“IF WE COULD BOTTLE the smell of roasting chile, it would be our number one export,” says John Hard, owner of Zia Chile Traders and co-chair of the Hatch Chile Festival. Since 1971, the two-day gathering in Doña Ana County has celebrated chile in all its glory, with a kick-off parade; a carnival; a rock-hunting contest; cooking demonstrations; live music; more than 100 vendors selling salsas, sauces, and chiles; and a dozen food vendors showcasing chile-forward dishes. The culinary celebration attracts visitors from around the world over Labor Day weekend. “When I first covered the festival in 2008 for Chile Pepper Magazine, my wife and I counted license plates from 39 different states,” Hard says. “For a lot of people, this is on their bucket list.”
Pick a pepper. Like regions in France and Italy known for the grape varietals they produce, the terroir in Hatch makes for the perfect pepper. “There’s no such thing as a Hatch chile, just like there’s no such thing as a Napa grape,” Hard says. “The Hatch region has the best environment and soil, and perfect temperature to grow chile. There really is a big difference in the flavor.”
Chase the high. “Chile makes you feel good,” Hard says. “It creates endorphins.” When your mouth feels the capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers spicy), your brain triggers the same neurons as with a burn—and the same pain sensation. Still, Hard adds: “It tastes fantastic, and it’s rooted in tradition.”
Go big. Since the festival resumed after the pandemic, it has continued to grow under the direction of the Hatch Valley Chamber of Commerce, including a record number of vendors lining the streets this year. “Chile roasters are going in quite a few places around town,” Hard explains. “Generally, the roasters offer free samples of whatever you’re looking to buy.”
The New Mexico State Fair midway glows at night.
Photograph courtesy of Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli/New Mexico State Fair.
New Mexico State Fair
September 10–20
The New Mexico State Fair is big—an 11-day mega celebration of the Land of Enchantment, with fun, food, games, rides, rodeos, and concerts from Everclear, Ian Munsick, Tanya Tucker, Turnpike Troubadours, and the Warning. Honor our agricultural and ranching heritage in the animal barns, cruise through a Main Street car show, taste-test the state’s best green chile cheeseburgers, and fuel up on Route 66 nostalgia during the fest in Albuquerque, September 10–20.
Pecos sunflowers in Santa Rosa.
Photograph courtesy of Pecos Sunflower Festival.
Flower Power
September 12–13
Bright little yellow blooms blanketing the wetlands near Santa Rosa are a sight worth celebrating. “These sunflowers are very unique in where they can grow and thrive,” says Estela Tenorio-Thompson, founder and committee member of Santa Rosa’s Pecos Sunflower Festival. A science teacher for 25 years, Tenorio-Thompson was inspired to start the festival while teaching students about the plant’s environment in an outdoor classroom. “The ciénega in Santa Rosa is one of the last remaining wetlands [like it] in the Southwest,” she says. The two-day festival, September 12 and 13, includes an artisan market, conservation workshops, a treasure hunt for kids, a quilt show, and a car show.
Blossoms & Bones brings live music to Ghost Ranch.
Photograph courtesy of AMP Productions.
Burning of Zozobra, Santa Fe
September 4
Let all your worries and fears go up in flames when the 50-foot-tall marionette burns at Santa Fe’s Fort Marcy Park.
Gem & Mineral Show, Silver City
September 4–6
The Grant County Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society hosts the 40th annual show, featuring raw minerals, cut gems, and a selection of jewelry.
Four Corners 4x4 Week, Farmington
September 7–13
Bring your off-road vehicles and conquer the desert courses just outside Farmington or post up and watch these drivers take on the terrain.
Blossoms & Bones Music Festival, Abiquiú
September 10–12
Sylvan Esso and Violent Femmes headline this three-day music festival on the grounds of Ghost Ranch.
High Road Art Tour
September 19–20, 26–27
With scenic vistas as stunning as the artworks, this studio tour welcomes visitors into creative spaces for two full weekends.
Las Cruces Space Festival
September 19–26
Have a blast at a space-themed art show, Spaceport America open house, and moon viewing opportunity.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
September 22–27
Saucy Champagne brunches, culinary tastings, and vintner-led workshops allow foodies to learn from some of the country’s best chefs and winemakers.
