New Mexico Clovis

Clovis, New Mexico, blends High Plains Western charm with legendary rock 'n' roll history and a proud, tight-knit community spirit rooted in its agricultural and military heritage, all just minutes from the vast open landscapes of the Llano Estacado and stunning high-desert sunsets. Locals live for exploring the trails and off-road adventures at Ned Houk Park, fishing or walking the paths at Greene Acres Park, visiting the animals at Hillcrest Park Zoo, or heading to nearby Oasis State Park for sand dunes, hiking, and camping. The vibrant downtown and surrounding neighborhoods keep the social scene buzzing with seasonal festivals, rodeos, and events like the Clovis Music Festival and Draggin' Main that bring neighbors together year after year.

Hiking, Biking & Trails
Clovis offers a growing network of parks and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighted by the multi-use paths and off-road trails at Ned Houk Memorial Park (including disc golf and motorsports areas), the scenic walking trail around the stocked lake at Greene Acres Park, and the playgrounds and open spaces at Hillcrest Park. These routes wind through grassy plains, juniper-dotted landscapes, and lakeside areas, linking neighborhoods to picnic spots, playgrounds, and nearby attractions like Oasis State Park for dune hiking and birdwatching, connecting to the broader eastern New Mexico outdoor network.

Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to the splash pad, playgrounds, and zoo exhibits at Hillcrest Park (home to the second-largest zoo in New Mexico with tigers, giraffes, and more), the go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and paintball at Clovis Fun Center, and the interactive animal encounters or seasonal events at local farms. The Clovis Music Festival brings live performances and family fun to town, while the city's spectacular Fourth of July fireworks and annual Pioneer Days parade and rodeo remain beloved traditions.

Local Breweries & Dining
Clovis’s craft beer scene thrives at spots like Bandolero Brewery, with its welcoming taproom featuring house-brewed beers, hearty pub fare, and a lively downtown vibe. For eats, Leal's serves authentic New Mexican classics, Something Different Grill offers bold Southwestern fusion, and local favorites like Foxy Drive-In and Taco Box keep it fun and delicious with drive-in vibes and creative takes on regional staples perfect for family gatherings.

Clovis is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Clovis High School’s passionate Wildcats athletics program and diverse outdoor pursuits across the High Plains’ open landscapes and parks—all just a short drive from Cannon Air Force Base and the vast Llano Estacado.

While Clovis has no major-league teams, pro-level action is accessible: cheer for teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), or Dallas Mavericks (NBA) in nearby Texas cities (Lubbock about 2 hours away), or catch college excitement with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock and Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds NCAA Division II programs in nearby Portales.

Clovis High’s Wildcats deliver electric high school action with proud traditions of competitive play and deep runs in New Mexico’s tough districts, competing in football, basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer, and more at local fields and facilities like those in Hillcrest Park.

The city shines with top-tier facilities and endless recreational playgrounds. The Roy Walker Community Center offers indoor gymnasiums for basketball and volleyball leagues, while Cannon Air Force Base provides fitness centers, pools, and intramural sports for military families and personnel. The Parks & Recreation Department runs youth leagues in baseball, softball, soccer, and football, plus adult leagues and pickleball tournaments. Locals flock to the lighted fields at Hillcrest Park for baseball, softball, and soccer, or cool off at the Clovis Aquatic Center indoor pool, splash pads, and outdoor pools like Potter Pool.

Just beyond city limits, Ned Houk Park provides off-road trails, disc golf, fishing lakes, and motorsports areas; Greene Acres Park offers stocked fishing and walking paths; and nearby Oasis State Park delivers sand dune hiking, camping, and birdwatching. With 300+ days of sunshine, mild winters, and year-round opportunities—from spring fishing to summer rodeos and fall high school games—Clovis inspires an effortlessly active, community-packed lifestyle full of family fun and outdoor adventure.

https://www.cityofclovis.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/
https://www.clovis-schools.org/page/athletics
https://www.cannon.af.mil/
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/oasis-state-park/

Clovis, New Mexico, is an outdoor lover’s paradise set on the vast High Plains of the Llano Estacado, surrounded by wide-open grasslands, stocked fishing lakes, rolling sand dunes at Oasis State Park, and the prehistoric wonders of Blackwater Draw. Walk or bike the scenic trails around Greene Acres Lake, explore the expansive off-road paths, disc golf, and motorsports areas at Ned Houk Park, cast a line in the three lakes there or at nearby parks, or head to Oasis State Park for hiking amid shifting dunes, fishing in the pond, and camping under brilliant starry skies. Thrill-seekers enjoy ATV trails and archery at Ned Houk, while families love playgrounds and splash pads at Hillcrest Park, animal encounters at the zoo, picnics with playground equipment, and disc golf courses throughout the area.

History and culture weave through every outing. Step back in time along the historic railroad district and downtown buildings (once a hub for railroad workers, ranchers, and early settlers), visit the Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum for rock 'n' roll artifacts and memorabilia, or tour the iconic Norman Petty Recording Studios, a preserved time capsule where legends like Buddy Holly recorded hits that defined the "Clovis Sound." Nearby, the Blackwater Draw Museum and site add prehistoric depth with Clovis culture artifacts, mammoth bones, and insights into the earliest human inhabitants of North America.

Year-round festivals—from the Clovis Music Festival honoring rock 'n' roll heritage and the PRCA Pioneer Days Rodeo with parades to Draggin' Main nostalgia cruises, the Curry County Fair, and spectacular Fourth of July fireworks—keep the energy high and the community tight. Whether you crave wide-open off-road adventures through grassy plains or peaceful stargazing under vast high-desert skies, Clovis delivers authentic High Plains adventures for every age and pace.

https://www.visitclovisnm.org/
https://www.cityofclovis.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/
https://normanpettystudios.com/
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/oasis-state-park/
https://www.bwdarchaeology.com/

Clovis embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its High Plains heritage, rock 'n' roll legacy, agricultural roots, and vibrant community-loving culture.

Spring
As temperatures warm and the plains green up, Clovis comes alive with music and rodeo traditions. The Clovis Music Festival in mid-April brings live rock performances honoring the "Clovis Sound" to the Curry County Events Center, while late spring kicks off with the PRCA Pioneer Days Rodeo (typically early May), featuring thrilling competitions, a downtown parade down Main Street, and family-friendly festivities celebrating cowboy culture.

Summer
Summertime in Clovis pulses with nostalgia, classic cars, and patriotic leisure. Draggin' Main in mid-June revives the classic cruising tradition with a week of events including drive-in tours, block parties, gearhead gatherings, and the iconic Main Street cruise amid high-desert sunsets. The spectacular Fourth of July celebration at Greene Acres Park dazzles with food trucks, live music, family activities, and fireworks, while parks invite fishing, picnics, and outdoor fun under endless blue skies.

Fall
With cooler breezes and harvest vibes, Clovis celebrates county fair season. The Curry County Fair in mid-August fills the fairgrounds with carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, food vendors, and rodeo action, spotlighting local agriculture with exhibits, games, and a kids' zone. Farmers markets and community gatherings deliver seasonal bounty, while nearby parks offer leaf-changing walks and stargazing opportunities.

Winter
Clovis’s winter sparkles with festive lights and heartfelt holiday traditions. The Clovis MainStreet Christmas Lights Parade in early December lights up downtown Main Street with dazzling floats, caroling, Santa visits, and community cheer, while holiday markets, shop-window displays, and cultural performances nurture joyful connections. High school sports pack gyms with excitement, and the sunny High Plains chill invites cozy gatherings and reflections on the year's adventures.

Throughout the year, Clovis’s calendar brims with farmers markets, food truck Fridays, music series, rodeos, and neighborhood gatherings that reflect its welcoming, resilient character.

https://www.visitclovisnm.org/events
https://www.clovismusicfestival.com/
https://www.clovispioneerdaysrodeo.com/
https://dragginmain.org/
http://clovismainstreet.org/events/