New Mexico Event Calendar - The New Mexico Travel Guy

August 2026

August 1 – 2, 2026: Hummingbird Festival at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site (Mimbres). If you enjoy hummingbirds, this annual festival is worth a look. Held at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site northeast of Silver City, it features early morning hummingbird banding, expert talks, vendors, children’s activities, guided tours of the Mattocks Archaeological Site, and plenty of opportunities to watch hummingbirds visiting the site’s feeders. The festival runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day and is free to attend. The festival runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day and is free to attend. For more information, call 575-536-3092 or visit www.mimbrescultureheritagesite.org.
August 7–9, 2026: Old Lincoln Days (Lincoln). Three days of Old West history, reenactments, historical presentations, live music, vendors, children’s activities, and the Saturday morning parade. The Billy the Kid Pageant takes place Friday and Saturday night, August 7 and 8. Planning to go? Read my guide to Old Lincoln Days and the Billy the Kid Pageant, including what to expect, where to park, and the history behind the event.
August 12 – 16, 2026: 8750′ BBQ & Music Festival (Red River). Formerly known as Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights, the 8750′ Festival is Red River’s signature summer music festival, featuring five days of Americana, Texas country, and Red Dirt music, along with BBQ, red chile, and green chile cook-offs. Events take place at several venues around town, including Brandenburg Park, Bitter Creek Ranch, and the historic Motherlode Saloon. One nice feature is that the main performances are scheduled so they don’t overlap, making it possible to see every headline act with a three-day pass. Learn more on the official 8750′ Festival website.
August 15 – 16, 2026: Indian Market (Santa Fe). The 104th Santa Fe Indian Market, organized by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), returns to downtown Santa Fe on August 15–16. Widely regarded as the world’s premier Native North American art market, the event brings together more than 1,000 Native artists representing over 200 Tribal Nations. You’ll find everything from jewelry and pottery to textiles, paintings, and sculpture, along with live performances, cultural demonstrations, and the popular Indigenous Fashion Show. Learn more on the official Indian Market website.
August 20 – 23, 2026: Great American Duck Race (Deming). Deming’s signature event, the Great American Duck Race, returns for its 47th year, proving once again that racing ducks is a perfectly reasonable way to spend a weekend in New Mexico. The festival features live duck races on both wet and dry tracks, a parade, hot air balloon ascensions, the Duck Royalty Pageant, a carnival, food and craft vendors, and plenty of other activities throughout the weekend. It’s quirky, unapologetically small-town, and one of New Mexico’s most unique annual festivals.
August 22, 2026: White Oaks Miner’s Day (White Oaks). Miner’s Day is White Oaks’ biggest event of the year, celebrating the town’s rich mining history and the community that continues to preserve it. The day includes a small-town parade, live music, gold panning, local vendors, and plenty of activity around the legendary No Scum Allowed Saloon. If you’ve never visited White Oaks, Miner’s Day is a fun way to experience the town’s history and meet many of the people who help preserve it. More details here, and here’s a blog post I wrote after attending White Oaks Miner’s Day.
August 22 – 23, 2026: Pirate Viking Summer Festival (Edgewood, NM). Held at Wildlife West Nature Park, this two-day festival brings together pirates, Vikings, mermaids, and just about every other character you’d expect from an event with this name. You’ll find reenactments, axe throwing, treasure hunts, themed food and drinks, live entertainment, and plenty of people who show up in costume. You’re welcome to dress up too, but it’s just as much fun to watch everyone else. Learn more here.

September 2026

September 4, 2026: Burning of Zozobra (Santa Fe). One of Santa Fe’s most recognizable traditions, the Burning of Zozobra centers on a 50-foot-tall marionette known as Old Man Gloom. Before the event, people submit their worries, regrets, and other “glooms,” which are placed inside Zozobra before he’s set ablaze in a dramatic evening ceremony at Fort Marcy Park. The event also includes live entertainment, food vendors, and thousands of spectators. Gates open in the late afternoon, with the burning taking place after sunset. Tickets are required. More details here.
September 4 – 6, 2026: Totah Festival (Farmington). Held at the Farmington Civic Center over Labor Day weekend, the Totah Festival celebrates Native American art and culture with a juried art show, Indian Market, powwow, and the popular Navajo Rug Auction. The weekend also includes cultural performances, the Run the River 5K, and other family-friendly activities. Admission is free. More details here.
September 5, 2026: Carrizozo Community Festival (Carrizozo). The Carrizozo Community Festival celebrates small-town life with a parade, local art galleries, vendors, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a classic car show. Visitors can also bring their disc golf discs, pickleball paddles, or fishing gear to enjoy the town’s parks while exploring one of New Mexico’s most distinctive small towns. More details here.
September 5 – 6, 2026: Hatch Chile Festival (Hatch). If you love New Mexico green chile, this is the place to be on Labor Day weekend. The Hatch Chile Festival celebrates the town’s world-famous crop with chile roasting, a parade, carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and just about every chile-themed food you can imagine. Expect large crowds, the unmistakable aroma of roasting chile, and plenty of opportunities to stock up before heading home. More information is available at hatchchilefestival.org
September 7 – 13, 2026: Four Corners 4×4 Week (Farmington). Farmington’s rocky terrain takes center stage during Four Corners 4×4 Week, with guided trail rides, a vendor show, the Downtown Takeover and 4×4 show, and competitive rock crawling. The Fall Crawl runs September 9–11, giving drivers several days to test their vehicles on trails around the Farmington area. Even if you don’t own a heavily modified Jeep, there’s still plenty to watch. More details here.
September 10 – 16, 2026: New Mexico State Fair (Albuquerque). The New Mexico State Fair is the state’s biggest annual event, bringing together agriculture, rodeo, concerts, livestock shows, art exhibits, carnival rides, and enough fair food to test anyone’s self-control. Whether you’re there for the rodeo, the live music, the green chile cheeseburgers, or simply to people-watch, there’s enough happening to fill an entire day. More details here.
September 4 – 6, 2026: Pickamania (Kingston). Pickamania brings three days of acoustic music to the outdoor pavilion at the Black Range Lodge in Kingston. The lineup includes bluegrass, folk, Americana, country, blues, and other roots music, along with an open mic and the festival’s Super Jam. Bring a chair and settle in for music at the Black Range Lodge in Kingston. Tickets are available for individual days or the full weekend. More details here.
September 10 – 12, 2026: Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance (Taos). Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance returns to Taos for three days of Americana, folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, and country music at Red Willow Park. The festival has become a longtime tradition in northern New Mexico, featuring nationally known songwriters alongside emerging artists in an intimate setting with covered seating and dance floors. More details here.
September 12, 2026: The 44th Annual Pie Festival (Pie Town). If there’s one place in New Mexico that takes pie seriously, it’s Pie Town. The annual Pie Festival features pie-baking contests, pie-eating competitions, games, arts and crafts, live music, and, of course, plenty of homemade pie. It’s the perfect excuse to visit one of New Mexico’s most unusual communities. To learn more about Pie Town, here’s an article I wrote about the Pie Town and the festival.
September 17 – 21, 2026: Portal Irish Music Week (Kingston). Portal Irish Music Week brings musicians from around the country to the Black Range Lodge in Kingston for five days of instruction in traditional Irish music. The program includes small-group classes, workshops, jam sessions, and a free public concert on Saturday evening.
September 19 – 20, 2026: Chiricahua–Peloncillo Heritage Days (Rodeo, NM). Chiricahua–Peloncillo Heritage Days explores the natural and cultural history of southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Held at the Geronimo Event Center, the weekend includes presentations by regional experts, guided nature and history walks, community meals, and a farmers market and crafts fair. More details here.
September 22 – 27, 2026: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (Santa Fe). The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is a six-day festival celebrating food, wine, and New Mexico chile at venues throughout Santa Fe. Events include cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, reserve tastings, winery lunches and dinners, and two signature outdoor events featuring local restaurants, wineries, and live music. To learn more, visit the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta website.
September 25 – 27, 2026: Four Corners Balloon Rally (Farmington). The Four Corners Balloon Rally features three days of morning hot air balloon launches and evening balloon glows at locations throughout Farmington. Food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities round out the weekend, and admission is free. More details here.
September 25–27, 2026: Aspencade Arts Festival (Red River). The Aspencade Arts Festival celebrates the arrival of fall with three days of artisan vendors, live music, food, and colorful aspen foliage in Red River. Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork, home décor, and other crafts created by artists from New Mexico and across the Southwest while enjoying one of the best weekends of the year to see the mountains in their fall colors. Admission is free. More details here.
September 27, 2026: Aki Matsuri (Albuquerque). Aki Matsuri, or “Autumn Festival,” celebrates Japanese culture with taiko drumming, ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), traditional performances, Japanese food and treats, and cultural exhibits. The 2026 theme is Momiji (Japanese Maple): The Art of Autumn’s Beauty and Harmony Between Nature and Human Life. More details here.
September 30, 2026: San Geronimo Day (Taos Pueblo). San Geronimo Day is the annual feast day at Taos Pueblo, bringing together Pueblo families and visitors for footraces, traditional dances, and an open market with Native artists and vendors. Visitors are welcome to attend, but it’s important to remember this is a sacred religious observance. Photography, cell phones, drones, and other recording devices are not permitted anywhere in the Pueblo during the celebration. More details here.

October 2026

October 2 – 3, 2026: Road Apple Rally (Farmington). The Road Apple Rally is the longest continuously running mountain bike race in the United States, drawing riders from around the region to tackle Farmington’s desert singletrack. The weekend includes races for a variety of ages and skill levels, making it as much a community event as a competition. More details here.
October 3 – 4, 2026: Harvest Festival (Albuquerque). Held at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Harvest Festival features live music from more than 20 local bands, local artisans, free kids’ activities, and seasonal treats such as apple cider made with apples from the Heritage Farm. Some activities also take place at the Aquarium. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Official event info.
October 3 – 4, 2026: Santa Fe Harvest Festival (Santa Fe). Held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the Santa Fe Harvest Festival includes chile ristra making, grape stomping, pumpkin picking, corn husk crafts, hayrides, artisan vendors, live music, regional beer and wine, and demonstrations of New Mexico’s agricultural traditions. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. More details here.
October 3 – 11, 2026: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Albuquerque). The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, drawing hundreds of balloons and thousands of visitors each October. Signature events include the Mass Ascension, Special Shape Rodeo, Balloon Glows, fireworks, and plenty of food and live entertainment. Here’s a link to the Balloon Fiesta event website.
October 9–11, 2026: Red River Oktoberfest (Red River). The 21st annual Red River Oktoberfest brings three days of craft beer, wine, spirits, live music, food, artisan vendors, and contests to Brandenburg Park. The family-friendly festival takes place during fall foliage season in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so there’s plenty to do around Red River before or after the festivities. More details here
October 17, 2026: Trinity Site Open House (White Sands Missile Range). The Trinity Site, where the world’s first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945, opens to the public only twice each year. Visitors can walk to Ground Zero, view historical exhibits, and tour the nearby McDonald Ranch House, where the bomb’s plutonium core was assembled. It is a rare opportunity to visit one of the most significant sites in modern history. More details here.
October 24–25, 2026: Taos Mountain Balloon Rally (Taos). The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally fills the skies over Taos with dozens of hot air balloons during a weekend of mass ascensions, balloon glows, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Smaller than Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta, the rally offers a chance to get up close to the balloons and crews in a more relaxed setting, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop. More details here.
October 31, 2026: Libros of Enchantment: The 2026 SouthWest Writers Book Fiesta (Albuquerque). Hosted by SouthWest Writers at the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center, this inaugural book festival brings together readers and authors for a day of book signings, author talks, panel discussions, and workshops. Visitors can meet local authors, browse books across a variety of genres, and hear keynote speaker James McGrath Morris, biographer of Tony Hillerman. More details here.

Missed It in 2025? Here’s What’s Likely Coming Back in 2026 and 2027

November 2025

November 1, 2025: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration (Mesilla / Las Cruces). Día de los Muertos is a vibrant celebration that honors departed loved ones through art, music, and cultural traditions. The event features art exhibits, live musical performances, community altars, and a local vendors marketplace. Families can also enjoy children’s crafts and a play area, making it a meaningful occasion for all ages. To learn more, you can visit the Las Cruces Dia De Los Muertos website.
November 14–16, 2025: Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival + Trash Fashion Show (Santa Fe). This is the oldest and largest recycled-material art market in the U.S. The weekend culminates with the Trash Fashion & Costume Show, a runway of wearable art made from repurposed materials. Here’s a link to the event website: recyclesantafe.org
November 21–23, 2025: Fall Fiber Fiesta (Santa Fe). Hosted by the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center at the Scottish Rite Temple downtown Santa Fe, this is New Mexico’s largest fiber art sale and showcase featuring 40+ artists. Here’s a link to the event website: evfac.org/fall-fiber-fiesta-2025
November 26, 2026: Switch on the Holidays (Red River). Kick off the holiday season as Red River lights the Christmas trees in Brandenburg Park during its annual Switch on the Holidays celebration. The evening includes Christmas carols, hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus, making it a fun tradition for families spending Thanksgiving in the mountains. More details here.

December 2025

Late November – December 30, 2025: River of Lights (Albuquerque). Take a leisurely walk along our 1.6-mile trail, where you’ll encounter over 700 unique, hand-crafted light displays. Along the way, catch sight of animated and 3D sculptures, all brought to life by millions of sparkling lights. It’s New Mexico’s top pick for a walk-through holiday light show, and it just might become yours too. Here’s an article that I wrote about the River of Lights event to give you an idea of what to expect, and here’s the River of Lights event website.
December 3 – 7, 2025: Festival of the Cranes (San Antonio, NM). Held annually at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico, the Festival of Cranes celebrates the migration of sandhill cranes and other birds. It features tours, workshops, and other activities for bird nerds like me. I also wrote a blog post about San Antonio and the Festival of Cranes. UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED FOR 2025 DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.
Early December, 2025 (Final Date TBD): Old Town Holiday Stroll (Albuquerque). Enjoy holiday shopping, live music, and the grand lighting of the Christmas tree in the heart of Albuquerque’s historic Old Town.
Early December, 2025 (Final Date TBD): Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade (Ruidoso). The Festival of Lights Parade in Ruidoso is a cherished event that gathers friends and family for an evening of sparkling lights and community spirit. Following the parade, the celebration continues at the After Party in Wingfield Park. Here’s a link to the Ruidoso Festival of Lights event website.
Early December, 2025 (Final Date TBD): Las Posadas on the Plaza (Santa Fe). Las Posadas, a cherished tradition celebrated globally, depicts Mary and Joseph’s quest for lodging before Jesus’ birth. This year marks the 48th annual presentation of this historic Hispanic event, brought to life by local volunteers and participants from various northern New Mexico communities. The candle-lit procession kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Plaza, wrapping up with festive carols and merriment. The History Museum will close at 3 p.m. to get ready for this complimentary public gathering. Arrive at the Plaza by 5:00 p.m. to prepare your candles.
December 19–20, 2026: Christmas in the Mountains (Red River). Celebrate the holiday season with Red River’s Christmas in the Mountains, a family-friendly weekend featuring a Christmas Market with local artists and makers, plus a Light Parade down Main Street on Saturday evening. Admission is free, making it a festive stop for holiday shopping and a mountain getaway before Christmas. Learn more on the official Christmas in the Mountains website.
December 24, 2025: Canyon Road Farolito Walk (Santa Fe): On Christmas Eve, Santa Fe’s historic Canyon Road is illuminated with farolitos (small paper lanterns), creating a magical atmosphere as visitors stroll through the art district. The event begins at sunset on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.
December 25, 2025: Luminaria Ski and Snowshoe at Enchanted Forest (Red River). Imagine spending the evening of Christmas Day (December 25th) on a short cross country ski / snowshoe trail loop that is lit up by luminarias or farolitos. It’s supposed to be an amazing experience. Reservations available for 6pm or 8pm. Here’s a link to Enchanted Forest website for more info.
December 31, 2025: Taos New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade (Taos). Ring in the New Year with a torchlight parade at Taos Ski Valley, where skiers carry torches down the mountain, followed by fireworks.
Pueblo Feast Days and Dances (various locations in NM): Many of New Mexico’s pueblos host traditional dances and feasts during December, especially around Christmas. These events are rich in Native American culture and are open to respectful visitors. Be sure to contact the pueblo in advance to confirm event details and visitor protocols.

January 2026

January 16 – 18, 2026: Albuquerque Comic Con (Albuquerque). The Albuquerque Comic Con is an annual pop culture convention held at the Albuquerque Convention Center, bringing together fans of comics, anime, gaming, science fiction, and fantasy.
January 16–18, 2026: Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally (Las Cruces). Watch colorful hot air balloons take to the skies during this free, family-friendly winter rally in Las Cruces. Events include morning mass ascensions, evening balloon glows, and a kickoff glow in the Downtown Plaza, along with vendors and community activities throughout the weekend. Held at the Field of Dreams and downtown Las Cruces, the rally offers a relaxed alternative to Albuquerque’s famous fiesta and a great chance to see balloons up close. Learn more here.
January 24, 2026: World’s Largest Matanza (Belen). Hosted by the Hispano Chamber of Valencia County, the annual World’s Largest Matanza takes place each January at Belen Eagle Park. This centuries-old tradition—brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century—involves the communal butchering and cooking of a pig, with the meat shared among friends, family, and neighbors. It’s a celebration of heritage, food, and community, and also serves a great cause: raising scholarship funds for local students. And if you’re curious what it’s like to experience a Matanza firsthand, check out my blog post from the 2025 event.

February 2026

Feb 5 – 8, 2026: Taos Winter Wine Festival (Taos). A multi-day celebration of wine and culinary arts, featuring wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and seminars at local restaurants and Taos Ski Valley. Here’s a link to the Taos Winter Wine Festival website.
February 12 – 17, 2026: Mardi Gras in the Mountains (Red River). Red River, New Mexico, puts its own spin on the classic Mardi Gras celebration with this week-long festival. The Mardi Gras in the Mountains event kicks off with the Thursday Night Parade down Main Street, followed by the symbolic Burning of the Wild Tchoupitoulas to cast away worries. Festivities include live music, costume contests, and the Grand Ball, in case you’d like to experience Mardi Gras traditions against a snowy mountain backdrop.
February 13–15, 2026: New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show (Albuquerque). Held at Expo New Mexico, the New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show celebrates the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities with vendors, gear displays, wildlife exhibits, and hands-on activities for all ages. Hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and partner organizations, the event typically attracts more than 10,000 attendees and features demonstrations, educational sessions, and opportunities to connect with outdoor experts. It’s a great stop for anyone interested in hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife, and exploring New Mexico’s wild places. Learn more here.
February 27 – 28, 2026: Angel Fire Shovel Race Championships (Angel Fire). A thrilling, snow-packed race where participants ride modified snow shovels down a ski hill, reaching high speeds in this unique winter sport. Here’s a link to the Angel Fire Shovel Race event website.
February 27 – March 1, 2026: National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show (Albuquerque). For lovers of all things spicy, this show features the hottest chili peppers, sauces, and salsas, along with BBQ demos and tastings. Here’s a link to the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show website.

March 2026

March 7 – 8, 2026: Truth or Consequences Rock & Gem Show (Truth or Consequences). Hosted by the Sierra County Rock and Gem Society, the annual Truth or Consequences Rock & Gem Show offers a weekend filled with geological wonders. Attendees can explore a variety of vendors showcasing rocks, minerals, gems, beads, jewelry, and fossils. Activities include geode cracking, gold and sapphire panning, educational presentations, and field trips to local rockhounding sites. For families, there’s free rock painting for kids under 12. It’s an opportunity for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers to delve into the world of geology. Admission and parking are free.
March 13 – 14, 2026: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the KiMo Theater (Albuquerque). Featuring thrilling outdoor adventure films from around the world, this traveling festival lands in Albuquerque for two nights of cinematic excitement to help you plan your next outdoor adventure. You can find more information about the Albuquerque’s showing of the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the local film festival event webpage on Stone Age Climbing Gym’s website.
March 13 – 15, 2026: Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Festival (Albuquerque). Held at EXPO New Mexico in Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Festival is one of the largest spring art festivals in New Mexico. Visitors can browse hundreds of handcrafted works from regional and national artists, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and home décor. The three-day event also features live music, local food vendors, and artist demonstrations, making it a lively celebration of New Mexico’s creative culture.
March 14 – 15, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rallye (Belen). The annual St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rallye in Belen, New Mexico, fills the skies just south of Albuquerque with colorful hot-air balloons for a festive spring weekend. Early-morning balloon launches are the highlight, along with family-friendly activities and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. The event offers a fun chance to experience New Mexico’s famous ballooning culture outside of the larger Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
March 28 – 29, 2026: New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival (Edgewood). Held at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, New Mexico, the New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival brings a touch of medieval and Celtic tradition to central New Mexico. The event features live Celtic music, costumed performers, jousting demonstrations, artisan vendors, and traditional food and drink. Visitors can enjoy a lively weekend of history, storytelling, and family-friendly entertainment in a unique outdoor setting.

April 2026

April 11 – 12, 2026: Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest (Albuquerque). Billed as “the world’s largest festival for chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods,” this event draws a big crowd of sweet-toothed, caffeine-fueled visitors for a full weekend. I haven’t been yet, but it seems to get mixed reviews depending on what you’re looking for. If you decide to go, show up with an open mind and maybe an empty stomach. Learn more here.
April 11, 2026: World Art Day (Carrizozo). A full day of art, music, and local events in downtown Carrizozo (roughly 10 a.m. to late afternoon). Galleries (including Photozozo) will be open, with a puppet performance in the morning and a free outdoor concert in the afternoon. I haven’t been to this event, so I’m planning to attend this year. Learn more here.
April 24 – 25, 2026: Gathering of Nations Pow Wow – “The Last Dance” (Albuquerque). Recognized as North America’s largest powwow, the Gathering of Nations brings together hundreds of tribes from across the United States and Canada. Held at Expo New Mexico, it features traditional dancing and singing competitions, the Indian Traders Market, and the crowning of Miss Indian World. Additional highlights include Stage 49 (contemporary Indigenous music) and the Horse & Rider Regalia Parade. This year is especially significant, as it will be the final Gathering of Nations event, making it a rare opportunity to experience it one last time, so I’ll be there. Learn more here.

May 2026

May 1 – 2, 2026: Smokey Bear Days (Capitan, NM). Capitan, located about 20 minutes north of Ruidoso, is home to the real-life Smokey Bear, a rescued cub from a 1950 wildfire who became the face of the national fire prevention campaign. This three-day event at Smokey Bear Historical Park brings the story back to where it began, with a mix of family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, and local events focused on wildfire prevention and conservation. It’s a relaxed, small-town gathering, with most activities taking place during the day (typically around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Learn more here.
May 1 – 3, 2026: Spring Migration Celebration at Bosque del Apache (San Antonio, NM). Held annually at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico, the Spring Migration includes three days of in-person birding field trips led by Holly Merker and Alex Harper. Learn more here.
May 2–3, 2026: Wildlife West Kite Festival (Edgewood, NM). Held at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, this annual festival brings a sky full of colorful kites, from simple backyard flyers to high-performance stunt kites. You can bring your own, pick one up at the event, or just watch the pros do their thing. There are all-ages kite contests, a local food truck, and full access to the park, where you can see native wildlife like cougars, grey foxes, and coyotes up close. Proceeds support this nonprofit, volunteer-run wildlife rescue and education center. Learn more here.
May 15 – 17, 2026: Tico Time Bluegrass Festival (Aztec). Enjoy three days of live music, riverside camping, and outdoor adventure along the Animas River at Tico Time River Resort in Aztec (near Durango, Colorado). This popular festival features a packed bluegrass lineup across two stages of live performances throughout the weekend. A three-day pass includes walk-in riverside camping, yoga classes, workshops, swimming ponds, paddleboards, waterslides, and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a fun kickoff to the summer festival season in northwest New Mexico. Learn more here.
May 22–24, 2026: Memorial Day Weekend Celebration (Red River). Kick off summer in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains during Red River’s Memorial Day Weekend celebration. This festive weekend features live music, arts and craft vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown. It’s a lively start to the summer season and a great excuse to enjoy cool mountain air, hiking, and small-town fun in one of northern New Mexico’s favorite mountain towns. Learn more here.
May 22–24, 2026: Riverfest (Farmington). Held across Berg and Animas Parks over Memorial Day weekend, Riverfest is a free, family-friendly celebration along the Animas River. Events include live music, food and craft vendors, raft races, a car show, fun runs, Native dance performances, wiener dog races, and more. With activities for all ages and a mission to connect people with the river, it’s one of Farmington’s signature annual events. More details at riverfestnewmexico.com
May 23–24, 2026: Silver City Blues Festival (Silver City, NM). Held over Memorial Day weekend at Gough Park in downtown Silver City, this long-running festival is one of the Southwest’s better-known blues events, featuring a mix of established artists and up-and-coming performers. It’s free to attend and draws a solid crowd without feeling too big, with food vendors, craft booths, and a beer garden rounding things out. If you’re already in Silver City, it’s an easy one to wander into for a few hours or stay for the full weekend. Learn more here.
May 29–31, 2026: Rise & Vibes Music Festival (Aztec). Celebrate three days of roots, reggae, and community at Rise & Vibes Music Festival, held along the Animas River at Tico Time River Resort near Aztec (just south of Durango, Colorado). This laid-back festival features an extensive lineup of roots and reggae artists, plus riverside camping, beach dancing, and a welcoming, nature-focused atmosphere. Your ticket includes tent camping, access to multiple stages of live music, and plenty of opportunities to relax by the water or connect with fellow music lovers. Learn more here.

June 2026

June 6, 2026: Farmington Jazz Festival (Farmington). Held at Orchard Park in downtown Farmington, the Farmington Jazz Festival offers a full day of live jazz performances, workshops, and community engagement. The event features local and regional artists, providing entertainment for all ages. More details here.
June 6–7, 2026: Wild West Frontier Festival (Edgewood, NM). Held at Wildlife West Nature Park, this festival brings the Old West back to life with live gunfight reenactments, gold panning, frontier characters, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. There’s live music, food, and plenty of ways to step into the 1880s for a few hours. If you’ve ever wanted to see a staged shootout without any real consequences, this is your chance. Learn more here.
June 24–27, 2026: Rodeo de Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM). Held at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds, Rodeo de Santa Fe is one of the longest-running rodeos in the country, dating back to the 1940s. The four-day event features the full lineup of rodeo staples, including bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping events, along with mutton bustin’ for the younger crowd. It’s a mix of serious competition and local tradition, with a crowd that ranges from longtime rodeo fans to first-timers just trying to figure out what steer wrestling actually is. More details here.
June 2026 (dates vary): Festival Flamenco (Albuquerque, NM). Held annually in Albuquerque, this long-running festival brings flamenco dancers and musicians from around the world for a mix of performances, workshops, and classes. It’s one of the more unique events in the state and draws both serious flamenco fans and people who just want to experience something different for a night or two. Expect a range of venues and performances, from large stage productions to more intimate shows. Here’s a link to the Albuquerque Flamenco Festival website.
June 26 – 28, 2026: Tico Time Country Festival (Aztec). Enjoy three days of live music, riverside camping, and outdoor adventure along the Animas River at Tico Time River Resort in Aztec (near Durango, Colorado). This popular festival features a packed country lineup across two stages of live performances throughout the weekend. A three-day pass includes walk-in riverside camping, yoga classes, workshops, swimming ponds, paddleboards, waterslides, and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a fun kickoff to the summer festival season in northwest New Mexico. Learn more here.

July 2026

July 2 – 4, 2026: Roswell UFO Festival (Roswell). The annual Roswell UFO Festival is a classic. The event commemorates the 1947 Roswell Incident and attracts enthusiasts worldwide. Attendees can anticipate a variety of activities, including guest speakers, live entertainment, a costume contest, and family-friendly events, all celebrating the city’s unique extraterrestrial heritage. If nothing else, you’ll walk away with some fun photos. Here’s an article I wrote about the Roswell UFO Festival.
July 1 – 5, 2026: Freedom Days (Farmington). Freedom Days is Farmington’s signature Fourth of July celebration, featuring fireworks, a Party in the Park, the Freedom Days Electric Light Parade, and a Gem & Mineral Show. Now in its 40th year, the event offers several days of family-friendly activities across the city, culminating in a large fireworks display launched from Sullivan Hill. Here’s a link to the Freedom Days website.
July 2 – 5, 2026: Fiestas de Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NM) – Fiestas de Las Vegas is a longstanding (138th annual!) summer tradition that brings four days of live music, local vendors, food, and community celebration to Historic Plaza Park. With dozens of performances and a family-friendly atmosphere, the event showcases the culture, history, and traditions of northern New Mexico while drawing visitors from across the region. Here’s a link to the Fiestas de Las Vegas website.
July 18, 2026: Route 66 Summerfest (Albuquerque) – Route 66 Summerfest celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road with live music, food trucks, local artisans, classic cars, family activities, and one of Albuquerque’s largest street festivals. Held along a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue in Nob Hill, the event features four music stages, 100 vintage cars representing a century of Route 66 history, and plenty of opportunities to experience the energy of Albuquerque’s most iconic corridor. Here’s a link to the Route 66 Summerfest website.
July 15 – 21, 2026: Silver City CLAY Festival (Silver City). The Silver City CLAY Festival is a week-long celebration of ceramic arts featuring gallery exhibitions, hands-on workshops, artist demonstrations, lectures, and the popular CLAY Market, where regional artists sell pottery and other clay creations. More details here.
July 25, 2026: Lavender in the Village Festival (Albuquerque). The 20th Annual Lavender in the Village Festival, billed as the largest lavender festival in the Southwest, takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The festival celebrates lavender season with vendors, local products, food, demonstrations, and a relaxed summer market atmosphere. Here’s a link to the Lavender in the Village website.

Events that might repeat in 2026 or 2027

May 10, 2025: New Mexico Jerky Fest (Albuquerque). Held at Isleta Resort & Casino, the New Mexico Jerky Fest celebrates all things jerky—beef, bison, elk, you name it—along with live music and a classic car show thrown in for good measure. I haven’t been to this one yet, so I can’t vouch for the jerky, but it looks like a fun and flavorful way to spend a day if you’re into savory snacks and old-school engines.

May 23 – 26, 2025: Rio Grande Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show (Albuquerque, NM). The Rio Grande Kennel Club (RGKC) will host its annual dog shows and trials at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. These events will feature all-breed conformation shows, obedience, and rally trials, bringing together dog enthusiasts and competitors from various regions. For more information about the Rio Grande Kennel Club and their events, you can visit their official website at Rio Grande Kennel Club or their Facebook page.

June 13, 2025: Friday Night Live at Elephant Butte Lake Marina del Sur (Elephant Butte). Unwind with live local music as the sun sets over the lake (6pm – 8pm).

June 2027: Fiesta Latina (Silver City) – WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN 2026, but will be back in 2027. A four-day outdoor celebration of Hispanic culture at Western New Mexico University’s Silver City campus. Highlights include a juried artisan mercado with ~35 folk artists from Mexico, live music and dance (from mariachi to flamenco-pop fusion by Maruja Limón, Las Cafeteras, Los Texmaniacs, K‑Paz de la Sierra, and more), mask-making and tequila-tasting workshops, a children’s tent with games like Lotería and Huachas, film screenings, a fashion show, and a family-friendly environment. To learn more visit the Fiesta Latina website.

June 21, 2025: Albuquerque Taco Fest (Albuquerque). Taco Fest takes over Balloon Fiesta Park on June 21 with a full day of mouthwatering tacos, tequila tastings, and throwback hip-hop performances. In addition to the eats and beats, you’ll find lucha libre wrestling, a showcase of the Southwest’s finest lowriders, and towering loaded nachos. I haven’t been yet, but it looks like a flavorful, high-energy experience for taco lovers of all ages.

June 21, 2025: Four Corners Macaroni & Cheese Festival (Farmington). The Macaroni & Cheese Festival at Berg Park is a culinary delight, featuring creative mac and cheese dishes from local chefs, live music, and family-friendly activities. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Farmington. More details here.

July 5, 2025: Firework Show at Elephant Butte Lake Marina del Sur (Elephant Butte). Celebrate the holiday weekend with fireworks and music on the marina (6pm – 8pm).

July 26 – 27, 2025: Contemporary Hispanic Market (Santa Fe). The Contemporary Hispanic Market is the largest event of its kind, drawing art enthusiasts from across the United States. Every July, collectors flock to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to discover and purchase unique works from a wide array of talented artists. This vibrant market, set in the heart of the city, is free to attend and offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned art collector or just enjoy browsing. Here’s a link to the Contemporary Hispanic Market website.

September 6, 2025: Dragonfly Festival at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Roswell). The annual Dragonfly Festival is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates the area’s rich biodiversity, particularly its over 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Attendees can participate in guided tours led by professional dragonfly experts, enjoy live programs featuring bats and raptors, and engage in various hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, archery, and wildlife observation. The festival also offers opportunities to learn about local wildlife through discovery stations and van tours, making it an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Here’s a link to learn more about the Dragonfly Festival.

September 11 – 12, 2026: 41st Annual Piñata Fest (Roswell). Roswell’s annual PiñataFest is a two-day celebration of Hispanic heritage, family fun, and community pride held each September on the courthouse lawn. The festival features piñata contests for kids and adults, taco and jalapeño-eating competitions, Ballet Folklórico performances, live music, and plenty of local food vendors. Visitors come for the piñatas, but they leave with a taste of Roswell’s culture, hospitality, and lively small-town spirit. More details here.

September 19–20, 2025: Tico Time Harvest Music Festival (Aztec). A riverside music and camping weekend at Tico Time River Resort, just south of Durango. Enjoy jam bands, bluegrass, electro-funk, and more, plus on-site camping, glamping, cabins, swimming ponds, paddleboards, a pond zipline, disc golf, food trucks, and craft vendors. To learn more, visit the Tico Time Harvest Music Festival website.

September 20, 2025: ¡Globalquerque! (Albuquerque). ¡Globalquerque! is New Mexico’s premier celebration of world music and culture, marks its 20th anniversary with a free, one-day festival at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. Expect a vibrant mix of globally sourced performances, cultural workshops, film, dance parties, international crafts, and cuisine—all designed to celebrate our shared connections and differences through art and music.

September 24–28, 2025: Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo (Las Cruces). The Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo in Las Cruces is where agriculture, rodeo grit, and community pride all come together. Expect carnival rides, rodeo thrills, livestock shows, and plenty of creative contests—everything from quilts and baking to the always-entertaining “crazy hats” competition. Add in live music, fair food, and a family-friendly atmosphere, and you’ve got one of southern New Mexico’s biggest annual celebrations. More details here.

October 3–4, 2025: Southwest Apple & Chile Fest (Farmington). Held in Historic Downtown Farmington, the Southwest Apple & Chile Fest celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with a family-friendly festival. The event kicks off on Friday with the Maker’s Market and Art Walk, featuring local artists and live music. Saturday brings the “Chile in October” cook-off along Main Street, where attendees can sample various chile dishes, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in voting for their favorites. The festival is free to attend, with a $20 wristband available for unlimited chile tastings and voting. More details at farmingtonnm.org/events/southwest-apple-fest.

October 3: Annual Percha Bank Gallery Photography Exhibition (Kingston). A celebration of photographic art at the Historic Percha Bank in Kingston, New Mexico. More details here.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of things to experience in New Mexico in 2026, so get out there and check it out.

Happy travels!

Mark (aka The New Mexico Travel Guy)