Annual Events and Area Attractions
Fun things to do in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces offers a plethora of cultural events, agricultural experiences, and musical excitement! Where else can you experience world famous chile, or the largest enchilada or listen to some of the best mariachi musicians plus let's not forget, some of the best wine is made in New Mexico! Join us for the International Mariachi Conference or the Southern NM Wine Festival and be sure to experience the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. Las Cruces has a world of events and experiences to last you a lifetime!
Annual Events Calendar
White Sands International Film Festival: April 15th-18th
White Sands International Film Festival - A gathering of outstanding short and feature length documentaries and narratives of all genres from around the world. This event focuses on Latino and New Mexican filmmaking, as well as celebrating outstanding cinema that has been shot in the amazing back drop of Southern New Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo: May 1st - 2nd
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held in the historic Mesilla Valley square. Enjoy and array of events and celebrate Mexico's national holiday.
Southern New Mexico Wine Festival: May 29th -31st
The Southern New Mexico Wine Festival - This is an annual favorite at the Southern NM State Fairgrounds!
Enjoy tasting wines from around the state listen to live music and shop for unique arts and crafts!
Hatch Chile Festival: Labor Day - September 4th -5th
The Hatch Chile Festival
weekend is a two-day celebration of the world-famous chile crop in southern New Mexico. The festival attracts visitors from all over the US, including such notables as the Food Network and the BBC. Have a great time sampling famed chile recipes, shopping the artisan booths or enjoying the delicious food.
The Whole Enchilada Fiesta: September 24th - 26th
The Whole Enchilada Fiesta is a fun filled event for the entire family. Enjoys tons of live entertainment, arts and craft booths, food, plus the worlds largest enchilada created right before your eyes.
Southern New Mexico State Fair Rodeo: September 30th- October 4th
The State Fair Rodeo is a whole lot of action packed into one place. This event takes place at the Southern NM State Fair Grounds and is a must attend event!
17th Annual International Mariachi Conference: November 10th - 14th
The Mariachi Conference
features concerts and a festival which are open to the public at the Pan American Center at NMSU. Enjoy the Student Showcase concert on Friday evening, and a spectacular concert on Saturday.
Renaissance ArtsFaire 2010: November 6th -7th
The annual Renaissance ArtsFaire festival is one of the largest cultural events in Southern New Mexico and has steadily grown to over 25,000 attendees to the beautiful Young Park. Enjoy art show showcases local and regional artists, crafts-people and entertainers as well as delicious food.
Area Attractions in Las Cruces
- Historic Old Mesilla
Historic Old Mesilla ("Little Tableland") is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico. Fine dining, art, and shopping abound at this former territorial capital of present day New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona is located just minutes from Las Cruces. Old Mesilla is steeped in the lore of the Old West including Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, Geronimo, and Victorio. Enjoy the historic Plaza and its winding streets of galleries, shops, and restaurants.
- Website: www.OldMesilla.org
- Dripping Springs & Agurrie Springs Hiking:
One of the most scenic areas in southern New Mexico, Aguirre Springs features hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and camping. The dripping springs trail leads to the ruins of the old Dripping Springs Resort, a former hotel and sanctuary.
- Website: www.messilla_valley.net/html/aguirre_springs
- New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum:
New Mexico Farm & Ranch brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico.
- Las Cruces Museum of Art
Las Cruces Museum of Art features the works of regionally and nationally known artists.
- Phone: (505)541-2137
- Website: www.Las-Cruces.org
- University Museum
The University Museum located on the New Mexico State University campus displays unique exhibits from around the globe.
- Phone: (505) 646-3739
- Website: www.nmsu.edu
- Las Cruces Community Theatre
Las Cruces Community Theatre is for the community and by the community. We invite all interested people to join & enjoy quality live theatre.
- Las Cruces Museum of Natural History
Las Cruces Museum of Natural History is dedicated to broadening people's understanding of natural history, science, and the environment of New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert.
- Phone: (505) 522-3120
- Website: www.las-cruces.org
- Railroad Museum
The Railroad Museum exhibits model trains as well as Railroad memorabilia from the station's interesting past.
- Phone: (505) 647-4480
- Website: www.las-cruces.org
- White Sands Missile Range Museum & Missile Park
The White Sands Missile Range Museum displays over 50 rockets and missiles once tested on the missile range.
- Phone: (505) 678-8824
- Website: www.wsmr-history.org
- University Golf Course
University Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course open to the public year round for your golfing enjoyment.
- Phone: (575) 646-3219
- Website: www.nmsu.edu
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