Last night (August 29, 2026) was the second and final night of Hobbs, New Mexico's annual Hobbs August Nites festival.
It began in 1997 when I was in high school, but had a few years of inactivity. Not sure why that was exactly, but I like seeing it back.
This entirely free-to-the-pubic event features a car show with a Saturday morning car cruise, a concert starting at 6:30 p.m., food trucks, vendors, and other family activities. Tickets were not required.
For me this event also marks the slow decline towards fall in the southeastern part of the state. It doesn't cool off fast until November, but at least after this event the morning temperatures seem to get a bit cooler.
The festivities take place at the Zearl and Dimple Young Plaza. I'm originally from Hobbs and I have never heard of this area referred to it as that. The concert at least is in downtown Hobbs where Turner, Dunnam, Shipp, and Broadway Streets form to make a rectangle.
This year due to a prior commitment on Friday night, I missed comedian Dusty Slay.
However, last night my 13-year-old daughter pretty much loved going to the front of the stage to listen to Alien Ant Farm. She's an aspiring guitarist so this was perfect for her. The ringing ears. The excitement of seeing if you'll get a free item thrown your way at the end. The band still sounds great.
Bring cash or card. Most vendors accepted both. This year my oldest and I had tacos from The Big Blue Kitchen and hand-crafted drinks from Sips on 66. All of the vendors were super friendly. We loved that.
Also, bring a lawn chair if you have one or stand for the concert or try scoring a spot on the small section of bleachers.
There seemed to be at least a dozen porta potties in various areas. I didn't use them, but my daughter said the one she used was reasonably clean.
Street and lot parking is scattered all around. I personally like the Western Commerce Bank area because several law enforcement vehicles were parked nearby plus that building has cameras and a safe pedestrian route.
My main complaint was the very unartistic, exceedingly out-of-line and hateful graffiti on the back of one of the buildings. How could the owners allow that to stay? read more