by Maria Manuela on
COOL MOUNTAIN BREEZES, multiple stages of live music, and some of the best barbecue in the Southwest converge in Red River during the 8750' BBQ & Music Festival. “Our weather in August is unbeatable,” says Charlie Wenger, producer of the five-day event. With a musical lineup that includes Las Cruces native Bri Bagwell, Texas singer-songwriter Dallas Burrow, and roots and Americana band South Austin Moonlighters, the staggered concert schedule keeps toes tappin’ and feet movin’. “You don’t have to miss a single note of any of the performances,” says Wenger. The event also draws competitive pitmasters and chefs for heaping helpings of barbecue, chili (yes, the meat kind), and green chile. “You may have the best ribs of your life,” Wenger says.
Judge for yourself. Sign up Friday morning at the Red River Visitor and Conference Center to judge the Chili Appreciation Society International red chili, New Mexico green chile, or Lone Star BBQ Society categories. “Be ready to try 50 or so submissions of pork ribs or brisket,” Wenger says.
Rock the mountains. “We are always going for a fun block-party vibe,” says Wenger of the roster of rock, country, and blues musicians. “But most of the groups have some of that red-dirt theme in their roots and influences.”
Fire up the competition. Winners of the cook-offs for barbecue chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket, beans, and people’s choice qualify for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in October. “Everyone gets tickets to drop at their favorite booths,” Wenger says. “It’s a fun participatory part of the fest.”
Santa Fe Indian Market
August 15–16
The City Different pulses with Indigenous artistry and energy during Santa Fe Indian Market on August 15 and 16. Featuring more than 1,000 artists from more than 200 tribes, the largest Native art market in the world has expanded beyond the Santa Fe Plaza to include a fashion show, pop-ups, and other markets and events.
For more events and happenings during Indian Market weekend, visit nmmag.us/sfim2026.
Volcano Fest
August 7–9
“Capulin is special,” says Geoff Goins, interpretation manager at Capulin Volcano National Monument. “It’s a near-perfect cinder cone and one of the tallest in the field. It just has a great shape to it.” Get an up-close look during Volcano Fest, August 7–9, when the park in Capulín, part of the 8,000-square-mile Ratón-Clayton Volcanic Field, offers guided hikes, geology demonstrations, and kid-friendly activities.
Westside Summerfest, Albuquerque
August 1
Get down at Ventana Ranch Community Park, in Albuquerque, with artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music from 5 to 10 p.m.
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
August 1–9
The 104th gathering in Gallup features a Native art show, a music festival, dances, parades, and a traditional rodeo.
Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo, Los Alamos
August 7–9
Saddle up for a weekend of fair exhibits, live music, a parade, a pie baking contest, a cowboy dance, and a rootin’-tootin’ rodeo.
Santa Fe Beer Festival
August 8–9
El Rancho de las Golondrinas showcases local brews, live music, and New Mexico’s hop-growing roots at this two-day festival.
Great American Duck Race, Deming
August 20–23
More than 20,000 spectators watch as the fastest feathered racers in the West conquer wet and dry tracks over this four-day event that includes a carnival, a parade, a tortilla toss, a hot-air-balloon ascension, live music, and a skateboard competition.
Mountainair Sunflower Festival
August 29
Wear your best sunflower hat and costume to this cheery event featuring 50 artists, kids’ games, live music, and lots of food and drink options.