Between the wide open spaces, dark night skies, and desert mystique, there are plenty of reasons to head to West Texas — even in summer. And while Marfa is always a popular choice, the small town makes a strong case for a specific escape from June 6-9 during its annual Agave Festival Marfa.

Celebrating the spiky succulent and its influence on culture through food, film, music, science, and spirits, the packed program features talks from preeminent historians, botanists, artists, anthropologists, and archaeologists. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, including tastings from agave spirit producers, unique dining experiences, and musical performances.

“We want this to be a festival in the broadest sense — one that celebrates the diverse cultures of our region and involves art, ecology, food, drink, music, and dancing,” says festival organizer Tim Johnson on the event website.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 6, with a 4 pm screening of the film Agave is Life, which explores 10,000 years of symbiotic relations between agaves and humans. Written and directed by Meredith Dreiss and Sharon Greenhill, the screening will include a Q&A between Dreiss and archeologist David O. Brown.

Other programming highlights include:

• Thursday, June 6 - 7:30 pm: The annual Agave Festival Welcome Party at The Pool at the Hotel Saint George, featuring a set from DJ eMCee (Michael Camacho) with music from his weekly program on Marfa Public Radio.
• Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 - 9 am: Join an expert-led hike at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute to learn more about native plants of the Chihuahuan Desert.
• Friday, June 7 - 4 pm: A reading from legendary poet, translator, and revolutionary, Margaret Randall. Stick around at 5:30 pm for a conversation between Randall and editor/author/poet/essayist, Robert Tejada.
• Saturday, June 8 - 12 pm: Liquor store and plant nursery Cactus Liquors hosts a tasting with spirit makers from all over Mexico paired with bites from El Paso’s Taco Neta.
• Sunday, June 9 - 11 am: Jaqui Delolmo of Mira Marfa, along with Mateo and Malinda Galindo of Tierra y Que, host Crudolandia, featuring food by Taco Neta and a DJ set by Cariño de la Radio.

Beyond the above lineup, El Cosmico will host additional programming featuring local musicians in the Marfa Municipal Alliance and Zona Mutante to benefit the Big Bend Reproductive Coalition on June 7. Ballroom Marfa and The Capri are also hosting a multi-week residency with Michelin-starred chef Michael Diaz de Leon, who will serve food Thursdays through Saturdays.

Be sure to check the Agave Festival Marfa website for the full lineup and latest updates, as well as helpful travel info. (Pro tip: Head to El Cosmico for special discounts on summer travel.)