New Mexico State University’s College of Arts and Sciences welcomes kids of all ages to this year’s “Big Bang Bash: Where Arts and Sciences Collide” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Kent Hall on campus. Food, fun, and experiential learning. Tickets are $5 for adults. Children 12 and younger get in free.
The event, which supports the Dean’s Innovation Fund, will include hands-on activities from arts to astronomy. A mobile planetarium will offer guests an immersive experience exploring the stars, planets and galaxies. Arts and Sciences departments will challenge visitors’ knowledge of science, art and the natural world.
"Fundraising events like this one foster community engagement by strengthening bonds between academia and the public and promoting shared ownership of educational goals,” said Enrico Pontelli, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Bring your friends, bring your family. We invite everyone join us for an evening of fun and activities to support the college and learn more about our many departments.”
Live music will be a key part of the evening, with performances by the NMSU Philharmonic and an instrument demonstration. A quintet also will highlight the talent of NMSU’s music students. Local food trucks and a crêpe stand will be on-site, offering a variety of food and refreshments for purchase.
But wait, there’s more. The “Big Bang Bash” will invite guests on a scavenger hunt to learn about more than two dozen departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. Participants will receive an event T-shirt.
NMSU’s University Museum and University Art Museum will be open for visitors to enjoy a range of exhibits that combine artistic expression and scientific discovery.
This is the second year of this fundraising event for the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean’s Innovation Fund is a discretionary resource that enables the dean to strategically invest in high-impact initiatives across the college. From launching pilot programs and supporting interdisciplinary research, to enhancing student opportunities and responding to emerging needs, the fund provides flexible, timely support for ideas that advance the college’s mission.
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CUTLINE: Poster for the 2026 “Big Bang Bash: Where Arts and Sciences Collide” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at New Mexico State University’s Kent Hall. (Image courtesy Claudette Elias)
CUTLINE: A participant from last year’s New Mexico State University College of Arts and Sciences’ “Big Bang Bash” where departments hosted knowledge challenges about science, art and the natural world. (Photo courtesy Claudette Elias)
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s College of Arts and Sciences elcomes the greater Las Cruces community to Kent Hall to participate in this year’s “Big Bang Bash” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2. (NMSU photo)