The 5 Best Fall Festivals in New Mexico for 2025 Will Put You in the Autumnal Spirit

What plans do you make during the fall months? Do you enjoy leaf peeping around the state? How about a colorful fall hike? While the state steps into a different rhythm during the autumn months, a whole new world of activities seems to follow. Pumpkin picking, apple picking, hayrides, and haunted houses are just a few of the enjoyable activities we can enjoy this time of year. And then there are the slew of fall festivals that hit the calendars! We searched high and low and put together this list of some of the best fall festivals in New Mexico that are sure to put you in the spirit of the season.

1. Manzano Mountain Retreat Harvest Festival

Located in Torreon, Manzano Mountain Retreat hosts its annual Harvest Festival from the end of September until the end of October. Once you find out all that's in store, you'll be making your fall plans to include this event! Bring the whole family and enjoy apples, cider, a climbing wall, family-friendly games, food, tours, and more. What a way to ring in the season!

2. Nichols Ranch and Orchards

If you're looking for fall festivals near Alamagordo, look no further than the annual Apple Festival that usually takes place at the beginning of October. Tickets are always nominally priced and it is a great activity for the entire family. This festival of fall fun will have food vendors, cider donuts, live music, beer, wine, arts and crafts vendors, caramel apples, and even a petting zoo!

3. Oktoberfest (Red River)

Close to the Colorado-New Mexico border lies the town of Red River. Each year, this town hosts its annual Oktoberfest. This year's much-anticipated event will be held in mid-October, and will make you feel like you're in a Bavarian country. Enjoy live entertainment, a beard and mustache competition, art vendors, food vendors, a kids' zone, and, of course, beer. Don't forget to wear your lederhosen!

4. Harvest Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas

For fall festivals near Santa Fe, nothing is quite like the Harvest Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. This annual festival, which has been going on for over 50 years, is typically held near the beginning of October when the weather in New Mexico is still nice and inviting. El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a 200-acre living history museum with 30 historic buildings surrounded by the fall foliage of the cottonwood trees. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to stomp grapes, pick out pumpkins, make crafts, sample local food vendors, and more. This is the longest running harvest festival in New Mexico.

5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

One of the most amazing fall festivals near Albuquerque is its hot air balloon festival. Nothing rings in the fall season quite like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This special event is held every October and each year features hundreds of hot air balloons in a kaleidoscope of colors. People come from far and wide, not just from around Albuquerque and other parts of New Mexico, but literally from all over the United States and all over the world. It is perhaps one of the best known hot air balloon festivals in the world. Also, be sure not to miss the balloon glow events. They are nothing short of spectacular!

So, will you attend any (or maybe all) of the best fall festivals in New Mexico this year? If your favorite isn't on this list, please let us know by filling out this nomination form. And, if you are looking for even more things to do in fall in New Mexico, check out our list featuring several of our favorite autumn activities.

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