10 Must-See Events in Santa Fe Every September
September in The City Different—Santa Fe—is truly magical. The aroma of roasting green chiles wafts through crisp mountain air as golden aspens sway in the breeze. Cooler temperatures signal the start of an exciting autumn event season. Here are 10 iconic events that draw visitors annually.
Burning of Zozobra
Friday before Labor Day (Early September)
This unique tradition at Fort Marcy Park, steps from downtown, features a 50-foot marionette created by artist Will Shuster in 1924. Stuffed with community 'glooms'—regrets, fears, divorce papers, and more—it burns in a rhythmic, musical ceremony. Groove on the grass as woes go up in flames! Managed by the Kiwanis Club since 1964, proceeds fund children's programs. Visit Burn Zozobra for details and safety guidelines.
Fiesta de Santa Fe
Labor Day Weekend (Early September)
The oldest continuously running celebration in the U.S., Fiesta de Santa Fe captures the city's spirit with mariachi extravaganzas, parades, concerts, and sensory delights. Check santafefiesta.org for the schedule.
Fall Activities at Ski Santa Fe
Weekends in September
Take scenic chairlift rides through golden aspens on weekends and holidays. Enjoy live music, refreshments, family activities, and early ski pass sales. Learn more at Ski Santa Fe.
Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown
Mid-September
Top chefs compete for the best green chile cheeseburger at Santa Fe Brewing Company. Sample and vote with craft beers in hand.
Santa Fe Symphony Season Opener
Mid-September
Live music returns to the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center with works by Barfield, Rimsky-Korsakov, Reich, and Piazzolla, led by conductor Guillermo Figueroa. Details at Santa Fe Symphony.
Rodeo de Santa Fe
Mid-September
One of the nation's top 60 rodeos since 1949, featuring mutton bustin', youth barrel racing, and family fun. Visit rodeodesantafe.net for tickets.
Santa Fe Renaissance Faire
Mid-to-Late September Weekends
Step back in time at the Kingdom of Golondrinas with knights, fairies, games, medieval music, food, and artisan crafts—New Mexico's premier Ren Faire.
High Road Art Tour
Late September Weekends
Northern New Mexico artists open studios along the High Road to Taos. Discover traditional and contemporary works directly from creators. See highroadarttour.com.
GFNY Santa Fe
Mid-September
This Gran Fondo challenges riders on 61- or 75+-mile courses amid glowing aspens and stunning high-altitude roads. Details at GFNY Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
Late September
Celebrate culinary artistry with 60+ restaurants and 90 wineries. Enjoy demos, tastings, auctions, golf, and Grand Tastings at Magers Field. Visit santafewineandchile.org.
Stay updated on Santa Fe happenings! Order the Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide or explore deals and specials for your trip.
