Both local residents and out-of-town visitors anticipate a variety of yearly events and festivals in Las Cruces and Old Mesilla.
Calendar of Events in Las Cruces
For more information visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.lascrucescvb.org or call (575) 541-2444.
January
Las Cruces Jam Session
This features multi-media exhibits, concerts, films, public gallery talks and educational outreach to students of all ages at locations throughout Las Cruces. www.lcjazz.org.
February
For the Love of Art Month
Exhibitions and events held throughout the city. 523-6403. www.daarts.org.
March
Cowboy Days
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
This weekend of events pays tribute to the history of the American West. 522-4100. www.frhm.org.
April
Trinity Site Tour
White Sands Missile Range.
The Trinity site is the location of the first atomic bomb explosion. 678-1134. www.wsmr.army.mil.
Border Book Festival
Mesilla Plaza.
This unique festival brings together authors from around the world. 523-3988. www.borderbookfestival.org.
La Viña Blues and Jazz Festival
La Viña Winery.
Good music and good wine hosted by New Mexico’s oldest winery. 882-7632. www.lavinawinery.com.
May
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Mesilla Plaza.
A traditional Mexican fiesta honoring Mexico’s second revolution. 524-3262. www.oldmesilla.org.
Southern New Mexico Wine Festival
Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds.
Visitors can sample wine from the many New Mexico wineries as well as enjoy live entertainment and local vendors. 522-1232.www.nmwine.com.
June
Raft the Rio Grande
Rio Grande River at West Picacho.
Homemade rafts compete for prizes. Prizes awarded for best use of recycled materials, most creative, first to finish, least likely to finish and spirit of the river.
July
Annual 4th of July Celebration.
July 3
9:00 p.m.—Wells Fargo Electric Light Parade, Solano Drive to Hadley Avenue
10:00 p.m.—Street Fest Concert, Meerschiedt Center Area
July 4—Street Fest Presented By Comcast
4:00–9:00 p.m. Local/National Performers, Meerschiedt Center Area
9:30 p.m.—Annual Fireworks Display, Meerschiedt Center Area
All events are free and open to the public. Hadley Street. 541-2200. www.las-cruces.org.
August
White Sands International Film Festival
The annual event brings filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to southern New Mexico. (877) 345-6973 www.wsiff.com.
September
Mesilla Valley Maze
Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to look for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern, then discover the many twists and turns amazingly cut into a corn field. 526-1919. www.mesillavalleymaze.com.
Hatch Chile Festival
Sample some of the finest chiles while you enjoy food, crafts and live music. 267-5050. www.hatchchilefest.com.
New Mexico Wine Harvest Festival
Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds.
Celebrate New Mexico’s wine harvest with grape stomping, wine tasting, entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors and children’s activities. 522-1232. www.nmwine.com.
White Sands Balloon Invitational
White Sands National Monument.
A collection of colorful balloons filling the air over the white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument. 430-7585, (800) 826-0294. www.nps.gov/whsa.
Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta
Mesilla Plaza.
Mexican Independence Day! Join the Village of Mesilla as they commemorate Mexico’s independence. 524-3262. www.oldmesilla.org.
The Whole Enchilada Fiesta
Meerscheidt Recreation Center.
Las Cruces hosts a big street party complete with food, dancing, a parade and the making of the official world’s largest enchilada! 526-1938. www.enchiladafiesta.com.
Southern NM State Fair & Rodeo
Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds.
The Southern New Mexico State Fair has something for everyone: food, music, livestock shows and a cowboy rodeo. 524-8602. www.snmstatefair.com.
October
Trinity Site Tour
White Sands Missile Range.
The Trinity site is the location of the first atomic bomb explosion. 678-1134. www.wsmr.army.mil.
La Viña Wine Festival
This festival is the oldest wine festival in New Mexico and features food, entertainment and of course wine produced by New Mexico’s oldest winery. 882-7632. www.lavinawinery.com.
Dia de los Muertos
Mesilla Plaza.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with music, food and a candlelight procession as the dead are remembered. 647-2639. www.oldmesilla.org.
November
Renaissance Arts Faire
Young Park.
Spend a weekend with kings and queens at the Renaissance Arts Faire. Local, state and regional artisans gather to participate in a juried art show and exhibition. 523-6403. www.daarts.org.
International Mariachi Conference & Concert
A weeklong educational conference culminating with one spectacular concert featuring internationally known mariachi performers. 525-1735. www.lascrucesmariachi.org.
December
Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This religious and cultural event in the Village of Tortugas includes traditional ceremonies and dancing. 526-8171.
Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza
December 24, Mesilla Plaza.
The historic village of Old Mesilla is aglow with thousands of luminarias and caroling. 524-3262. www.oldmesilla.org.