Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Take in rides, rhythms, and Route 66.

Create thrilling new memories with friends and family at the opening weekend of the biggest show in New Mexico, the New Mexico State Fair at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. From September 10 to 20, experience a variety of events and classic fair attractions, including daring rides, more than 300 food vendors, and captivating shows for the whole family.

“This is a time for all New Mexicans to come together in a safe environment to celebrate everything that makes this state wonderful,” says Dan Mourning, general manager of Expo New Mexico and the New Mexico State Fair. Don’t miss this weekend’s exciting rodeo-concert lineup, featuring Turnpike Troubadours with Xtreme Bulls on Friday and Ian Munsick with the Xtreme Bulls on Saturday. Next weekend, check out L.A. metal-mariachi group Metalachi. “If you love Ozzy Osbourne, you’re gonna love it mariachi style,” says Mourning.

As the State Fair takes place directly on the Mother Road, this year’s theme recognizes 100 years of Route 66. To celebrate the historic highway, the fair features neon signs, car shows, and centennial-themed art and attractions.

Exciting new additions include flash tattoos by True Grit Tattoo and a New Mexico film showcase on September 19, featuring work from University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University students. “The state fair is a participation event. You participate the second you walk in through the gates—you are a part of the show,” says Mourning. “That’s why we call it the greatest show in New Mexico.”

2 Grab your popcorn.

¡Cine Magnífico! Film Festival, Albuquerque

Discover the stories, perspectives, and culture through an array of Spanish and Latin American films at the ¡Cine Magnífico! Film Festival. Experience screenings from Friday through Sunday, including Tengo sueños eléctricos; Jone a veces; and La edad inminente at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theatre in Albuquerque.

On Saturday at 5 p.m., catch Les Memòries de Martha Heard, a vibrant documentary created by Martha Heard, an Albuquerque-based independent writer and editor who is known for documenting local communities. The film captures life in a small town in Spain’s Valencia region during the 1980s. The nature of the handheld camera combines street life and ethnology with glimpses of the community four decades ago. Stick around for a post-screening talk and Q&A with Heard. View the full schedule of films and reserve free tickets for individual screenings at nmmag.us/nmculture-tix.

Madrid Film Festival

Grab a seat and share laughs, gasps, and tears at the Madrid Film Festival at the Engine House Theater. The three-day festival presents three-hour showings of New Mexico–made short films chosen by judges with diverse interests. “Short films can be funny, thought-provoking, and moving,” says Andrew Wice, the festival’s director and co-producer. “I think our film festival hits all of these notes.” Friday and Saturday screenings feature short introductions before the films, and the best short-film winner receives a $500 prize. Each day screens the same selection of shorts from 7 to 10 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. “The thrill of coming together to share [short films] and experience them in an audience cannot be beat,” says Wice. Tickets are sold online at madridfilmfest.org/tickets, with tickets for Sunday’s showing only available at the Mineshaft Tavern.  

3 Have a smashing good time.

Get ready for candy to fall during Piñata Fest in Roswell. From noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Chaves County Cultural Plaza, experience vibrant colors, delicious food, and live music acts, including Los Tremendos León, Conjunto Satevo, and El Origen Norteño. Don’t miss the main piñata-bashing event on Saturday at 1 p.m. Everyone gets a chance to go up to bat with a guaranteed tasty reward as there are 20 piñatas waiting to be hit. This year’s newest addition to the fest, the Mercadito, hosts local artisans selling items like candles, blankets, signs, T-shirts, crafts, and decor. View the full schedule at pinatafest.org.

4 Celebrate Hispanic culture. 

13th Annual Fiestas de Septiembre, Hobbs 

The Hobbs Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosts the 13th Annual Fiestas de Septiembre at 300 E. Broadway St., in downtown Hobbs. Celebrate the rich Hispanic culture and heritage of Hobbs on Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. with local food trucks, dancing, entertainment, and live music from performers including Los Rojos, Stefani Montiel, and Conjunto Nueva Temporada.

Diez Y Seis De Septiembre Fiesta 2026, Mesilla 

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Saturday and Sunday at the Diez y Sies de Septiembre Fiesta 2026 at Old Mesilla Plaza. This year’s theme highlights Hispanic culture, traditions, and community spirit. Begin the fiesta on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade along Avenida de Mesilla. The weekend features mariachi music, ballet folklórico dancing, lab shows, a piñata, Mexican food, and the crowning of the Mesilla Queen.

Fiesta de Santa Fe  

Catch the tail end of one of New Mexico’s longest-running celebrations, the 314th Fiesta de Santa Fe, at Santa Fe Plaza. The nine-day event, ending on Sunday, commemorates a tradition celebrating the history of the town established in 1712, following Don Diego de Vargas’s 1692 return to Santa Fe. This weekend’s celebration begins on Friday at 6 a.m. at Rosario Chapel with the Misa de Pregón, a religious Mass during which the mayor of Santa Fe declares the start of the fiesta. Over the final three days, the fiesta includes a full schedule of fun and entertainment, including the Mariachi Extravaganza, Fine Arts & Crafts Market, food booths, concerts, a children’s parade, and so much more. Throughout the weekend, jam out to numerous concerts playing at the Plaza Bandstand, featuring Jerry Dean and Friends, Michael Matison and the Kats, and Una Más y La ChaCha.

5 Enjoy the breeze and admire the sky.

Witness vibrant colors gliding through the clear sky during the Ruidoso Kite Festival at the White Mountain Sports Complex. The two-day celebration encourages the timeless activity of watching and controlling the bright shapes as they soar, dip, and twirl in the wind. You can fly your own kite or purchase a $5 kite kit and assemble it on the spot with helpers. The festival includes professional kite flyers and kite displays, guaranteeing fun for the whole family, even the spectators. If you get warm under the sun, cool down with tasty bites and cold refreshments from on-site vendors. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday.