An Ultimate Guide to the Best New Mexico Festivals You Need to See

When it comes to attending the best festivals in the US, few states can match the exotic fusion of culture, formidable landscapes, and one-of-a-kind celebrations quite like New Mexico. From its truly cosmic festival encounters to mouth-watering chile feasts and high-flying spectacles, the Land of Enchantment ticks every box.

Whether you’re inspired to check out all the best things to do in New Mexico or you’re planning a trip to bask in the fantastic year-round New Mexico weather, we’ve compiled a short list of the best festivals in New Mexico that need to be seen to be believed.

Ruidoso Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally – May

Picturesquely nestled among the pine forested slopes of Ruidoso’s winding mountains, next on our shortlist of the best New Mexico festivals sees us heading to the Ruidoso Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally. Unquestionably, this motorcycle rally is a must for thrill-seekers who love the open road, making it one of the best things to do in New Mexico to immerse yourselves in the stunning scenic backdrops Ruidoso is famed for.

Riders and bike enthusiasts travel from across the country to come together to share their passion for motorcycle culture in the Spring sunshine. As one of the best New Mexico festivals to embrace the great outdoors, with scenic rides through the Sierra Blanca range and live bands playing late into the night, it all makes for a fiesta you won’t want to miss out on.

Following a day of reveling in the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of the Ruidoso Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally, get a great night’s sleep every night by staying at the comfy Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn in Ruidoso or the Best Western Pine Springs Inn in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico.

Roswell UFO Festival – July

Undoubtedly one of the biggest festivals in the Southwest, the Roswell UFO Festival is a bucket-list celebration for UFO buffs. This annual summer festival sees thousands of alien aficionados gather in Roswell to celebrate the city’s extraterrestrial fame, which includes glowing parades and dazzling interactive exhibits all designed to showcase this famous UFO festival’s connection to the legendary 1947 incident.

When you’re in town, be sure to check out Roswell’s Main Street, which is packed with family-friendly activities, including cosplay parades, pet costume contests, and even an alien-themed 5K run. After a visit to the International UFO Museum during the day, make sure you also attend the nightly drone shows, live music stages, and space-age photo ops to see why it’s considered the best festival in New Mexico for pure imagination and excitement.

Enjoy a sci-fi adventure in alien country by booking your stay at the cozy Best Western El Rancho Palacio in Roswell, New Mexico.

Hatch Chile Festival – August

When the New Mexico weather enjoys that golden late-summer glow, it means it’s time to spice things up at the awesome Hatch Chile Festival. Considered to be the “Chile Capital of the World”, this fiery carnival allows visitors to try out the locals’ wares with two days of fun-filled adventure surrounded by hundreds of thousands of green and red chiles.

Among the classic festival foods here, you and your friends and family can taste smoky BBQ offerings, roasted corn, and of course, countless chile-infused dishes tailored to your own spice tolerance. At the Hatch Chile Festival, you can watch live bands and chile-eating contests that have turned a traditional harvest festival into a delicious pilgrimage for food lovers looking for the best festival in New Mexico to satisfy the senses.

After a day of savoring the fiery delights at this captivating foodie festival in Hatch, cool down in style by the pool by booking your accommodation at the Best Western Mission Inn in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Santa Fe International Film Festival – October

Set in the heart of one of the most artistic locales in New Mexico, the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) has become synonymous as a leading gala celebrating cinematic excellence. This famous festival is renowned for gathering award-winning filmmakers and rising stars of the industry in Santa Fe for a week of screenings, panels, and parties that unite storytellers with film enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a cinephile or someone who loves making movies, you’ll find yourself engrossed in the cinematic buzz that the annual Santa Fe International Film Festival generates. The event venues, which are made up of Santa Fe’s historic theaters and galleries, create an amazing backdrop that elevates SFiFF to rival any of the best festivals in the US, and a must-see event when visiting New Mexico.

Escape on a film-inspired getaway to this top festival in New Mexico when you stay at the exceptional Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe.

Red Rock Balloon Rally – December

For those of you who have always wanted to take to the skies, our favorite winter festival in New Mexico has to be the Red Rock Balloon Rally. Every day throughout this photogenic hot air balloon gala, you’ll witness hundreds of balloons drift gracefully over the dazzling array of crimson-colored cliffs that surround Gallup, New Mexico.

Whether you’re traveling solo or on a family vacation away, the Red Rock Balloon Rally is loaded with mass ascensions at dawn and superb balloon glows by night, where attendees can also participate in auctions, colorful parades, and local art displays. Given the unique, colorful geological backdrops that bless this airborne event, it’s no wonder the Red Rock Balloon Rally ranks among the best festivals in the US to witness the wonders of an authentic carnival of hot air balloons.

See the wonders of the Red Rock Balloon Rally by staying in Gallup, New Mexico, at either the remarkable Best Western Gallup West or the Best Western Plus Gallup Inn & Suites.