The Big Bend Chamber of Commerce will kick off the New Year with a longtime West Texas tradition when the 35th Annual Black-Eyed Pea Off returns to Downtown Terlingua Ghost Town on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
The New Year’s Day celebration begins at 12 p.m. and will feature local music, art, and prizes, drawing residents and visitors together for an afternoon centered on food, community, and good luck.
Those interested in sharing their favorite black-eyed pea recipe can enter the friendly cooking competition for a $10 entry fee, with all proceeds benefiting continuing education scholarships for Terlingua school graduates.
According to the event schedule, competitors must turn in their entries by 2 p.m., with tasting set to begin at 2:30 p.m., when attendees can enjoy bowls of traditional good-luck peas to start the year.
The Black-Eyed Pea Off, hosted annually by the Big Bend Chamber of Commerce, has become a staple of New Year’s celebrations in Terlingua, combining music, humor, and community support with a uniquely local flair.
The event takes place at the Terlingua Ghost Town and is open to the public.
