SAN LUIS VALLEY — While many students spent the early days of summer relaxing in the sun, a motivated group of rising fourth- through seventh-graders from across the San Luis Valley are participating in something a little different: hands-on learning, problem-solving, and a whole lot of creativity. 

ALAMOSA — You can count on the Alamosa Live Music Association to provide free live music in Alamosa's Cole Park all summer long with its Sundays at Six concert series. If you missed out on Selasee and the Fafa Family recently, we honestly feel bad for you. But don’t worry, we have another phenomenal band playing this Sunday, July 27, at 6 p.m. 

ALAMOSA — Three singer-songwriters — Emily Scott Robinson, Gabrielle Louise and Caitlin Cannon — are touring together, swapping their amazing songs and voices and, in a dynamic performance, will be sharing the stage at Society Hall on July 27. 

ALAMOSA — Farmers and other vendors celebrated the beginning of the summer mercado/market season at the Rio Grande Farm Park on July 16.  The market is on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. The next market, on July 23, will feature painter Regis Scott and a variety of vendors. 

CRESTONE — Nestled at the foot of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town of Crestone has long been a haven for eccentric and creative people. The food scene is diverse, featuring Italian, Cuban, Thai, Cajun, and other cuisines. 

DEL NORTE - The theme for this year’s Covered Wagon Days in Del Norte is “Spirits of Del Norte Past” and will pay homage to the 53-year-old event. From the beginning of Covered Wagon Days, the town of Del Norte focused on community and celebrating the coming harvest. This year’s event, Aug. 1-3, is shaping up to be the best one yet and the schedule is packed with something for everyone to enjoy. 

ALAMOSA — On Friday, July 18, the annual PALS (Positive Activities Lead to Success) Children's Talent Show at Richardson Hall will take place on the campus of Adams State University in Alamosa at 5:30 p.m. in Richardson Hall Auditorium. 

LA JARA — The La Jara Glory Days celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, featuring a free community breakfast, paintball tournament, a parade with cash prizes, vendors booths, a car show, a beer garden and live entertainment throughout the day. Vendors and parade participation is still open.   

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Live Music Association is again providing free live music in Cole Park, with its Sundays at Six concert series. As if the summer couldn’t get any better, Selasee and The Fafa Family will bring the house down this upcoming Sunday, July 20, at 6 p.m. with power-packed reggae grooves influenced by pop and West African Highlife genres with threads of English and West African lyrics to create an infectious experience that will have you dancing for weeks on end. Check them out at www.selaseemusic.com.  

ALAMOSA — One of the most beloved, poetic and widely-known singer-songwriters from the great state of Texas is coming back to Society Hall for a special solo show. 

SAGUACHE — A new affordable housing development supported by Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) will be built in Saguache.  Range View, a public-private partnership between Saguache County and Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. celebrated its groundbreaking on July 9. 

RIO GRANDE — Far downstream from the San Luis Valley, the Rio Grande runs through Big Bend National Park where river enthusiasts experience stunning canyons with 1,500-foot walls. Downstream, past the park and these deep canyons, the Rio flows through what is known as the Lower Canyons, a remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful area.  

SAGUACHE - On July 4, the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department and other fire departments rocked the town, with vendors, games, a dunk tank, a live DJ, delicious food and much more.  

CRESTONE - “Harmony in Diversity” was the theme for Crestone’s 4th of July Celebration, and all over Crestone Town Park, people of different cultures and walks of life could be seen enjoying themselves.  

CENTER - On July 4, Center enjoyed a Fourth of July celebration at Casa Blanca Park. 

CREEDE - Main Street in Creede was lined with hundreds of people in anticipation of the annual 4th of July Parade on Friday morning. Parade participants lined up all the way back along Main Street into the ATV staging areas for the Bachelor Loop as the celebrations kicked off for a full day of fun in the small mountain town. 

SOUTH FORK - A huge crowd gathered just outside the South Fork Fire Rescue (SFFR) building mid-morning on July 3 as they waited in line for the annual SFFR Catfish Fry. A delicious odor drifted along the slight breeze while volunteers and SFFR members toiled inside, frying up fresh fish for the waiting crowd.  

Family vacations are more than just time away from work and daily routines—they are opportunities to reconnect, create lasting memories, and recharge mentally. However, the excitement of planning a getaway can quickly turn into financial stress if not approached with a solid plan. The good news? With the right strategy, you can enjoy a fulfilling vacation without breaking the bank or sacrificing your long-term financial goals. 

ALAMOSA — In his book “A Tale of Two Colonies: Dutch Calvinists and Southern States Saints in the San Luis Valley”, author Bill Heersink chronicles the histories of these two groups.  

CONEJOS COUNTY — Bountiful Meats & Processing is a meat processing shop in Bountiful. The shop offers custom meat processing, wild game meat processing, and meat shares to fill your freezer. Jocelyn and Mitch Buhr own the shop and processing operation, which has seven employees.