New Mexico’s rural communities, served by electric cooperatives across the state, are surrounded by breathtaking deserts, mountain ranges, and more than 50 national and state parks. From quiet villages to historic cities such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Land of Enchantment blends Native American, Mexican and Spanish cultures into something truly unique. Here are upcoming local events happening in the co-op areas and beyond:
Santa Fe County Fair
When: July 31–Aug. 2
Where: Santa Fe County Fairgrounds, Santa Fe
See 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, home arts displays, a petting zoo and family carnival games. Admission is free.
santafeextension.nmsu.edu/fcs/county-fair.html
Old Lincoln Days/Last Escape of Billy the Kid
When: Aug. 1–3
Where: Lincoln
Visit this three-day celebration of the colorful history of New Mexico, featuring the historic folk pageant representing the Lincoln County War and its most famous participant, Billy the Kid. Exhibits, vendors, music, lectures and performances all in the beautiful mountain setting of a New Mexico Territorial village. The outdoor amphitheater hosts performances at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The parade is at 10 a.m. Sunday.
discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events/billy-the-kid-pageant-and-old-lincoln-days
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
When: Aug. 1–10
Where: Red Rock Park, Gallup
Traditional dances, rodeo events, art markets and parades celebrate Indigenous cultures from across the Southwest.
gallupceremonial.com
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
When: Aug. 1–16
Where: Various venues in Santa Fe
Internationally acclaimed chamber music concerts, free youth programs and family-friendly matinees entertain in a relaxed setting.
santafechambermusic.com
Albuquerque Summerfest – Westside
When: Aug. 2
Where: Ventana Ranch Community Park, Albuquerque
This free neighborhood festival is packed full with live music, artisan vendors, food trucks and children’s activities.
cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest/westside-summerfest
Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo
When: Aug. 2–3
Where: Los Alamos County Fairgrounds & Rodeo Arena, Los Alamos
A full weekend of rodeo events, livestock shows, a fair parade, live music, crafts and carnival rides for children make this event a must-see.
losalamosnm.us
Taos Summer Concert Series
When: Aug. 7
Where: Taos Plaza, Taos
Free outdoor concerts from 6-8 p.m. feature local and regional bands in a family-friendly plaza setting.
taos.org/events/annual-event/taos-plaza-live
Music from Angel Fire
When: Aug. 14–28
Where: Angel Fire, Taos, Raton and Las Vegas
A chamber music festival presents free and ticketed concerts, family performances and community outreach across northern New Mexico.
musicfromangelfire.org
Santa Fe Indian Market
When: Aug. 16–17
Where: Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe
Come browse the largest Native American art market in the world, featuring more than 1,000 artists, traditional food, cultural performances and youth activities.
swaia.org
Great American Duck Race
When: Aug. 21–24
Where: Deming
Join in on wacky wet and dry duck races, a carnival, live music, hot air balloons, tournaments and family fun all weekend in Luna County.
demingduckrace.com
Totah Festival
When: Aug. 29–31
Where: Farmington Civic Center, Farmington
Visit the vibrant showcase of Native American art, jewelry, dancing, drumming and traditional foods with family-friendly activities.
farmingtonnm.org/events
Hatch Chile Festival
When: Aug. 29–Sept. 1
Where: Hatch
Celebrate New Mexico’s famous chile harvest with food booths, roasting demonstrations, live music and family entertainment.
hatchchilefestival.org
Socorro Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday in August, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Socorro Historic Plaza, Socorro
The Summer Market operates June to October from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
https://socorronm.org/location-activity/farmers-market/