim on the brick-, tile-, and stucco Italian Renaissance facade; the classically incised tin ceiling; and the bright-red neon sign. With 422 seats—including a balcony—it's just the right size for the film series, spoken word, and live music events it currently hosts.