August and September bring a packed calendar of events to the Las Cruces area. From festivals and concerts to community gatherings, here are the top events happening over the next two months that locals and visitors won’t want to miss.
Mesilla Family Day Fiesta
Family Day Fiesta is taking place on Saturday, August.23rd from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site in Mesilla Plaza. This free annual celebration honors Mesilla’s culture and the legacy of J. Paul and Mary Daniel Taylor.
Highlights include:
Mariachi music and folklorico dancing
Creative and kid-friendly activities
Bubble painting, giant bubble-making, and art stations
Community booths and museum partners exploring local history
Celebration of the Reynolds Store Visitor Center’s one-year anniversary
A festive, family-friendly gathering open to everyone.
This event is Free
Franciscan Festival of the Fine Arts
The Franciscan Festival of the Fine Arts is an annual event held over Labor Day weekend at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, just south of Las Cruces.
Key details:
2025 Dates: Saturday, August 30 (9am–5pm) & Sunday, August 31 (10am–4pm)
Location: Holy Cross Retreat Center, 600 Holy Cross Rd., Mesilla Park, NM
Features:
80–90+ artists: including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, glass, and textiles
Live entertainment on two stages all weekend
Variety of food and drink including an enchilada dinner and a beer & wine garden (vendors like Little Toad Creek Brewery, Mesa Vista Winery)
Raffle and silent auction benefit the retreat center’s programs
Mix of indoor air-conditioned rooms and shaded outdoor setups
Vibe: Family-friendly, welcoming community, with a focus on fine art (not a generic crafts fair), set among shady pecan groves.
Admission: Free admission and parking (donations encouraged). Crowds are typically 4,000–5,000 over the weekend.
The festival supports local/regional artists and is the retreat center’s main fundraiser, creating a peaceful community atmosphere ideal for art lovers and families.
Saturday, August 30 (9am–5pm) & Sunday, August 31 (10am–4pm)
Location: Holy Cross Retreat Center, 600 Holy Cross Rd., Mesilla Park, NM
2nd Annual Harvest Wine & Music Festival
The 2nd Annual Harvest Wine & Music Festival will take place August 30–September 1, 2025, at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Las Cruces. Doors open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; admission includes a Viva Vino wine glass, unlimited wine tastings, and a $5 discount on bottle purchases. The festival features live music performances by New Mexico acts, artisan vendor booths, gourmet food trucks, games like silent disco and grape-stomping, and a VIP experience available Saturday and Sunday with exclusive wine selections, private music, upgraded amenities, and reserved seating.
Click here for more Details
$30 in advance $35 at the Gate Tickets
The 2025 Hatch Chile Festival
The 53rd annual Hatch Chile Festival will be held August 30–31, 2025, in Hatch, New Mexico, featuring a Saturday morning parade at 9 a.m., two live music stages starting at 11 a.m. each day, chile roasting demonstrations, ristra making, chile eating contests, a carnival, artisan vendors, and food booths throughout the weekend; admission is free, and the event typically draws 30,000–35,000 visitors.
Event is Free
More details: 2025 Hatch Chile Festival
The Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo
The Southern New Mexico State Fair will be held September 24–28, 2025, featuring rides, livestock shows, and family-friendly entertainment. Vendors and Sponsors you still have time to signup.
Tickets $10-$15 plus tax
More Details Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo
