New Mexico Events and Festivals

From around the state, here are some of our events and festivals that help make this state the Land of Enchantment. Some events are our signature events -- they happen once, maybe twice a year and draw crowds from around the country. But New Mexico also has events that occur regularly throughout the year.

All Year Long

Crown Point Rug Auction

Every month the weavers of the Navajo nation bring their hand-made rugs to Crown Point. Open to the public, it's a southwest experience. Read more at Crown Point Rug Auction.

Annual Events

April

Trinity Open House and Schmidt/McDonald Ranch
The Trinity site is only open for one day in April and one day in October, generally the first Saturday. The black stone obelisk marking the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16th, 1945 is a site of devastation, albeit military importance. The place of more history is the Schmidt House/McDonald Ranch. Read more at Trinity Site and McDonald Ranch Open House
Gathering Of Nations - Last Full Weekend in April
I walked through the gate at the University of New Mexico Arena and into a swirl of noise and crowds, color and seeming confusion. I had just entered the Gathering of Nations, the largest powwow in North America, with over 3000 dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes. It is an experience that has no ready counterpart; by turns educational outreach, reunion of family and friends, affirmation of cultural heritage and identity, shopping opportunity, and dance competition.
Read more at Gathering of Nations

June/July

New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair
The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is the longest continuously running arts festival in New Mexico, started in 1962. Featuring exclusively New Mexico artisans, this prestigious, juried arts fair showcases New Mexico's most talented artists and craftspeople, many of whom enjoy national and international reputations. The fair ranks among the largest events in the state, offering artists the opportunity to display and sell their work directly to the public. It takes place at EXPO New Mexico. For more information visit New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair
Albuquerque Folk Festival
The Festival highlights non-commercial acoustic folk music and dance activities in the greater Albuquerque region. But what it really wants to do is encourage individuals to sing, dance and play music. And have a good time. For more information visit Albuquerque Folk Festival
Traditional Spanish Market
The rich Hispanic culture of northern New Mexico is celebrated at the Traditional Spanish Market, in Santa Fe, on the Santa Fe Plaza. A popular event for residents and visitors alike, Spanish Market features handmade traditional arts by over 200 local Hispanic artists as well as continuous live music and dance, art demonstrations and regional foods. A separate youth exhibition area also features the work of some 100 emerging artists. The Market provides a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of New Mexico’s vibrant Spanish culture, both past and present. Admission is free. For more information visit Traditional Spanish Market

July

Roswell UFO Festival
Explore the issue of alien visitation, enjoy a parade, dress up as an alien (including your pet). Stroll the streets of Roswell for the alien-themed windows. It's all here. Read more at UFO Festival in Roswell
Ruidoso Art Festival
Recognized by the Harris Poll as one of the top Juried Art Shows in the United States, the Ruidoso Art Festival features over 150 award-winning artists displaying work in a variety of fine art media. Read more at Ruidoso Art Festival

August

Santa Fe Indian Market
Each year for a weekend in August, 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes show their work in over 600 booths at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market. For more information visit Santa Fe Indian Market
Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup
Since 1922, the people of Gallup have been proud to present the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial each summer. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Native American arts, cultures, and traditions, 'Ceremonial,' as it is known throughout the region, is a special time when indigenous peoples from throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico travel to Gallup to share the best of their creative and performing talents and diverse heritages with the rest of the world, and to reunite with other indigenous groups.

September

New Mexico State Fair
Located in the heart of Albuquerque, the New Mexico State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the nation with PRCA rodeo and nationally known country recording stars, and Indian and Spanish villages. For 17 days, visitors explore art, agriculture, animals, entertainment, food, carnival rides, exhibits and shopping all in one place. For more information visit New Mexico State Fair
Hatch Chile Fest
Every Labor Day weekend, the Village of Hatch heats up with the annual two-day Hatch Chile Festival celebration of its world-famous crop, attracting more than 30,000 visitors from all over the United States, including such notables as the Food Network and the BBC. Sample famed chile recipes, watch the crowning of the chile festival queen, join in a chile ristra contest or just sit back and enjoy artisans, food, carnivals and fun. For more information visit HatchChileFest.org
Gila River Festival
Near Silver City, the Gila River Conservation Coalition celebrates the Gila River (pronounced HEEL-a). The mountains, streams and wildlife that make up the Gila are still here to be explored, loved and protected. The Gila River carves its way 650 miles through America's first designated wilderness area. Hikers share backcountry with mountain lions, fox and lizards, coyotes, hawks, elk and bears. And the human past shouts its history in pictographs, cliff dwellings, and historic ranches. Each year they spotlight the Gila with a festival that reminds us that our natural heritage is both beautiful, and fragile. Read more about the festival at Gila River Festival

October

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - First Week in October
It's shortly after dawn and the Albuquerque sky is gradually turning into its customary vibrant clear blue. People walk amidst hundreds of colorful hot air balloons as they fill with heated air, expanding slowly like behemoths stretching after a long sleep. The balloons cover the huge field with color and form. And then, in waves, they slowly, majestically, silently lift off the ground, floating up into the sky. There they pause, hanging like ornaments decorating the blue sky.
Read more at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Trinity Open House and Schmidt/McDonald Ranch
The Trinity site is only open for one day in April and one day in October, generally the first Saturday. The black stone obelisk marking the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16th, 1945 is a site of devastation, albeit military importance. The place of more history is the Schmidt House/McDonald Ranch. Read more at Trinity Site and McDonald Ranch Open House
Cowboy Symposium in Ruidoso Each year, during the second full weekend in October Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico plays host to the nation's finest cowboy poets, musicians (including the world famous Texas Playboys), chuckwagon cooks, western artists and craftsmen for three days of events, competitions, and workshops. In 1996, the symposium was selected as the Best Cowboy Cultural Event by the National Cowboy Symposium Association. Read more at Cowboy Symposium

November

San Diego Feast Day

Held at the Tesuque Pueblo just outside Santa Fe, this traditional feast day features various dances, food, and a gathering of the community. Tesuque is one of the oldest Pueblos in the Southwest, established about 1250. For more information call 505-983-2667

December

Santa Fe Film Festival
This is one of the fastest growing festivals in North America featuring films in five categories: Independent American-made narrative films; Documentaries; Films of any genre made outside the U.S.; Art films of any length celebrating the creative spirit; and the Southwest Showcase of films made in the Southwest regions. Parties, lectures, awards, Happy Hours, and more make this one of Santa Fe's most entertaining five days.
Read more at SantaFeFilmFestival
Winter Spanish Market in Santa Fe The market is a Santa Fe exclusive featuring handcrafted traditional arts by 100 local Hispanic artists, continuous music, art demonstrations, and regional foods. Admission is free to this festival of New Mexico's vibrant Spanish culture.
Read more at SpanishMarket.org
Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad
The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad.
Read more at Christmas on the Pecos

New Mexico Events and Festivals From around the state, here are some of our events and festivals that help make this state the Land of Enchantment. Some events are our signature events -- they happen once, maybe twice a year and draw crowds from around the country. But New Mexico also has events that occur regularly throughout the year. All Year Long Crown Point Rug Auction Every month the weavers of the Navajo nation bring their hand-made rugs to Crown Point. Open to the public, it's a southwest experience. Read more at Crown Point Rug Auction. Annual Events April Trinity Open House and Schmidt/McDonald Ranch The Trinity site is only open for one day in April and one day in October, generally the first Saturday. The black stone obelisk marking the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16th, 1945 is a site of devastation, albeit military importance. The place of more history is the Schmidt House/McDonald Ranch. Read more at Trinity Site and McDonald Ranch Open House Gathering Of Nations - Last Full Weekend in April I walked through the gate at the University of New Mexico Arena and into a swirl of noise and crowds, color and seeming confusion. I had just entered the Gathering of Nations, the largest powwow in North America, with over 3000 dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes. It is an experience that has no ready counterpart; by turns educational outreach, reunion of family and friends, affirmation of cultural heritage and identity, shopping opportunity, and dance competition. Read more at Gathering of Nations June/July New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is the longest continuously running arts festival in New Mexico, started in 1962. Featuring exclusively New Mexico artisans, this prestigious, juried arts fair showcases New Mexico's most talented artists and craftspeople, many of whom enjoy national and international reputations. The fair ranks among the largest events in the state, offering artists the opportunity to display and sell their work directly to the public. It takes place at EXPO New Mexico. For more information visit New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair Albuquerque Folk Festival The Festival highlights non-commercial acoustic folk music and dance activities in the greater Albuquerque region. But what it really wants to do is encourage individuals to sing, dance and play music. And have a good time. For more information visit Albuquerque Folk Festival Traditional Spanish Market The rich Hispanic culture of northern New Mexico is celebrated at the Traditional Spanish Market, in Santa Fe, on the Santa Fe Plaza. A popular event for residents and visitors alike, Spanish Market features handmade traditional arts by over 200 local Hispanic artists as well as continuous live music and dance, art demonstrations and regional foods. A separate youth exhibition area also features the work of some 100 emerging artists. The Market provides a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of New Mexico’s vibrant Spanish culture, both past and present. Admission is free. For more information visit Traditional Spanish Market July Roswell UFO Festival Explore the issue of alien visitation, enjoy a parade, dress up as an alien (including your pet). Stroll the streets of Roswell for the alien-themed windows. It's all here. Read more at UFO Festival in Roswell Ruidoso Art Festival Recognized by the Harris Poll as one of the top Juried Art Shows in the United States, the Ruidoso Art Festival features over 150 award-winning artists displaying work in a variety of fine art media. Read more at Ruidoso Art Festival August Santa Fe Indian Market Each year for a weekend in August, 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes show their work in over 600 booths at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market. For more information visit Santa Fe Indian Market Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup Since 1922, the people of Gallup have been proud to present the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial each summer. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Native American arts, cultures, and traditions, 'Ceremonial,' as it is known throughout the region, is a special time when indigenous peoples from throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico travel to Gallup to share the best of their creative and performing talents and diverse heritages with the rest of the world, and to reunite with other indigenous groups. September New Mexico State Fair Located in the heart of Albuquerque, the New Mexico State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the nation with PRCA rodeo and nationally known country recording stars, and Indian and Spanish villages. For 17 days, visitors explore art, agriculture, animals, entertainment, food, carnival rides, exhibits and shopping all in one place. For more information visit New Mexico State Fair Hatch Chile Fest Every Labor Day weekend, the Village of Hatch heats up with the annual two-day Hatch Chile Festival celebration of its world-famous crop, attracting more than 30,000 visitors from all over the United States, including such notables as the Food Network and the BBC. Sample famed chile recipes, watch the crowning of the chile festival queen, join in a chile ristra contest or just sit back and enjoy artisans, food, carnivals and fun. For more information visit HatchChileFest.org Gila River Festival Near Silver City, the Gila River Conservation Coalition celebrates the Gila River (pronounced HEEL-a). The mountains, streams and wildlife that make up the Gila are still here to be explored, loved and protected. The Gila River carves its way 650 miles through America's first designated wilderness area. Hikers share backcountry with mountain lions, fox and lizards, coyotes, hawks, elk and bears. And the human past shouts its history in pictographs, cliff dwellings, and historic ranches. Each year they spotlight the Gila with a festival that reminds us that our natural heritage is both beautiful, and fragile. Read more about the festival at Gila River Festival October Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - First Week in October It's shortly after dawn and the Albuquerque sky is gradually turning into its customary vibrant clear blue. People walk amidst hundreds of colorful hot air balloons as they fill with heated air, expanding slowly like behemoths stretching after a long sleep. The balloons cover the huge field with color and form. And then, in waves, they slowly, majestically, silently lift off the ground, floating up into the sky. There they pause, hanging like ornaments decorating the blue sky. Read more at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Trinity Open House and Schmidt/McDonald Ranch The Trinity site is only open for one day in April and one day in October, generally the first Saturday. The black stone obelisk marking the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16th, 1945 is a site of devastation, albeit military importance. The place of more history is the Schmidt House/McDonald Ranch. Read more at Trinity Site and McDonald Ranch Open House Cowboy Symposium in Ruidoso Each year, during the second full weekend in October Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico plays host to the nation's finest cowboy poets, musicians (including the world famous Texas Playboys), chuckwagon cooks, western artists and craftsmen for three days of events, competitions, and workshops. In 1996, the symposium was selected as the Best Cowboy Cultural Event by the National Cowboy Symposium Association. Read more at Cowboy Symposium November San Diego Feast Day Held at the Tesuque Pueblo just outside Santa Fe, this traditional feast day features various dances, food, and a gathering of the community. Tesuque is one of the oldest Pueblos in the Southwest, established about 1250. For more information call 505-983-2667 December Santa Fe Film Festival This is one of the fastest growing festivals in North America featuring films in five categories: Independent American-made narrative films; Documentaries; Films of any genre made outside the U.S.; Art films of any length celebrating the creative spirit; and the Southwest Showcase of films made in the Southwest regions. Parties, lectures, awards, Happy Hours, and more make this one of Santa Fe's most entertaining five days. Read more at SantaFeFilmFestival Winter Spanish Market in Santa Fe The market is a Santa Fe exclusive featuring handcrafted traditional arts by 100 local Hispanic artists, continuous music, art demonstrations, and regional foods. Admission is free to this festival of New Mexico's vibrant Spanish culture. Read more at SpanishMarket.org Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad. Read more at Christmas on the Pecos © 2009
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