Culture and kitsch, art and food, desert and forests, New Mexico is a state unlike any other, thanks to the blend of tradition, art, culture, cuisine, and the avant-garde. It makes sense that the summer festivals should mirror the same one-of-a-kind sentiment.
July is made for dancing to live music and testing skepticism at a UFO parade. Cheer on a duck race in August alongside families and friends. And beckon in the fall on Labor Day weekend with the heat of both fire and green chiles. And if all else fails, at least check out the carnival down the road—you know the one, it always happens this time of year when nothing else seems to be going on. Here are 11 festivals to celebrate summer, New Mexico style.
July
Roswell UFO Festival
The truth is out there—at the Roswell UFO Festival. Each Fourth of July, the streets of Roswell lean even further into the midcentury incident that brought UFOs to focus. With a parade, delectable food, and a full-on UFO spectacle, this is one of the most unique Fourth of July celebrations in the nation. With this being America’s 250th birthday, expect an even greater show, finishing off with fireworks. Just don’t let the explosive lights distract you from what else is out there, decorating the night sky…
Where: Roswell
When: Jul. 2-4
Fiestas de Las Vegas
Fiestas de Las Vegas is a longstanding tradition that draws quite the crowd from across the state. The free event offers live music, food trucks, and plenty of local vendors to round out this community event. The original Las Vegas—beating Nevada by 70 years—has a great deal of culture and history, and a never-ending supply of energy.
Where: Historic Park Plaza, Las Vegas
When: Jul. 2-5
Las Fiestas de Taos
During Las Fiestas de Taos AKA The Taos Fiestas, locals put aside labor and bask in the leisure of the two holy days, which recognize the feast of St. Anne and St. James. Passed from generation to generation, this Fiesta is a celebration of both culture and tradition. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church officially opens the event on Friday evening with a commemorative mass and procession. Over the weekend, a Fiesta Queen is selected, musical performances launch every hour, and food and wares line the plaza.
Where: Historic Taos Plaza
When: Jul. 17-19
Red River Jamboree
Do you like jam-packed music festivals? Then look no further than the Red River Jamboree! This three day festival features headliners from popular competition shows. Across several stages, a dozen artists perform live to an energetic audience. Tickets start at $24 for single day admission, are free for children 12 and under, and include a free gospel show to all on Sunday. Bring a chair, some sunscreen, and get ready for a memorable show!
Where: Red River, NM, Brandenburg Park
When: Jul. 17-19
August
47th Annual Great American Duck Race
A carnival, a skate competition, a softball tournament, and multiple duck races make up the 47th Annual Great American Duck Race. This four-day weekend event is known as “the no. 1 family event in Luna County and New Mexico.” Sponsored by many local businesses, families, friends, and communities, can cheer on ducks at no charge, with the option to shop with various vendors. This unique and quirky event is one to remember, maybe even one to inspire a new family tradition.
Where: Luna County Courthouse in Deming
When: Aug. 20-23
September
September beckons in fall, yet summer doesn’t really end until Labor Day weekend. Bid summer adieu and usher in the next season with these two major end-of-summer events.
Hatch Chile Festival
No need to tell you how seriously people in this state take green chile—how many of your neighbors or local restaurants have extra freezers dedicated to this culinary staple?! Pizza, ice cream, chocolate—you name it, green chile is added. The Hatch Chile Festival transforms the village of Hatch into a bold celebration of culture, color, and flavor. Simple street corners are turned into a paradise of strung fresh peppers and garlic, ground pepper flakes and powders, and last but not least, the roasting pits that just smell like the transition into autumn.
The park offers rides, local vendors, and classes on how to string your own spicy staples. There are also parades, eating contests, dance performances, and live music. Since 1971, the Hatch Chile Festival has attracted thousands of people over the weekend. With more tourists than there are residents for a few days, the festival is more than a celebration of peppers; it is an important part of the economy that draws national attention.
Where: All of Hatch
When: Sept. 5-6
314th Annual Fiesta de Santa Fe
Fiesta de Santa Fe blends theatrics with spiritual tradition. The pre-show is hosted on Aug. 28 and includes performances and a car show, setting the stage for the centuries-long tradition. Fiesta Weekend officially happens Sept. 11 through 13 with vendors, community, and performances a’plenty. However, September 4 is the burning of Zozobra, a centuries-long tradition. The burning of this 50-foot marionette is a clearing for the whole community, as it is intended to incinerate all worry and gloom.
Tickets start at $30 and give attendees the opportunity to write down their fears, worries, and anxieties to burn with the figure made of wood, cloth, and wire. What a cathartic way to launch into fall.
Where: Fort Marcy Park, 490 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
