¡Viva Santa Fe! Discover September's Premier Cultural Events, Food, and Festivities
Join us this September for an unforgettable celebration of Santa Fe's rich traditions, vibrant culture, live music, delectable food, and stunning natural beauty. ¡Viva Santa Fe! showcases a diverse lineup of colorful events throughout the month. Here are some highlights to fuel your excitement!
¡Viva La Fiesta!
For 303 years, the streets of Santa Fe have echoed with shouts of "¡Viva La Fiesta!" The Fiesta de Santa Fe, held September 11th through 13th, is the nation's oldest and most colorful community celebration. This week-long event honors the city's profound history, blending Spanish, Native American, and Anglo-American traditions. It commemorates the Spanish reconquest of Santa Fe and launches National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The beloved Santa Fe Fiesta parade takes place on Sunday, September 13. (Courtesy of Salvador Zapien)
Burn Your Worries Away: The Burning of Zozobra
Zozobra, a towering 50-foot marionette known as Old Man Gloom, is crafted from muslin and stuffed with shredded paper. This eerie, groaning figure—part ghost, part monster—is the star of a unique annual tradition organized by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe. Conceived by artist Will Shuster in the 1920s as part of Fiesta, the event is now in its 91st year. Watch as Zozobra moans, flails, and bursts into flames at Fort Marcy Ball Park, just blocks from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Fireworks cap off the spectacle, symbolizing the release of the crowd's gloom amid cheers from thousands.
Each year, the Firedancer taunts and teases Zozobra, delighting the crowd. (Courtesy of The Burning of Will Shuster’s Zozobra.)
Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown
September is prime time to savor New Mexico's iconic green chile cheeseburger, especially at Edible’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown on September 10 at the Santa Fe Railyard Pavilion. Now in its third year, top restaurants selected by public vote compete for the title of Santa Fe's Best Green Chile Cheeseburger. Judges select the winner, while public tastings determine the People's Choice Award. Plan ahead—it sells out fast!
Sink your teeth into Bang Bite’s mouthwatering entry. (Courtesy of Simply Santa Fe)
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
From September 23rd through 27th, the renowned Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta offers five days of culinary excellence: food and wine pairings, seminars, cooking classes, walking tours, chef demos, luncheons, and auctions. Over 75 top Santa Fe restaurants partner with 90 national wineries, culminating in the Grand Tasting at the Santa Fe Opera, where attendees sample the finest offerings.
Fiesta attendees savor culinary delights paired with premium wines. (Courtesy of Vanduzer.com)
Santa Fe Concorso
The 2015 Santa Fe Concorso, the Southwest's premier showcase of over 110 rare cars and motorcycles, occurs September 25–27 at The Club at Las Campanas, 15 minutes from downtown. Enjoy seminars, an evening gathering at Hangar K, a mountain tour, and a judged exhibition of classic cars, racing legends, and iconic motorcycles.
Scenic Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon
New Mexico's fastest and most picturesque half marathon features a USATF-certified, 1,000-foot net downhill course with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, descending into the Rio Grande Valley. Runners pass the Santa Fe Opera, Tesuque Village, Camel Rock, and Tesuque Pueblo en route to Pojoaque—a path trod by ancestors for centuries.
Race through breathtaking scenery! (Courtesy of Santa Fe Thunder)
Santa Fe Ski Basin Chairlift Rides
Experience autumn chairlift rides before the first snow at Ski Santa Fe. The Super Chief quad chairlift operates weekends from September 5 through 26, offering panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, plus live music at La Casa Lodge deck. Visit the Ski Santa Fe website for details.
Ride the Super Chief quad chairlift high above it all! (Courtesy of Santa Fe Ski Basin)
These are just a few of Santa Fe's September highlights, blending the city's storied past with its dynamic present. Plan your visit today and join the chorus of "¡Viva Santa Fe!"
