Photo: Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe
Catch the creative spirit of New Mexico at celebrations, festivals, and events that engage the senses, treat the tastebuds, and make Fall fun.
See August out with the Burning of Zozobra and She Rises International Music Festival. In September head to the NM State Fair, then back to Santa Fe for the Wine and Chile Fiesta. Celebrate music and the arts in Taos at the beginning of October, and be blown away by Albuquerque’s blockbuster balloon festival.
Special Events in New Mexico: Worth the Detour
Burning of Zozobra
August 30, 2024, Santa Fe
100th Annual: This traditional burning of a 50-foot marionette to farewell bad energy was begun by Will Shuster in 1924. Each year a Zozobra or ‘Old Man Gloom’ is constructed from wood, wire, and shredded paper, then stuffed with ‘glooms’, unwanted written messages to burn.
She Rises International Music Festival
August 30-31, 2024, Taos
Celebrating female musicians and creatives. This year’s line-up includes Deanna Carter, Yola, KT Tunstall, Jade Bird, Big Richard, Abrea Magee, Three Women & The Truth, and the Indigenous Women’s Choir led by Madi & Ishi Sato.
New Mexico State Fair
September 5-15, 2024, Albuquerque
86th Annual: Join New Mexicans at this blockbuster event celebrating the state’s food, farming, agriculture, culture, and creativity. Also: rodeos, races, comedy, sideshows, music including a steel band, a circus act and other entertainment.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
September 25-29, 2024, Santa Fe
33rd Annual: Showcasing the city’s outstanding food and regional wine with Santa Fe restaurants and chefs at its big heart, and a dynamic schedule of tastings, talks, classes and tours including a Sky Railway Wine Tour.
Taos Fall Arts Festival
September 27 – October 6, 2024, Taos
Not-for-profit visual arts show, celebrating Taos County artists across a diverse range of mediums, cultures, traditions, and ages.
New Mexico Light the Night Sky Lantern Festival
September 28, 2024, White Sands NP
See the sky light up as participants release their lanterns, enjoy performances, live bands and dj’s, together with food, wine and beer from local vendors.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 5-13, 2024, Albuquerque
52nd Annual: October is a glorious month in NM as Fall brings blue skies, cooler mornings, and the hundreds of colorful balloons of this fabulous annual balloon spectactular. Also: skydiving, night glows, drone shows, dawn patrols, and the creative “Special Shape Rodeo.” See our itinerary to help you plan.
Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
October 25-27, 2024, Taos
41st Annual: The high country colors are spectacular in the Fall, and the balloon festival adds another dimension, hosting around 35 balloons each year.
Dia de Los Muertos Marigold Parade
November 3, 2024, Albuquerque
Themed traditional annual procession and celebration in the South Valley, held on the first Sunday of November to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Festival of the Cranes
December 11-15, 2024, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, ‘Around New Mexico’
31st Annual: Takes place during crane migrations and this year co-hosted by the City of Socorro, this event includes refuge tours, birding and photography workshops, local tours, hikes geology, and art workshops. Also keynote speakers.
Full Calendars of Events
- Albuquerque
- (Pair your travel with Albuquerque itineraries from Slow Down See More)
- Santa Fe
- (Pair your travel with Santa Fe itineraries from Slow Down See More)
- Taos
- (Pair your travel with Taos itineraries from Slow Down See More)
