Attending a festival is a wonderful way to explore an area. There are a number to choose from in New Mexico
Alamogordo:
Held at White Sands, the White Sands Balloon Invitational is an annual September event over two days and features hot air balloons floating gracefully over the ever-changing white sands.
Albuquerque:
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held the last weekend in September and has grown into the world's largest hot air balloon event. There are races, mass ascensions, fireworks, wine tasting, and much more.
How do you like folk music and dancing? Then you will love the Albuquerque Folk Festival held in June. This event features folk dancing and music from all over the world.
You can attend The Chamber Music Albuquerque-June Music Festival on three weekends during June. Musicians from all over the world participate in this event
The Gathering of the Nations Pow Wow is an annual event held at the University of New Mexico. Over five hundred tribes are represented, with singers and dancers, authentic food, and lots of shopping.
Blanco:
After Tax Spring Fling is held, believe it or not, after April 15th and features a bluegrass jam session, dancing, and a barbeque.
Carlsbad:
Held in April, the Carlsbad Bluegrass Festival offers bluegrass, obviously, as well as food and crafts for your enjoyment.
The Carlsbad Mescal Roast Package is a four-day event held every third week in May. It features ceremonial dancers, a huge bonfire, and demonstrations about how Apaches survived in the hot and dry desert.
Red River:
The Fine Annual Art and Wine Festival is held in June. This Festival showcases wines from the Southwest and as well as artists and their outstanding works.
Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally is held every year on Memorial Day weekend. Participants can not only participate in rallies, they can listen to live music, watch a parade, and participate in a Strong Man/Strong Woman contest.
Roswell:
The Pinatafest Cultural Celebration is an annual three-day festival starting the second Friday every September. The event includes live Mexican music, a parade on Saturday, cooking contests, and a Mariachi Mass on Sunday.
The UFO Festival is held annually in July and features music, UFO authors, a nighttime parade, and guest celebrities. Who knows who will"¦drop in?
Santa Fe:
The Thirsty Ear Festival is held yearly in September and features music including folk, bluegrass, and Cajun.
The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival is held during July and August. An area tradition since 1973, the Festival includes free rehearsals, educational programs and roundtable discussions with composers and musicians.
The Santa Fe Opera offers five programs from August through September every year. The operas are held in a beautiful opera house that has an incredible view of the Sangre Cristo Mountains.
Taos:
Do you still like being told stories? Then Taos in October is the place for you. Storytellers from across the nation gather to spin tales for visitors' enjoyment.
The Taos School of Music Chamber Music Program and Festival is held from June to August. During the Festival, students in the Program have the opportunity to practice and perform with experienced professionals.
The Taos Solar Music Festival, held over three days in June, is a venue for musicians, from local to national, to play on a stage that is powered completely by the sun. Past participants have included Harry Belafonte, Michelle Shocked, and Los Lobos.
White Oaks:
White Oaks Miner's Day is held every June. This Festival has an ore cart race, an Old West shootout at High Noon, and a "kid rodeo." Ride -em, cowboys!
So there you have it. You can get everything from operas to UFO's, from Chamber Music to rodeos at festivals in New Mexico. Be sure to check dates in advance as they are subject to change. Have fun!
