320 days of sunshine a year
Average Fall Temp 77 degrees
Festival season in Las Cruces
Fall in Las Cruces is absolute perfection. Not only are the temps ideal for all day recreating and nights out, but also, it is festival season. This means now is the optimal time to plan a trip to Las Cruces to enjoy the rich culture, fall festivities, outdoor recreation and cool nights.
Patio Perfection
Located in the heart of downtown, Grounded Café is in the La Esquina shopping plaza. Order inside and find a seat on the back patio with seating centered around a fountain and shaded by the surrounding shops.
Amador Patio Bar and Grill is located at the South entrance to downtown Main Street. The connected patios are the hidden gems to this complex that is enclosed by Visit Las Cruces, 575 Crafted Cocktails, Jax Rooftop Lounge, Amador Bar and Grill and Broken Spoke Taphouse. Find seating on the patio at one of the four Amador-owned locations overlooking the beautiful green grounds where concerts and special events are often hosted. Jax Rooftop Lounge not only overlooks the grounds but has a beautiful view of the cityscape.
One of the most popular stops in Mesilla isn’t just a step back in time, but also serves up live entertainment, drinks and delicious food all on its patio. La Posta de Mesilla’s enclosed patio is surrounded by the entire restaurant. Seating is centered around a fire pit fountain. Yes! A fire pit fountain. Lights are strung overhead, and its intimate feel exudes the warmth and comfort of being at the home of an old friend.
Once home to Guacamole’s, Elephant Ranch Bar has pristinely captured the feel of the once beloved burger spot, all while expanding the patio and transforming it into one of Las Cruces’ most frequented bars. The enclosed patio is surrounded by a bridged water feature, while the open patio has large, expansive seating, string lights, old signage, a fountain and a fireplace for those chilly nights. A food truck is on site serving up tacos, tortas and more.
Snapshot of Fall Insta-worthy Sites
- Highway 28: Drive or bike through the Stahmann Farms pecan orchards and watch the leaves change. Sightseeing Highway 28.
- Dripping Springs Natural Area: This is just one of the many beautiful fall hikes in and around Las Cruces, and if monsoon season’s been kind, there is plenty of colorful foliage.
- New Mexico State University main campus: If you’re a new student and have family visiting campus, this is a must-walk fall spot. From the NMSU Alumni Pond to the Horseshoe, the easily walkable campus is an autumn-lovers dream.
Festival Highlights
Family-Friendly
Mesilla Valley Maze
Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, enjoy family-fun activities, food and trek into the twists and turns of the corn field (design changes annually). Open throughout the fall season.
Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo
A reflection of the region’s rich farming history, the fair highlights a midway, auction, livestock show, cowboy rodeo, live music, food, vendors and carnival.
Las Cruces Space Festival
A celebration of all things aerospace, astronomical, suborbital, and light years away! The festival is celebrated in Southern New Mexico due to the area’s rich history with space and the first purpose-built commercial spaceport: Spaceport America.
Hatch Chile Festival in Hatch, NM
The Chile Capital of the World hosts a family-friendly event with a carnival, parade, vendors and live entertainment.
Arts and Culture
Dia de Los Muertos in Historic Mesilla
The multi-day celebration of life includes a display of homemade altars on the plaza, live entertainment, candlelight procession, food, shopping and more.
Franciscan Fine Arts Festival
Set among pecan orchards at the serene Holy Cross Retreat Center, artists display and sell paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photographs, quilts, woodwork, glasswork and more. Enjoy the beloved enchilada lunch, paella, wine garden, raffle, silent auction, information booths and more.
Harvest Wine Festival Las Cruces
Held Labor Day weekend, visitors can sample wine from multiple New Mexico wineries while enjoying live entertainment, take part in grape stomping and browse local vendors.
This is a glimpse of the fall festivities in and around Las Cruces, click here for the complete list.