About Barrio Fest

 Barrio Fest began in 2022 as part of the celebration marking the expansion of the Fort Stockton Community Theatre building on historic Nelson Street. Originally planned to honor the theatre’s growth, the event took on a powerful new meaning when 92-year-old Sarita Urias-Swonke called to say she was coming home. Upon her return, she brought family photos and a 1948 Diez y Seis de Septiembre flyer—one of the photos even showed the celebration taking place in front of the very building that now houses the theatre. Her contributions not only validated the presence of deep-rooted Mexican American traditions in Fort Stockton—they bridged generations, reignited community pride, and helped launch a broader effort to preserve and celebrate this history. That single act opened the door to storytelling, oral history archiving, and an annual cultural revival. Since then, Barrio Fest has blossomed into a multi-day celebration featuring music, food, theatre, educational exhibits, car shows, and historical tributes. In 2023, the Texas Historical Commission recognized it as one of the state’s top historical projects. Today, Barrio Fest is more than a festival—it’s a joyful homecoming that honors legacy, celebrates identity, and brings history to life right where it once thrived.