Five Things to Do This Labor Day Weekend

1 Step back into the 1800s. 

Discover the rich history of three important mills that once fed the Southwest at the 4th Annual Valley of the Mills Tour in the Mora Valley. On Saturday and Sunday, you can tour La Cueva Mill, the biggest in the valley; St. Vrain Mill, the oldest; and Cleveland Roller Mill, which has been uniquely preserved as a museum.

“It’s such a special corridor that a lot of people don’t know about,” says Phillip Houser, co-owner of La Cueva Mill, a scenic outpost on the Río Mora that greets travelers at the intersection of NM 518 and 442. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, visitors can step back in time to view these pieces of history in action, watching grain being ground into flour and learning about the historic and economic significance of these mills.

Houser says he wants out-of-town attendees to see and realize the beauty and strong heritage of the Mora Valley itself. “It is such a significant and beautiful valley. It’s more than restoring an old building—it's about the stories, it’s about the people, it’s about the community, and how much it meant and what it did for our state.” Hitch a ride on the free trolley at every stop and indulge in local food, arts, live music, and family activities. Every event is free for all, besides a $10 fee to tour the Cleveland Roller mill.

2 Send your gloom up in flames.  

Join the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe and a crowd of tens of thousands in the 102nd Burning of Zozobra on Friday night at Fort Marcy Park’s Zozobra Field. Leave the sorrows of the past behind and chant “Burn him!” as the 50-foot marionette, stuffed with submitted glooms from around the globe, goes up in flames for another year.

“The genius of the event is that you’re like next to 50,000 of your closest friends, and yet at the same time you’re having a very singular experience all for yourself,” says Raymond Sandoval, event chairman since 2012. This year, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the theme of the event is “Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of ’76,” with Zozobra dressed as King George III. The pre-event musical beach ball toss features a tribute to the late great Dolly Parton in the form of her favorite “Jolene” remix.

The first burning of Zozobra was hosted in Santa Fe by artist Will Shuster in 1924. Originally, Zozobra was no more than six feet tall and was created with the intention of symbolizing a fresh start for the community. While the event has significantly changed, especially in size, the intention remains the same. “Right before Zozobra starts on fire, it feels like everyone’s holding their breath,” says Sandoval. “Then you can just feel this exhale of the entire city all at once.” Participants witness the fiery end of Zozobra, accompanied by a drone show, the thunderous cheers to burn him, and at the end, a fireworks extravaganza. Visit burnzozobra.com for tickets and more.

3 Observe the true narratives of the past. 

History can obscure personal narratives, thereby leaving out certain truths about an entire generation. This theme is one of several explored in Reclaiming the Future: The Legacy of Japanese American Incarceration, a new exhibition at the New Mexico Museum of Art, in Santa Fe. On Saturday, join an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the work of 10 Japanese and Japanese American artists that spotlights the enduring legacies of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, including at the former camp in Santa Fe. Stories are told through a variety of mediums, including sculpture, painting, photography, and more. At 6:15 p.m., listen to remarks from guest curator Machiko Harada; artist Lehuauakea; and Nikki Nojima Louis, a childhood survivor of an incarceration camp. See the exhibition through May 31, 2027. 

4 Eat, day-drink, and be merry.  

Harvest Wine and Music Festivals, Albuquerque and Las Cruces

This weekend, leave the kids at home to sip, savor, and dance at the Harvest Wine and Music Festival at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. Happening Saturday through Monday, the event features local wine from nearly two dozen of your favorite New Mexico wineries, including Black Mesa Winery, Luna Rossa Winery, and Vintage United. As you sip, explore more than 50 vendors and food trucks. Get ready to boogie at Native Guitars Tour Stage with performing artists like Burque Sol, Felix Peralta, and Innastate. If you’re looking for a more personal concert, make your way to the Silent Disco, featuring three stations to choose from. 

Wineries are also open for business at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Las Cruces, where the southern version of the fest is in full swing. Enjoy a musical lineup of Chris Baker & Friends, Jessika Sax, The Retroz, and more. The event includes food trucks, a silent disco, and Monday karaoke, and festivities run from noon to 6 p.m. each day. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the official website at nmmag.us/nmwine-fest.

Hatch Chile Festival

Get your fill—and some to go—of the finest chile in the world at the Hatch Chile Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Held since 1971, the festival presents an unforgettable experience of chile roasting, live music, parades, auctions, and community fun. “It’s a celebration of locality in a way, but it’s dropped in on by people from all over the world,” says John Hard, owner of Zia Chile Traders and co-chair of the Hatch Chile Festival. While exciting events occur throughout the weekend, the main attraction that pulls in individuals from all over the world is the quality of the available chile itself. More than just a spicy fruit, it is a way of life to New Mexicans—and at the festival, it is a recurring symbol that is present in every event. Saturday’s festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with the parade. “The parade is probably the centerpoint of where the celebration happens,” says Hard. “We have a Chile Queen and even the horse riders are dressed in red and green.”  On Sunday, music and other festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. To view the full schedule, visit hatchchilefestival.com.

Bean Day, Wagon Mound

Experience a darn-tootin’ good weekend full of dancing, small-town community, and beans at Wagon Mound’s 116th Bean Day, held Friday through Monday. Enjoy a variety of events for the whole family including a dance with live music every evening through Sunday and the music of Jonathon Chavez on Monday afternoon, plus vendors, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, street events, a mud bog race, a parade, a car show, bingo, and more. Keep your fork and knife handy at noon on Monday for the main event of the weekend: beef and beans cooked below ground, a century-old tradition to celebrate the harvest of the primary crop that sustained families for generations. View the full schedule at nmmag.us/bean-day.

5 Enjoy the finer things in life.  

Fifth Annual Seco Potter Fest, Arroyo Seco

Enjoy a long weekend tradition of celebrating ceramic art during the Fifth Annual Seco Potter Fest at the Arroyo Seco Live Stage. From Saturday through Monday, uplift 20 ceramic artists from across the state in supporting their artworks of pottery, sculpture, and functional wares. While admiring the clay artwork, enjoy live music each day from noon to 2 p.m and a silent auction. 

Carrizozo Community Festival

Experience the thriving community of Carrizozo this Saturday at the Carrizozo Community Festival. Following an 11 a.m. parade along 12th Street, enjoy live music by local bands in McDonald Park through 8 p.m. The day also entails arts and crafts vendors, a community parade, a vintage car show, food trucks, and family activities. Visit local galleries and art studios along 12th Street to engage with artists and their work, and if you find yourself thirsty after exploring the artsy town, indulge in the beer garden hosted by Bonito Valley Brewing Company.

Chama Valley Art Festival

Explore a gorgeous valley and its art scene on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chama Valley Art Festival. The heart of the festival begins at the Chama Valley Art Center but ultimately expands throughout Chama Valley and downtown Chama. Stop by art studios and festival booths to admire more than 40 artists’ works, in mediums from painting to interactive art. The festival includes street performers, live music, film screenings, silent auctions, and a festival raffle.

Totah Fine Arts Festival, Farmington

Get inspired at the Farmington Civic Center this Saturday and Sunday during the 37th Annual Totah Fine Arts Festival. In addition to featuring talented local Native artists, the festival includes a powwow, Indian Market, Totah 5k River Run, and the popular Navajo rug auction. Saturday runs from 10 a.m through 7 p.m., while Sunday’s festivities kick off at 11 a.m. To view the full schedule of events, visit nmmag.us/totah-finearts.

Franciscan Festival of the Fine Arts, Las Cruces

Relax with fine art, food, music, and drinks on Saturday and Sunday at the Franciscan Festival of the Fine Arts, held at Holy Cross Retreat Center near Las Cruces. Geared toward community appreciation of local art, the festival hosts more than 80 juried artists to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship. Shop a variety of paintings, photography, ceramics, woodworking, and more. While art is the main attraction, perks include food vendors, live music, a silent auction, and a wine and beer garden. On Saturday, the festival begins at 9 a.m., while Sunday's festivities begin at 10 a.m. 

Gate City Music Festival, Ratón

Dance like no one is watching at the Gate City Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday on Historic First Street in Ratón. While in the “Gate City of the Southwest,” experience a dynamic lineup of performers, including Sangre Joven, Secondhand, Dirty Modine, Back in the Saddle, and Tiffiny Dawn Band. Between performances, explore 20-plus food vendors with delicious meals, treats, and refreshments. Don’t miss the headliner of the event, legendary country band Exile, with special guests Will and Crystal Yates, performing on Sunday night in their own concert at the Historic Shuler Theater at 7 p.m. View ticket information at gatecitymusicfestival.com.