Full Moon Concert Highlights Final White Sands Full Moon Nights of 2023

White Sands National Monument is hosting its final Full Moon Nights of 2023 on the last Sunday in October with a free musical performance in the amphitheater.

And, bonus, you’ll get an amazing view of the big, bright Hunter’s Moon – weather permitting, of course.

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What is White Sands Full Moon Nights?

Park closing times are extended to 10 p.m. on White Sands Full Moon Nights giving park-goers both an unobstructed view of the full moon and a different perspective of the national monument and its wildlife.

Most creatures that call White Sands home are nocturnal and only come out in the evening, so going any other time you may not catch of glimpse of them.

Why Is It Called the Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon is the first full Moon to follow the Harvest Moon, and can occur in either October or November.

According to Almanac.com, it was a signal for hunters to prepare for the upcoming cold winter because animals were beginning to fatten up in preparation for the winter season, and it is believed its name originates from that fact.

Entertainment in the Amphitheater

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month (November 1-31), storyteller, educator, composer, and Native American recording artist Randy Granger from Las Cruces will be performing in the park’s outdoor amphitheater on Sunday, October 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Seating is not provided at the amphitheater, but attendees can set up camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks on the dunes that surround the natural amphitheater.

The program is free, but park entrance fees will apply. The parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m.

Entrance Fee

White Sands normal park entrance fees apply. No reservations or tickets are required for Full Moon Nights.

How to Get There

White Sands National Monument, located southwest of Alamogordo off U.S. Hwy. 70, is about a 90-minute drive from El Paso.