Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Experience fall in the mountains. 

Since the 1970s, Red River has celebrated fall in the mountains by uplifting the arts community during the annual Aspencade Arts Festival at Brandenburg Park. “It brings a lot of people together,” says Julie Rice, interim tourism director for the town of Red River. Friday through Sunday, explore more than 60 artisan booths featuring handmade crafts including jewelry, pottery, home decor, artwork, specialty foods, and more. The weekend features plenty of food and the opportunity to go wild at the pie-eating contest on Saturday.

During Aspencade, Red River’s setting is an event in itself. “The mountains invoke a lot of creativity for the local artists, especially with the different colors of the leaves and background,” says Rice. Enjoy the mountain breeze, witness the changing colors, peruse regional art, and  catch live performances by Fritz Davis, Kate Mann, and the Fire Road Project. Each day begins at 10 a.m., and the free festival runs until 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday.

2 Get lost in the new season.

La Union Maze, Anthony

Get into the fall spirit with a corn maze, wagon rides, and delicious food at La Union Maze. Opening this Saturday at 10 a.m., throw on your comfortable shoes and explore the 13-acre corn maze. Once you find your way out, keep the fun going with a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, two tractor-led Cow Trains, the Canna Fairytale Trail, rubber duck races, and other fall activities. This year, visitors can also see farm animals and pig races sponsored by GECU. Don’t sweat it if you miss this weekend: the maze is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until November 8. Get tickets at launionmaze.com.

McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, Moriarty

Enjoy classic fall festivities during McCall’s Pumpkin Patch on Saturdays and Sundays until October 31, and Fridays starting October 9. For nearly 30 years, the pumpkin patch has brought the community together for the changing season, with seemingly endless rows of pumpkins to choose from. Wander the corn maze, find a seat in the hayride, and swim through endless kernels in the corn box, with more than 60 attractions plus delicious foods and treats. After dark, visitors who dare to have a spooky experience can buy tickets to the Haunted Barn and Field of Screams. The Haunted Farm runs Friday and Saturday nights through Halloween. To view ticket options, visit mccallpumpkinpatch.com/pages/experience.

3 Toast to the flavors of the Southwest.

Treat yourself to a tasty weekend at the 35th annual Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, which continues through Sunday. The festival brings together 65 chefs and restaurants and 90 world-class wineries for tastings, meals, seminars, and special events. On Friday, make reservations for a one-of-a-kind curated wine pairing experience at select restaurants, including Beef and Leaf Cafe with Tablas Creek Vineyard, and the Anasazi Restaurant with Ramey Wine Cellars, among others.

The fiesta presents a unique tasting and learning experience. Throughout the weekend, look for events like Bubbles Beyond Champagne—a guided tasting of sparkling wines—on Friday; 150 Years of Beringer Vineyards—a vertical wine seminar—on Saturday; and the Champagne and Dirty Boots Brunch on Sunday.

4 Spice up your weekend.

Chile Cheese Fest, Roswell

Roswell celebrates the agricultural history of southeastern New Mexico and the significant roles the chile and dairy industries have played in the region during the Chile Cheese Fest on the Chaves County Courthouse lawn, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Beyond savory meals and tasty treats, the fest features live music and entertainment, contests and competitions, and activities for the whole family.

United We Cook Chili Fest, Hobbs

Join Downtown Hobbs for the return of United We Cook Chili Fest & More on Friday and Saturday. On Friday from 2 to 9 p.m., taste the competition during the Battle of the Bites, sing your heart out at Chili Idol karaoke, and celebrate during the Hobbs High School homecoming tailgate party. On Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., get going with the Project Heartburn 5k Run, followed by a car show and a family fun zone. Throughout the weekend, be sure to visit local nonprofits and bid in at the silent auction. All profits go toward the United Way of Lea County’s annual campaign supporting local resource services and nonprofits.

5 Get festive.

Corrales Harvest Festival, Corrales

The Corrales Harvest Festival invites you to a weekend celebrating the tradition, history, and community of Corrales on Saturday and Sunday. Corrales’ largest annual festival takes over the village with wagon rides, family activities, art markets, art demonstrations, and live music. Make your way to the historic Casa San Ysidro for living traditions, rare artifacts, activities, music, and a heritage art show. Visitors can participate in spinning, weaving, and other hands-on activities.

Harvest Festival, Blanco

Join Wines of the San Juan for a weekend of art and fine local wine at the annual Harvest Festival. On Saturday and Sunday, taste New Mexico wine while listening to live performances from the Zia Chicks, Pete Giuliani Band, Felix y Los Gatos, and Arellano Brothers. With a chill in the air and live music setting the mood, grab a tasty meal and explore more than 60 artisan vendors showcasing the unique art of the Southwest. This event invites the whole family to join in the fall fun with activities for kids. The festival begins at noon and ends at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Get tickets at nmmag.us/wotsj-harvestfest.

Mora Fall Festival

Get ready for some hometown fun at the Mora Fall Festival on Saturday at Mora Independent School. From noon to 4 p.m., explore local vendors, find family-friendly activities from Explora, grab a bite, and connect with community. The festival also features a special Imagination Library booth celebrating Dolly Parton’s book-giving program.

Ruidoso Oktober Fest

Ruidoso is anticipating the return of one of its most brew-tiful events of the year, Ruidoso Oktoberfest at Downshift Brewing Company. On Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m., enjoy craft beer, German food, and outdoor stages with live performances, including Fungi Mungle, The Consequences, and Doso Dirtbags. Participate in Oktoberfest traditions including the Stein Hoisting Championship, the crowning of the King and Queen of Oktoberfest, a best-dressed contest, a chicken dance contest, and other family fun.