With summer activities and schedules transitioning into the rhythm of fall, New Mexico families have much to anticipate with the arrival of Fiestas de Santa Fe! This months-long, family-focused celebration highlights the traditions of the Land of Enchantment with music, pageants, performances, and the sights and sounds of cultural traditions passed down through generations.

Now in its 313th season, Fiestas de Santa Fe’s unofficial kickoff—the Zozobra extravaganza—is the high-profile opening to a season filled with events and festivities.

On Saturday, September 6, from 9–10:45 a.m., families are invited to join the Fiesta fun at the Desfile de los Niños (Children’s Pet Parade), a beloved, century-old Santa Fe tradition. Costumed children—accompanied by their two- or four-legged, feathered, furry, or scaly pets—take to downtown streets to delight paradegoers with creativity and originality. Participants can also opt into judging for a variety of prize categories, including Best Children’s Musical Group, Most Original Entry, Best Group Entry, Best Historical Entry, Best Character, Best Message to Other Children, and Best School Group. Come cheer on your favorites and be part of this uniquely Santa Fe tradition!

And if families time it right, they can enjoy a post-parade sampling of family-friendly fare at food booths lining the Plaza, September 5–7, from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Candy apples, chicharrón burritos, cotton candy, fried bread with honey, and green chile cheeseburgers are just a few of the traditional favorites sure to keep rumbly tummies well-sated.

Brush off your dancing shoes for the Backyard Concert Series at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum on September 11, from 4:30–5:45 p.m. This free, live performance features multi-instrumentalist Jordan Wax, well-loved for his bilingual children’s programming that encourages youngsters to “shake their sillies out” in the fresh amphitheater air.

September Highlights

Santa Fe Renaissance Faire

Lords, ladies, and fair folk of all kinds: In the mood for medieval-themed fun? The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire is for you! Visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas as it is transformed into a magical hamlet with costumed performers, artisan vendors, jousting tournaments, a juggling clown, and mouthwatering eats. The fair even offers a Family Zone, where the youngest princes and princesses can explore a fairy village and enjoy free play. Dressing up is encouraged!

• Dates: September 13–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Tip: Pre-purchase tickets online, as this is a popular event.

October Traditions

Harvest Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas

As summer officially turns to autumn, pack up the car and kids for the longest-running Harvest Festival in New Mexico. With fall colors and historic buildings as a backdrop, this interactive heritage fair offers many hands-on opportunities to learn the state’s history. Guided by period-dressed docents, children can try their hand at making cornhusk dolls, rolling tortillas, stomping grapes, working an apple cider press, and even picking the perfect pumpkin from the fields. Hayrides, local artisan vendors, and family fun round out the weekend.

• Dates: October 4–5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Tickets: Pre-purchase at HoldMyTicket.com, as space is limited.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend

In 2016, the City of Santa Fe declared the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. To honor the contributions and rich history of Native communities, the Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend Celebration will take place October 11–13 at Santa Fe Plaza. The event features traditional dance, musical selections from New Mexico’s 23 tribes and pueblos, storytelling, and hands-on activities for children.

The weekend culminates with the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Sunday, October 13, featuring drumming, dancing, and performances in an afternoon of cultural celebration.

Santa Fe Spirits of New Mexico

With Halloween just around the corner, return to El Rancho de las Golondrinas for this seasonal favorite on October 24–25, from 5–9 p.m. Walk lantern-lit trails, warm up by a campfire with storytelling, and enjoy spooky performances that bring ghostly tales to life.

Día de los Muertos

The Museum of International Folk Art kicks off the 2025 Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on October 26, from 1–4 p.m. The event includes free family activities such as sugar skull decorating, face painting, and dance performances by Los Niños de Santa Fe, a local group dedicated to preserving New Mexico’s traditional dances.

Originating in Mexico, Día de los Muertos honors loved ones who have passed through ofrendas (altars) decorated with food, drink, flowers, and photos. Families gather in remembrance and joy, celebrating the lives of those who came before them.

The citywide festivities continue downtown:

• October 31, 4–10 p.m. – Plaza festivities with mariachi music, community ofrendas, Mexican cuisine, and papel picado decorations.
• November 1, 12–10 p.m. – Culmination of the three-day celebration, with traditional dances, mariachi music, cultural performances, and ofrenda adornment.

Highlights include:

• 12–4 p.m.: Ofrenda decoration (items for sale on site)
• 12–1 p.m.: Strolling mariachi musicians
• 1–3 p.m.: Día de los Muertos film screenings
• 2–8 p.m.: Free face painting
• 3:30–4:30 p.m.: Strolling mariachi musicians
• 6 p.m.: Screening of Coco on jumbotron screens
• 8 p.m.: Aztec Blessing
• 8:15 p.m.: Candlelight parade led by Las Catrinas y Las Mojigangas

As dusk falls, the luminous candlelight parade transforms the Plaza with warmth and glow, signifying the deep traditions that make New Mexico’s fall celebrations so magical.

Viva New Mexico!

Note: Schedules are subject to change. Please visit the official Santa Fe Tourism website or local event pages for updates.