The 2nd Annual West Texas Heritage Festival – A Fusion of Cultures returns to Centennial Park Midland on Saturday, October 5th. This free, dynamic festival, held from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, once again highlights West Texas’ rich cultural diversity and culminates with a free concert by the legendary band The Wailers beginning at 7:00 PM. Reach high tide.
After winning the NETA National Public Media Award at the inaugural West Texas Heritage Festival, Basin PBS hosts an even bigger and better event this year, showcasing an even more diverse lineup of cultural experiences and entertainment We are proud to be able to do this, the news release said.
This year’s festival is made possible through the generous support of Midland Energy, Inc., Abell-Hanger Foundation, DMMD, City of Midland, Roy Nelson/State Farm, and Centennial Park Midland. Their unwavering commitment to community and cultural celebration ensures that this event is free and open to all.
New this year:
Chief Watching Wolf, a Native American from the Trans-Pecos region, will perform a spiritual blessing, host a cultural tent, and provide festival attendees with an opportunity to experience authentic Native American traditions. The Choctaw Nation will also have their own cultural tent on display, showcasing their rich traditions and customs. Kevin Bloom will perform as Desert Island Pan, West Texas’ first and only steel pan performer, taking the stage in front of The Wailers and adding his unique musical flavor to the festival. There will be over 25 cultural booths including representatives from Scotland, Scandinavia, China, Hispanics, Africa and more. The Imagination Station mobile bus will be on site to provide interactive and educational activities for children. A variety of food trucks offer delicious dishes to satisfy every palate.
Interactive experience for kids:
As always, the Basin PBS KIDS tent offers a dedicated interactive area for children. Children can embark on a fun and educational adventure with Heritage Passport Activities.
Here’s how it works:
Collecting a Heritage Passport: Children can collect their Heritage Passport at the gate. Visit booths and collect stamps: Children will visit various cultural booths and learn about West Texas’ diverse heritage. Learn and explore: Each booth will feature unique facts and stories, along with a special stamp for your passport. Collect all stamps to win prizes: After collecting all stamps, kids can return to the Basin PBS KIDS tent to receive special prizes.
“We are very excited to bring back the West Texas Heritage Festival for a second year and even bigger,” Basin PBS CEO and General Manager Laura Wolf said in a release. “With an incredible lineup of cultures, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich blend of traditions and learn how these communities shape our vibrant region. This free event It’s a gift to Texas, and with The Wailers on stage, it’s a truly inclusive celebration that will give everyone something to remember.”
As the sun sets, the festival transforms into a lively concert venue with a free performance by The Wailers as part of the Legends 40th Anniversary Tour. Known around the world for their iconic reggae sound and timeless hits, The Wailers are committed to delivering an unforgettable musical experience.
West Texas Heritage Festival – A Fusion of Cultures is a unique opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate our shared heritage, and enjoy a day full of inspiration and joy. Thanks to our sponsors, this event is completely free for all participants. Stay up to date and share your experiences using the official event hashtag #WTXHeritageFest.