Event and Conference Center Hosts Activities

By Misty Cryer

Since opening in May of 2025, the Bass Event and Conference Center has served multiple purposes. Located between Carlsbad and Loving at 2797 Pecos Highway, the center has a commercial kitchen and drive-thru from which Bad Bass BBQ caters and serves. The rental spaces for events, meetings, and conferences have been popular. The owners also host events from time to time.

On Friday, October 23, a fun event is scheduled. “We are doing a dinner with a dance,” said Maryia Bass. She said entertainment will be provided to the dinner guests complimentary by DJ Alpine, with a game called “The Hit List” in which players have a chance to win prizes. She said guests can expect small prizes like gift cards and similar items.

The dinner menu includes a choice of chicken fried steak or chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, a roll, white gravy, and dessert, with beverage choices including sweet tea, unsweet tea, and lemonade, with a BYOB option.

DJ Alpine will provide music for the dance after dinner. “He’s one of my favorite DJs,” said Maryia. “He has actually been with us from the very get-go. When I used to do all my markets, he would come and set up at those, and he would play music while everyone was shopping,” she said.

Tickets for Friday’s event can be obtained in advance by visiting the Bad Bass drive-thru, calling 575-243-0044, or messaging the Facebook page. They may also be available at the door if space remains, said Maryia.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served around 7 p.m., and the dance will run from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the dinner and dance, $30 for dance only, with limited VIP tables offered for $600.

“November 7, I’m hosting a holiday market,” said Maryia. The kickoff to Christmas Market will be held at the Bass Event and Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vendors set up inside for guests to shop.

“It’s free to the public,” she said. She noted that they have almost sold out of booths and that she is planning to have a photographer there to do Christmas minis. She said she expects it to be a good shopping event.

In the big area, Maryia said they will have a concession window open where guests can order food and beverages from the Bad Bass drive-thru menu.

Roper’s Health Oasis will be set up during the market. “I’ve been doing those also,” said Maryia. “Every other Monday (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) she comes and does a pop-up IV clinic,” she said, explaining that IV hydration, which can be customized, is offered.

On January 30, 2027, Jonathan Rios is expected to hold dance lessons at Bass Event and Conference Center, teaching two-step, one-step, a line dance, and Tejano with an hour dedicated to each. “He’s out of San Antonio,” said Maryia, noting that he is big on social media with numerous followers. Details will be published on the Facebook pages for Bad Bass BBQ Catering and Bass Event and Conference Center, she said.

Earlier in the year, a rib-eye dinner and dance with live performers was offered. Maryia said they will probably host some similar events in 2027.

The conference room, designed to accommodate 24 people, has two large conference tables with office chairs and two Promethean boards, one on each side, Maryia said. The big area holds up to 300 people, banquet style, she added.

The drive-thru is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and most Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. “I kind of have a simple, limited menu for the drive-thru,” said Maryia. “You can get some of the favorites that we’ve had when we’re out vending,” she said.

Because they stay so busy with catering, Maryia said some favorites aren’t on the drive-thru menu. “We can definitely do that for catering if they call ahead.”

Bad Bass BBQ also has a food trailer that is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. “That’s on the corner of Derrick and Old Cavern,” said Maryia.

“When my husband worked in the oilfield, he was so sick of stopping at the convenience stores all the time,” Maryia said, adding that this contributed to the decision to open the two locations. She said they are working on adding more, such as protein packs and the option to add protein to drinks.

Lunch is offered early in the morning at both places, giving field workers an option, along with specialty drinks, energy drinks, and bottled drinks. Maryia said ice machines are set up at both locations.