New Mexico’s fall festivals are a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and seasonal bounty. From hot air balloon fiestas to chile harvests, these events offer something for everyone in the enchanting Southwest.
As the cooler temperatures of autumn settle over New Mexico, the state’s diverse communities come alive with festivals that celebrate everything from art and culture to the bounty of the harvest. Whether you’re captivated by the sight of hundreds of hot air balloons filling the sky, savoring the flavors of roasted chiles, or exploring vibrant art scenes, New Mexico’s fall festivals offer unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of the Southwest.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Date: October 5-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 900,000
Theme: Hot Air Balloons & Community Celebration
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival and a highlight of New Mexico’s fall season. Over nine days, hundreds of colorful balloons take to the skies, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. The fiesta features daily mass ascensions, where over 500 balloons launch simultaneously, a sight that draws spectators from around the globe. Special events include the Balloon Glow, where tethered balloons light up the night, and the “Special Shape Rodeo,” showcasing uniquely shaped balloons like Darth Vader and Smokey Bear.
The festival grounds are bustling with activity, including live music performances by local bands such as Red Light Cameras and the Albuquerque Mariachi Ensemble. The fiesta also hosts the annual Photo Contest, where amateur and professional photographers compete for a $1,000 prize, awarded to the best shot capturing the festival’s spirit. Local food vendors offer classic New Mexican fare, including green chile cheeseburgers and sopaipillas. Balloon rides are available for those seeking a more adventurous perspective of this iconic event.
Santa Fe Fiesta
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Date: September 6-8, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 60,000
Theme: Spanish Heritage & Cultural Celebration
Santa Fe Fiesta is the oldest continuous community celebration in the United States, commemorating the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in 1692. This annual event is steeped in tradition, with activities ranging from the solemn procession of La Conquistadora, a statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the burning of Zozobra, a giant marionette symbolizing the year’s woes and worries.
The fiesta features a vibrant parade through the historic Plaza, with colorful floats, costumed dancers, and local dignitaries, including the Fiesta Queen, crowned at the start of the celebrations. The event’s musical lineup includes performances by local favorites like Nosotros, a Latin rock band, and the Santa Fe Bandstand All-Stars. A highlight of the festival is the annual Mariachi Extravaganza, where top mariachi bands from across the state compete for a grand prize of $2,000. Visitors can also explore an artisan market featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and traditional Spanish colonial art, making Santa Fe Fiesta a rich cultural experience for all who attend.
Taos Fall Arts Festival
Location: Taos, NM
Date: September 20-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Artistic Expression & Cultural Heritage
The Taos Fall Arts Festival is a celebration of the vibrant artistic community in this historic town, drawing visitors from across the region to experience its rich cultural offerings. The festival features two major events: the Taos Open, a juried art exhibition showcasing works by local and regional artists, and Taos Invites Taos, a non-juried show that highlights the diversity of Taos’s artistic talent. The festival also includes a week of gallery walks, artist talks, and workshops that allow visitors to engage with the creative process.
The festival kicks off with a grand opening night gala, where guests can enjoy live music, local cuisine, and a first look at the exhibited works. In 2023, the Best in Show award at the Taos Open went to painter Miguel Martinez for his stunning landscape “Sangre de Cristo Sunset,” earning him a $1,500 prize and a solo exhibition at the Harwood Museum of Art. Throughout the week, local musicians such as the Taos Chamber Music Group and Flamenco Nuevo perform at various venues, adding a musical backdrop to the artistic festivities. The Taos Fall Arts Festival is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the deep artistic roots of northern New Mexico.
Corrales Harvest Festival
Location: Corrales, NM
Date: September 28-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 12,000
Theme: Harvest & Community Celebration
The Corrales Harvest Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Rio Grande Valley. This two-day festival offers a charming small-town atmosphere with activities for all ages, from hayrides and a pet parade to an arts and crafts fair featuring local artisans. The festival’s centerpiece is the farmers market, where visitors can purchase fresh produce, honey, and other locally-made goods.
A highlight of the festival is the annual Chili Cook-Off, where local chefs and home cooks compete for the title of Best Chili. In 2023, the top prize of $500 went to Corrales resident Emma Lopez, whose green chile stew wowed the judges with its bold flavor and perfect balance of heat. The festival also features live music on multiple stages, with performances by local bands like Lone Piñon and the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band. For the kids, there are pumpkin decorating contests, a petting zoo, and face painting, making the Corrales Harvest Festival a perfect family outing in the heart of autumn.
Hatch Chile Festival
Location: Hatch, NM
Date: September 7-8, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000
Theme: Chile Harvest & Culinary Celebration
The Hatch Chile Festival is a spicy celebration of New Mexico’s most famous crop, drawing chile lovers from all over the country to the small town of Hatch. The festival is a feast for the senses, with the aroma of roasting chiles filling the air as vendors sell everything from fresh and roasted chiles to chile ristras and chile-infused foods. Visitors can watch cooking demonstrations, enter the chile eating contest, and sample a wide variety of chile-based dishes, from green chile cheeseburgers to red chile enchiladas.
The festival also features a lively parade, a car show, and live music from local bands, including the New Mexico-based country group The Delk Band. A highlight of the event is the Chile Cook-Off, where local chefs compete for the title of Best Chile Dish. In 2023, Chef Carlos Rivera of Las Cruces took home the $1,000 grand prize for his innovative green chile posole, a dish that impressed the judges with its rich, smoky flavor. The Hatch Chile Festival is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the unique flavors of New Mexican cuisine.
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
Date: October 19-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: Hot Air Balloons & Water Adventures
The Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta is a unique event that combines the beauty of hot air balloons with the stunning landscape of New Mexico’s largest lake. Over two days, colorful balloons take off and glide over the sparkling waters of Elephant Butte Lake, creating a breathtaking sight against the desert backdrop. The event is a favorite for both balloonists and spectators, offering a more intimate experience compared to the larger Albuquerque fiesta.
In addition to the ballooning activities, the regatta includes a variety of water sports and outdoor adventures, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The event also features live music by local artists like Cactus Tractor and food vendors offering everything from BBQ to New Mexican classics like stuffed sopapillas. For those looking to stay overnight, the nearby Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort offers special packages for festival-goers, making it easy to enjoy all the regatta has to offer.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Date: September 25-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: Culinary Arts & Wine Celebration
The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is a gourmet extravaganza that brings together the best of New Mexico’s culinary talent and world-class wines. Over five days, visitors can indulge in a series of wine tastings, chef demonstrations, and special dinners at some of Santa Fe’s top restaurants. The event culminates in the Grand Tasting at the Santa Fe Opera, where over 100 wineries and 75 restaurants offer samples of their finest creations.
In 2023, the coveted Chef of the Year award went to Chef Mark Kiffin of The Compound Restaurant, who impressed judges with his innovative use of local ingredients, including Hatch chiles and Native American blue corn. The event also features a live auction, where attendees can bid on rare wines, culinary experiences, and exclusive trips, with proceeds benefiting local charities. For those looking to expand their wine knowledge, the fiesta offers seminars led by renowned sommeliers and winemakers. The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is a must for food and wine enthusiasts looking to savor the flavors of the Southwest.
Festival of the Cranes
Location: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM
Date: November 20-23, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000
Theme: Wildlife Migration & Nature Celebration
The Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a celebration of one of nature’s most spectacular events: the annual migration of sandhill cranes and other waterfowl to their wintering grounds. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of cranes taking flight at sunrise, filling the sky with their graceful silhouettes and echoing calls.
The festival offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, including guided birdwatching tours, wildlife photography workshops, and educational lectures by leading ornithologists and conservationists. The festival also features art exhibits, where local artists showcase works inspired by the refuge’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Evening programs include star-gazing sessions and presentations on the night sky, providing a deeper connection to the natural world. The Festival of the Cranes is a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation, offering a peaceful retreat into the beauty of New Mexico’s natural heritage.
Planning Your Weekend Getaway
New Mexico’s fall festivals are a celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary traditions. To make the most of your visit, consider booking a vacation rental through Lake.com.
Whether you’re attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, exploring the art scenes of Santa Fe and Taos, or enjoying the spicy flavors of the Hatch Chile Festival, Lake.com offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Imagine staying in a cozy adobe casita near the Plaza in Santa Fe after a day of festival fun, or relaxing in a lakeside cabin at Elephant Butte after watching the balloon regatta.
Booking a vacation rental ensures that you have a comfortable and convenient home base as you immerse yourself in New Mexico’s vibrant fall festivities.
