Southwest Metalfest is the Southwest’s premiere metal showcase which has featured over 30 regional metal acts in the first three years of its existence, and has been supported by sponsorship from many local area businesses. For the 4th annual event, it will feature 2 stages and 18 bands from New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. The home of SWMF is at the Grapevine Plaza/Picacho Peak Brewing Company on Picacho Avenue in Las Cruces NM, as they have been long time supporters of the local music scene.
The showcase began in July 2023 when Travis Manning and Nasty Cactus Music teamed up with Amador Live, Skull kings Productions, Quantum Links Marketing, Hubbard’s Music and a bunch of local area metal bands, to bring the first annual metal music festival to the Mesilla Valley. It was quickly evident that there was a large contingency of “metal heads” in the area with approximately 300-500 people showing up. The success continued for the 2nd annual event in 2024 with another crowd of 300-500 people. The 3rd annual event in 2025 was moved to the Grapevine Plaza / Picacho Peak Brewing Company on Picacho Ave due to the closing of Amador Live and the success continued with another great turnout of 300-500 people and a day full of awesome bands and music, vendors, and tasty food trucks.
We continue that tradition in 2026 with the 4th annual event, once again at the Grapevine Plaza/Picacho Peak Brewery. The show has always been an all age event and this year will be only $10 at the door for entry! There will be giveaways all day long with a guitar giveaway at the end of the night! Make your plans now for Saturday August 22rd 2pm-Midnight! ALL AGE!! $10 at the door!
This year’s amazing sponsors: Nasty Cactus Music, Hubbard’s Music, Lorenzo’s, QLM Multi-Media Co, U.F.O. Dispensary (Ultimate Flower Odyssey), Rock 104.9, Michelle Smith – Exit Realty, and Plumber Johnson.