Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Catch the creative spirit of New Mexico at celebrations, festivals, and events that engage the senses, treat the tastebuds, and make Fall fun.
In September, head to Santa Fe for the intriguing Burning of Zozobra; to Taos for music and the arts; and back to Santa Fe for superb food and wine. In October, be blown away by Albuquerque’s blockbuster balloon festival. In November, look for the Day of the Dead and life-affirming cranes.
Special Events in New Mexico: Worth the Detour
Burning of Zozobra
September 1, 2023, Santa Fe
99th Annual: Farewelling bad energy, this traditional burning of a 50-foot marionette was begun by Will Shuster in 1924. Made from wood, wire, and shredded paper, it’s stuffed with ‘glooms’, unwanted written messages, and papers sent to burn with Zozobra.
She Rises International Music Festival
September 2, 2023, Taos
Taos Celebrating female musicians and creatives. The lineup includes Shawn Colvin, Allison Russell, Andrea Magee, Gina Chavez, The Tiaras, and PAACK — and International Indigenous Choir.
Taos Fall Arts Festival
September 6-17, 2023, Taos
Not-for-profit visual arts show, celebrating Taos County artists across a diverse range of mediums, cultures, traditions, and ages.
New Mexico State Fair
September 7-17, 2023, Albuquerque
85th Annual: Join New Mexicans to celebrate local food, agriculture, culture, and creativity. Also: races, comedy, sideshows, and plenty of music and other entertainment.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Festival
September 27-October 1, 2023, Santa Fe
32nd Annual: Begun in 1991 as a one-day event, wine and chile has grown to a full-on fiesta showcasing the city’s outstanding food and regional wine.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 7-15, 2023, Albuquerque
51st Annual: Fall brings blue skies, cooler mornings, and hundreds of colorful balloons of this fabulous annual spectacle. Also: skydiving, night glows, drone shows, dawn patrols, and the creative “Special Shape Rodeo.” See our itinerary to help you plan. See our itinerary to help you plan.
Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
October 27-29, 2023, Taos
40th 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 5, 2023, Albuquerque
Annual procession and celebration held on the first Sunday of November to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Festival of the Cranes
From November, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, ‘Around New Mexico’
30th Annual: Takes place during crane migrations (from November). This annual event includes refuge tours, bird, geology, and art workshops, along with keynote speakers. Check the actual date after September 9.
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)
