CavernFest shines wide spotlight on Carlsbad community

The headliners for CavernFest this June 7-8 will be Jesse Dayton on Friday and the Josh Abbott Band on Saturday. But perhaps the biggest stars of the free annual festival are the City of Carlsbad and the people who make this wildly popular event possible.

“It’s due to the overwhelming community support that we get to not only host it and pull it off, but also to come out and enjoy it,” said Kat Davis, executive director of Carlsbad MainStreet, which hosts the festival.

The festival puts a spotlight on local talent and on Carlsbad’s rich art and culture. It takes over a six block radius surrounding 102 S. Canyon St. Attendees only pay for food and shopping, while access to the event and entertainment are free. Chevron will serve as the event’s title sponsor for the second year in a row, with XTO and Conoco Phillips also providing support.

The fun kicks off Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Local bands take the stage Friday evening, with Jesse Dayton headlining. On Saturday, Megan Patrick and the Jack Nelson Band will perform, leading up to headliner, the Josh Abbott Band.

CavernFest will have 30 food trucks on the scene both Friday and Saturday, including event sponsor Bad Bass BBQ. There will be “food to meet every taste palate,” said Davis. A “Food Truck Alley” will be situated down Mermod Street, and an additional food truck area off the same street that will be easy to find.

Two beer gardens will add to the festivities: Milton’s Brewing in the Main Street district and another off Mermod Street. Revelers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for chilling on the courthouse lawn, with additional seating in the beer gardens.

A wide variety of 50 to 60 street vendors will attend, offering up options for arts and crafts, face painting, kids’ toys, and to learn about local nonprofits. A video game truck, bounce houses and a foam party will further entertain the younger set. Local downtown Carlsbad businesses will be open throughout to showcase their offerings.

Davis says it takes countless hours to plan for Cavernfest and a “small army” to pull it off, from sponsors to government partners like the City of Carlsbad and Eddy County. Chevron not only offers financial support, but also gets involved in the planning process, Davis said. The collaboration among community members, organizations and businesses produces an event that the community looks forward to every year.

“It’s really nice to see what they collectively can do to give back to the community and showcase what Carlsbad, New Mexico has to offer,” Davis said.

Get the latest updates about CavernFest on Facebook and check out the event page here.

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