Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7, 2025
MIDLAND, TEXAS — (July 15, 2025) The Museum of the Southwest is proud to announce the return of its 56th Annual SeptemberFest, taking place September 5–7, 2025. This treasured community tradition is the Museum’s longest-running and most cherished fundraiser, supporting year-round exhibitions, educational programs, preservation of historic buildings, and daily operations.
This year’s festival brings together 40+ acclaimed artists from across the country, immersive family programming, and community-wide celebration, all set across the Museum’s beautiful campus.
SeptemberFest Weekend Highlights
Saturday, September 6 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, September 7 | 12 PM – 5 PM
- 40+ artist booths featuring fine art and handmade works
- Live artists’ demonstrations from Trinity Glass Blowers with Paige Gates, Spooner Marcus, Midland College Ceramics, and more.
- Bleeck Art’s Community Mural, local artist Audrey DeBleecker of Bleeck Art will design a mural for the community to help paint.
- KinderFest: 20+ community partners from Wagner Noël PAC to Basin PBS and Sibley Nature Center hosting family activities, the Children’s Museum will be open for play, mini golf will be on site, the sound garden will be open, and kids can also enjoy face painting.
- Live Pachyderm Painting: Guests will have the unique opportunity to watch an pachyderm create live artwork. An animal education specialist will also be available to share information about elephants, preservation efforts, and the importance of wildlife conservation. A limited amount of 3D-printed commemorative mini pachyderms will be available for attededees.
- Planetarium activities include science experiments with Midland College and dome shows.
- Opening of the Penelope Gottlieb exhibition and the final chance to view Midland Collects – a collection of 30+ artworks on display from private collections of Midlanders.
Weekend Admission:
* Adults: $12
* Children: $8
* Free for children under 3
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.museumsw.org/septemberfest or at the gates. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged; advance ticket purchasers will have a “Fast Lane” entrance into the Museum grounds.
Friday, September 5: Preview Party | 3–7 PM
Be the first to shop the artist booths while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, and live music by Current Nine. A silent auction featuring original works by Jon Flaming, Rachel Dory, Taos Society of Artists, and original Merritt Mauzey litographs.
* Tables (seating for 6 – 10): Start at $1,500 with entry from 3 – 7 PM
* Advanced Admission Tickets: $150 for nonmembers and $125 for members, with entry from 5 – 7 PM
* Early reservations recommended as the event is known to sell out
Underwriting and sponsorship opportunities are available all proceeds directly support the Museum’s mission. Please visit www.museumsw.org/septemberfest to learn more, purchase tickets, or reserve sponsorship.
Calling All Artists
Artists interested in exhibiting can apply at museumsw.org/septemberfest. Applications close August 1, 2025, at midnight. Accepted participants will be announced in early August.
Whether you’re discovering new artists, painting with your kids, or simply soaking in the music, food, and fun, SeptemberFest 2025 will be a weekend to remember. Celebrate art, culture, and community while supporting one of Midland’s most vital cultural institutions.
For updates visit www.museumsw.org/septemberfest.
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