From Staff Reports

Las Cruces Sun-News

LAS CRUCES - Enjoy the radiance of the dunes beneath a full moon with live music, ranger programs, and special guest presenters and artists.

Astronomy Night at White Sands

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: May 18

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Info: Enjoy a park ranger led program, followed by observing amazing astronomical objects through telescopes.

1st Armored Division Old Ironsides Band

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Date: June 17

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Info: Enjoy the sounds of the 1st Armored Division's concert band as they play a selection of concert favorites under the full moon.

Program to be determined

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Date: July 16

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Iron Will: 1st Armored Division Old Ironsides Band

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Aug. 15

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Info: Iron Will is the 1st Armored Division Band’s up-beat popular music group. The group will have you dancing and singing along with their selections spanning R&B, pop, classic/alternative rock and much more. Iron Will has performed across southwestern Texas and abroad, entertaining deployed troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Join Iron Will and its innovative style and boundless energy under a moon-filled night.

Program to be determined

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Sept. 14

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Randy Granger

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Oct. 13

Place: WSNM amphitheater (Evening Program Area), which is a 7-mile (11.27 km) drive from the fee station.

Cost: Program is free. Monument entrance fees apply.

Info: In celebration of New Mexico's first Indigenous Peoples Day, Native American Flutist Randy Granger will fill the moonlit night with his unique blend of instruments, interpretation of traditional melodies, and heartfelt music. Join this native New Mexican for a relaxing summer evening.

What you need to know

Schedule is subject to change. Activities may be cancelled. Parking opens one hour before program start time.

Seating is not provided at the amphitheater. You are encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks. Set up on the dunes that surround the amphitheater.

Pets are allowed as long as they are non-disruptive and on a leash.

The amphitheater opens for parking one hour before the program start time. Park rangers will direct you where to park once you arrive. Once the amphitheater parking area is full, the lot will be closed, and no other vehicles will be allowed to enter. Additional parking is allowed in the nearby pullout areas.

For more information visit, https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/full-moon-night.htm, or call the monument at 575-479-6124 ext. 236 if you would like to confirm that a program is still scheduled.