Las Cruces Calendar of Events

August 1 - 31

Las Cruces: Crossroads of History

Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street. Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday 9 am - 1 pm. Admission is free and the museum is accessible and open to the public.
(575) 541-2155. gcourts@las-cruces.org 
A comprehensive look at the history of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley spanning the past 400 years, through the use of photographs, documents, artifacts and narrative, the story of the Las Cruces crossroads from dusty collection of adobe settlements to the vibrant city of today is unveiled.

August 1 - 31

White Sands National Monument hosts, "Sunset Strolls"

White Sands National Monument, 45 miles east of Las Cruces, Highway 70. Call for time. Entrance fee is $3 per person (15 years and under free).
(575) 679-2599 ext. 230 or (575) 479-6124 ext. 236. www.nps.gov/whsa/
Daily year-round (except December 25). Begins one hour before sunset. A leisurely one-hour ranger-guided walk. Experience sunset over the white sands and see the plants and animals of the dune field. A photographer's delight. Starts at sign along the Dunes Drive.

August 16

City of Las Cruces hosts, “2009 Music in the Park” The Next Chapter - Americana, Roots Music & The Deming Fusiliers - Bluegrass

Apodaca Park 801 E. Madrid Avenue. 7 pm. Free and open to the public.
(575) 541-2200. rcaldwell@las-cruces.org
Come and enjoy free entertainment with your friends and family and don’t forget a lawn chair and your ice tea.

September 4

Downtown Ramble

Downtown Mall. 5 pm - 7 pm. (575) 523-2950.
Do the Main Street Downtown Ramble through galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants. Enjoy art openings, exhibits, music, entertainment, open mic opportunities, shopping, refreshments and more.

September 4

White Sands National Monument hosts, “Full Moon Nights”

White Sands National Monument, 45 miles east of Las Cruces, Highway 70. 8 pm. Entrance fee $3 per adult, (15 years and under free).
(575) 679-2599 ext. 230 or (575) 479-6124 ext. 236. www.nps.gov/whsa/ or Kathy_Denton@nps.gov
Special programs presented by park rangers or guest speakers. Experience the beauty of the full moon on the white sands. Park entrance closes at 10 pm, please exit by 11 pm.

September 5 - 6

“Hatch Chile Festival”

Hatch, New Mexico, 37 miles N. on I-25. Saturday 10 am - 12:30 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. 
(575) 267-5050 or (575) 267-5483 or (575) 267-4010. www.hatchchilefest.com or mnordyke@zianet.com
All weekend long includes the following: chile toss, chile eating, watermelon eating contests, chile quilt and pillow raffle. Horseshoe tournament - registration at 11 am. Chile foods demonstrations. Ristra tying demonstrations. Chile capital artists ristra painting demonstration. Chile festival kitchen open, beer garden, carnival, vendors, food and fun. Fresh roasted Hatch green chile.

September 5 - 7

“Harvest Wine Festival”

Southern New Mexico State Fairground, 12 miles west of Las Cruces, I-10 exit, 127 & 132. Call for time and entertainment schedule.
(575) 522-1232. www.wineharvestfestival.com or dawn@helpinghandsevents.com 
Celebrate New Mexico’s wine harvest with grape stomping, wine tasting, live entertainment. Festival features arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, hourly wine seminars and great relaxed atmosphere.

September 25 - 27

The Whole Enchilada Fiesta

1801 E. Hadley Avenue and Baseball Complex. Call for time and schedule. Call for admission fees.
(575) 526-1938. www.enchiladafiesta.com 
We have a Chile Festival so why not an enchilada fiesta? Las Cruces hosts one big street party complete with food, dancing, a parade and the making of the official world’s largest enchilada! Special guests Los Lobos, Michael Salgado, James Douglas Show and Fungi Mungle and much more to come.

September 30 - October 4

Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo

Southern New Mexico State Fairground, 12 miles west of Las Cruces, I-10 west, exit 127 or 132. Call for time and schedule.
(575) 524-8602 or (575) 524-8612. www.snmstatefair.com

October 10 - 11

Annual La Viña Harvest Festival

La Viña Winery, 4201 S. Highway 28. Call for time.
(575) 882-7362. www.lavinawinery.com
Fine New Mexico wines, outdoor venue with tents, tables and chairs.

October 31 & November 2

Dia de los Muertos

Old Mesilla Plaza, south on Highway 28. Saturday & Sunday 12 noon - 7 pm. Free admission.
(575) 647-2639 or 524-3262 ext. 116 or 117. www.oldmesilla.org
The procession is always on November 2 to the San Albino Cemetery will leave from the plaza.

November 11

Veterans Day Parade - City of Las Cruces

Downtown Las Cruces. Call for schedule and parade route.
(575) 541-2000.
www.las-cruces.org

December 4

Lighting of Christmas Tree by City of Las Cruces

Location TBA. Call for time. Free and open to the public.
(575) 541-2000.
Come have fun with your family and enjoy some hot chocolate with Santa.