Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Have some fun-gi.

Step into a world of unique and funky flavors during the Albuquerque Fermentation and Fungi Fest. After taking last year off, the festival returns Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at FUSION in downtown Albuquerque, bringing together more than 40 vendors, including fungi and fermented food and beverage producers, and local makers selling mushroom-themed goodies. “This is a place to come hungry, come curious, and come ready to learn something new, weird, and funky,” says Downtown ABQ MainStreet events manager Kat Cannella. The festival also offers wine and cheese pairings, fresh bread, and educational demonstrations. An all-class pass provides access to five additional demonstrations, including mushroom cooking, coffee tasting, papermaking, and a mole workshop.

Later in the afternoon, the Battle of the Breads competition puts amateur sourdough bread bakers to the test. “In the past, we focused on professionals and amateur bakers, but somehow the amateurs were overshadowed,” says Cannella. “So this year, we are focusing on only the amateurs.” The first, second, and third place winners receive prizes from professional bakers, festival goodies, and more. “It’s a day of trying something new,” says Cannella. 

2 Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 

Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend Celebration

Honor Indigenous culture and community during the Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend Celebration, Saturday through Monday, on the Santa Fe Plaza. See captivating traditional and contemporary dances from Danza Azteca de Anahuac, Water Strider Dance Group, Lightning Boy Hoop Dancers, and others, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, the Santa Fe Indigenous Center hosts its fourth annual Honoring Native Nations Powwow, featuring Native art vendors and performances by champion hoop dancers of the Southwest, Mountain Eagle drummers from Jemez Pueblo, and the Tesuque Pueblo Cottonwood Dancers. At noon, the Parade of Nations begins, honoring New Mexico’s 23 sovereign tribes, nations, and pueblos through regalia, tribal flags, and dance.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Avanyu Plaza

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center honors Indigenous people past, present, and future with a full day of activities on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop Native artists and vendors in the courtyard, while a full slate of dance performances includes the Oak Canyon Dance Group (Jemez), Jackrabbit Trail Dance Group (Okay Owingeh), Cellicon Traditional Dance Group (Zuni), Tlacoyolt Dance Group (Chichimeca Mexica Azteca), Hopi/Tewa Dance Group, and Northern/SouthernDance Group (Ohkay Owingeh).

Across the street from the IPCC center, Avanyu Plaza is also taking part in the celebration with live music, cultural dances, a live mural painting, children’s activities, and more from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3 Cross the finish line.

In Ruidoso, cheer on competitors from around the world during the XTERRA World Championship, October 8–11. The marquee full-distance race takes place Saturday in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, where athletes face a 1.5K swim in Grindstone Lake, followed by a 27K mountain bike course, and a challenging 10K trail run through difficult mountain terrain. Want to get in on the action? Other events are open to the public, including Friday’s 5K trail run and Sunday’s Open Sprint Triathlon. Visitors can also find special deals at participating local restaurants and shops, or enjoy hiking trails, live entertainment, and more.

4 Embrace falling leaves and a crisp breeze.

Aztec Fall Festival and Car Show

Explore Aztec and welcome fall at the Aztec Fall Festival and Car Show on Saturday. Start the celebration at 9 a.m. with a parade down Main Avenue, followed by fall festivities and a car show featuring more than 100 classic and custom cars. Stroll through Minimum Park and shop artisan vendors offering handcrafted goodies, or grab a bite from local food trucks. Get into the festive mood with live music and entertainment throughout the day. General admission is $5  and free for kids under 12.

Fall Farm Festival, Albuquerque

This Saturday, get a taste of fall at the Gutiérrez-Hubbell House during the Fall Farm Festival. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate local food systems and the community by shopping for fresh produce and handmade treasures from local farmers and artisan vendors. Family friendly activities include a petting zoo, face painting, hands-on crafts, and a tour of the beautiful grounds. Listen to live music by Metamorfos or stop by the Planet Music Booth that allows participants to play musical instruments from around the world.

Fall Western Market, Santa Fe

Prepare for a wild weekend on the historic streets of the Eaves Movie Ranch at Mortenson Ranch this Saturday during the Fall Western Market. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., grab your boots and explore the ranch that played a role in shaping the Western movie genre. Since the 1960s, the ranch has been used as a set in more than 250 Westerns, including Young Guns, Open Range, and Chisum. Visit more than 70 makers and traders selling art, vintage Western clothing, saddles, beadwork, and more. The market includes live music throughout the day, staged gunfights in front of the Long Branch, chuckwagon cooking, and carriage rides. At 12:30 p.m., visitors can meet the ranch’s famous movie veteran, Clyde the Buffalo.

Moonlight Market, Farmington

Listen to bone-chilling stories and shop for everything spooky at the Moonlight Market in downtown Farmington this Friday. Beginning at 6 p.m., costume up and venture into the unknown at the Inspired Moments Event Center. The market features ghostly vendors with Halloween-themed arts and crafts, handcrafted treasures, and more. At 7 p.m., make your way into the Totah Theater for a retelling of La Llorona by Rosalía Pacheco, accompanied on guitar by her son, Estevan.

Oktoberfest, Red River

Sip on your drink of choice amid the stunning autumn colors at Red River Oktoberfest. From Friday through Sunday, head to Brandenburg Park, where the festivities kick off at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony and toast followed by fun and entertainment. Local breweries, wineries, and distilleries provide drinks, including nonalcoholic options. Explore the park and shop local artisan vendors, then catch DJ Luisa and the Lederhosen Junkies. The weekend also includes  Red River’s Strongest Man competition, a beard and mustache competition, and the annual Mrs. and Mr. Oktoberfest competition.

5 Saddle up for fun.

Experience a timeless local tradition at the Sierra County Fair in Truth or Consequences. The fun begins at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Sierra County Fairgrounds, when the exhibit buildings open with entries ranging from home arts and decorative crafts to 4-H projects and ag mechanics. Then, catch livestock shows and sales. Special events throughout the weekend include a dog and pet show, a buyers’ dinner, Cow Patty Bingo, and the crowning of the fair court. The fair runs through Sunday, and admission is free.