Top 10 October Events in Santa Fe: Fall Festivals, Art Tours & Cultural Celebrations
October is a hidden gem for visiting Santa Fe, with mild temperatures, thinning crowds, and a lineup of vibrant events that showcase The City Different's unique spirit. As locals and frequent visitors know, this "secret season" offers the perfect backdrop for harvest festivals, world-class art tours, and cultural immersions. Discover our curated list of must-attend October happenings below.
Harvest Festival
Early October, annually
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Experience traditional farming fun: taste fresh sorghum syrup from a burro-powered mill, press apple cider, and pick pumpkins from a scarecrow-patrolled patch. Kids can stomp grapes, craft cornhusk dolls, or hand-roll tortillas. A family-friendly celebration of the harvest season.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Early October, annually
Albuquerque (shuttle from Santa Fe)
This world-famous spectacle features over 500 hot air balloons launching at dawn and dusk, with races, night glows, and special shapes. Stay in Santa Fe for a peaceful base and catch our convenient $40 roundtrip shuttle from select hotels to Balloon Fiesta Park. Plan your visit with our Balloon Fiesta guide from Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Studio Tour
Mid-October weekends
Santa Fe
Meet nearly 60 local artists in their studios across diverse mediums. Watch live demonstrations and explore the latest works during this self-guided tour over two weekends. Download the app and visit the Santa Fe Studio Tour site for details.
Abiquiu Studio Tour
Early-mid October
Abiquiu
Drive through stunning Northern New Mexico landscapes—towering mountains, rock formations, and rivers—to visit artists' studios in Abiquiu and the Chama River Valley. Fall foliage enhances this self-guided artistic adventure.
Santa Fe Century
Mid-October
Around Santa Fe
This renowned cycling event offers 25-, 50-, or 100-mile routes through the Ortiz Mountains and Galisteo Basin. Enjoy epic views, aid stations with local food and drinks, supportive volunteers, and finisher prizes.
Galisteo Studio Tour
Late October weekend
Galisteo
In its 33rd season, diverse artists in this high-desert village open studios featuring photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and more—inspired by dramatic sunsets and enchanted light.
Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend Celebration
Early October
Santa Fe Plaza
Celebrate New Mexico's 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos with traditional dances and music on the Plaza bandstand. Additional events occur at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe Indian School, and Santa Fe Indigenous Center.
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
Mid-October
Various locations
The 13th edition brings 100+ independent films, screenings, workshops, and community events across Santa Fe venues.
Review Santa Fe Photo Festival
Mid-October
Various locations
A juried showcase of global photography talent with exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and portfolio reviews for photographers and enthusiasts.
Spirits of New Mexico’s Past
Late October
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Under lantern light and campfires, encounter historical ghosts sharing captivating stories in a family-friendly, spooky Halloween atmosphere at this historic site.
Ready to experience Santa Fe? Order your free Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide or check our deals and specials to plan your fall trip.
