ANNUAL EVENTS
Marathon hosts several events each year and the public is welcome to attend. In addition to our annual events, there are many pop-up events throughout the year, like chili cookoffs, live music, wine tastings, and more. Be sure to check with your choice of lodging about what's going on and stay up-to-date by following our social media accounts.
FISH FRY
February 22, 2025 at 6:00pm
Friends of Marathon Community fundraiser. Fish fry with auction and live music, hosted at the Marathon Community Center.
4TH OF JULY DANCE
July 5th, 2025 at 6:00pm
Friends of the Post host the annual 4th of July Dance at Post Park,
A Marathon tradition for over 100 years.
A full weekend of events is schedule every July 4th Weekend around the Dance at Post Park
including Fireworks, Parade, Chili Cook-offs, All-School Reunions, BBQs, and more!
Marathon Volunteer Fire Department and the Marathon Independent School District
also hold annual fundraiser events throughout 4th of July Weekend.
See the 2024 4th of July Weekend Schedule of Events for more info.
VIVA BIG BEND
July 23-27, 2025
The 14th annual Viva Big Bend music festival will be July 23-27, 2025.
Featuring 65+ shows in more than a dozen venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio and Fort Davis.
Marathon Venues include The Ritchey and the Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ.
VivaBigBend.com for more info.
MARATHON SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
August 7-9, 2025
Presented by the Gage Hotel and Brick Vault Brewery and BBQ. From intimate solo sets around town to big nights at the Gage Gardens and the Gage Dance Court, there's something for every lover of song at this Festival. 2025's lineup includes David Hodges, David Ryan Harris, Bri Bagwell, Walt Wilkins, Charlie Stout, Josh Grider, and Drew Kennedy.
www.marathonsongs.com for more info
WEST FEST CABRITO COOKOFF
September 19 & 20, 2025
West Fest Cabrito Cook Off is a family friendly cookoff with categories judged over two days in steak, margaritas, salsa, brisket, chicken halves, dessert, and cabrito. Come enjoy the friendly competition!
6TH ANNUAL JOHN PRINE TRIBUTE AT FRENCH CO.
October 10, 2025 at 6:00pm
John Prine Night is an annual gathering at The French Co. Grocer to celebrate the life, music, and spirit of John Prine.
This event is not affiliated with the Prine family, although we’d more than welcome them all any time.
Hosted by Sam Stavinoha, the owner and proprietor of The French Co. Grocer, and emceed by artist and lunatic M. Walker,
the event occurs each October on the weekend nearest to Prine’s birthday (October 10).
Each year features a new theme based on lyrics, song titles, album titles,
or stuff John Prine enjoyed (like Christmas and hot dogs).
Featuring delicious and made-to-order food, libations, performance art, music, and surprises that delight the senses.
For more information: https://blowupyour.tv/
MARATHON2MARATHON
October 25, 2025
The biggest Marathon event of the year for our 420 person town. The whole town gets involved to support the racers and put on the race. 450-500 racers, from 25 states and 7 different countries attend M2M, a Boston Marathon Qualifier. 10K, 5K, marathon and half-marathon. Must be completed in under 6 hours, so running only. Shirt and medal for everyone who crosses the finish line. Pasta Dinner and BBQ Lunch to follow. With 100% of the proceeds going to the Marathon Health Center, M2M is so much more than a race!
FIESTA DE NOCHE BUENA
December 6, 2025
Always on the 1st Saturday in December.
Fiesta de Noche Buena is a local tradition when residents, artists, businesses, and visitors ring in the holiday season on the town's main strip. Santa Claus parades into town with Marathon Volunteer Fire Department vehicles and greets children in the lobby of Trans Pecos Bank. People visit and tailgate along the Main Street. Shops stay open late with seasonal offerings. Live music and food offerings make this a festive event. Hosted by Marathon Chamber of Commerce.