With Labor Day marking the unofficial start of fall, it’s always nice to get in the seasonal spirit with activities, food, goods and more. Whether you spend your day cozied up with a latte, or go out for a day of fun and celebration, there’s plenty for you to check out in Las Cruces!
Dining/Shopping
The Bean
With three locations within Mesilla and Las Cruces, NM, you can treat yourself to The Bean’s yummy autumn flavors in their coffee and pastries. Cinnamon, vanilla, honey, nutmeg, you name it and they’ve got it.
- 130 N. Mesquite St.
- 2011 Avenida de Mesilla
- 2261 Calle de Guadalupe
@visitlascruces Stop by The Bean on Mesquite for your fix of coffee and treats! 📍130 N Mesquite St. #lascruces #lascrucesnm #nm #575 #coffee #coffeeshops ♬ 部屋の窓辺 - Lamp
Mom's Coffee
Mom’s Coffee also serves the fall classics with their own touch of flavor expertise. Pumpkin spice, fall chai, marshmallow, cinnamon, white chocolate. Try their paninis and baked goods!
- 1001 E. University Ave.
Milagro Coffee Y Espresso
Milagro’s menu variety never disappoints, and it proves to be a cozy autumn and winter spot. Hot lattes with beautiful art, and the rich smell of coffee in the air.
- 1733 E. University Ave.
Indulgence Bakery & Cafe
Indulge in some freshly baked goods this autumn. Cakes of all kinds, from chocolate and fudge to carrot and pecans. New York, red velvet, chocolate caramel, lemon, and raspberry white chocolate cheesecake. Grab breakfast, lunch, or a coffee.
- 2265 S. Main St.
Farmer's Market
The Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market is always a great place to look for seasonal goodies. Jams, jellies, spices, honey, décor, gifts and food trucks galore. You're sure to find something to fill your fall-lover heart here.
Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine
It’s the start of the pistachio harvest season. Head over to Heart of the Desert to treat yourself to their collection of wines and the abundance of flavored pistachios. Take a look at their balsamic vinegars and salsas while you’re there!
Activities
Diez Y Seis De Septiembre Celebration Fiesta and Parade (Mesilla, NM) 09/16-17
Join the residents of Mesilla in celebrating Mexico’s independence on Sept. 16 in the Mesilla Plaza. You’ll find mariachi, Folkorico dances, and plenty of mouth-watering authentic Mexican cuisine. Stop by the Mesilla Plaza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.
White Sands Balloon Invitational 09/16
If you’re a fan of hot air balloons, drive on over to get a taste at White Sands National Park. From 7-7:30 a.m. you can catch all the beautiful and colorful balloons lift off.
Head over to the Ed Brabson Balloon Park that evening to watch the balloon glow and enjoy festivities with live music, folklorico dancers, chainsaw carving and more. Starts at 6:00 p.m.
La Union Maze 09/23 - 11/05
If you’re looking for some maze fun, head over to La Union Maze in Anthony, NM. A bit of a drive, but plenty for you and the kids to enjoy with a corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, cow trains, slides, jumping pillows, farm animals and pig races. This maze continues till early November, so get your fun in!
Southern NM State Fair and Rodeo 09/27 - 10/01
One of the more popular seasonal attractions in the region — head out to the New Mexico State Fair Grounds to hop in on carnival games and rides, a petting zoo, musical performances, rodeo shows and plenty more. It makes for a fun family day out with the option to purchase wristbands or tickets. Experience different musical performances and entertainment activities each day. Check out their event schedule before you head over!
Mesilla Valley Maze 09/30 - 10/29
A big must-do fall activity for friends and family in Las Cruces is the Mesilla Valley Maze. It’s a one-stop event with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, duck races, flower field, slippery slides, gem mining, and a country store to take something home. It's a great photo op, and if you take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch you can take home a pumpkin to carve, bake, or decorate!
La Vina Harvest Wine Festival 09/31 & 10/01
Live music, local arts and crafts, Southwestern food, and of course; wine. Join the winery in celebrating their annual harvest festival with 20+ wines available for tasting and purchase. Adult admission is set at $20 with a complimentary wine glass. Admission for those from the ages of 12-20 is $10 with those under 12 for free. Now offering a new VIP experience, check out their site for more info.
Drive on Highway 28
Though perhaps it's not the most exciting event, we recommend you roll those windows down, cue “August” by Taylor Swift and drive down Highway 28 towards Stahmann Farms. Enjoy the absolute serendipity that comes with the wind in your hair, and the changing color of the leaves. Live out your music video dreams, or stop to take some pictures for the 'gram.
Note: All Too Well (10 Minute Version) would also work quite well.
Full Moon Hike at White Sands 09/28
For those looking for something a bit less on the nose, head on out to White Sands National Park and enjoy the magical glow of the full moon whilst walking on white dunes. Get your dune adventure in without the glaring heat of the sun. Can't make it this time? No worries, it occurs monthly during full moon nights. Must register in advance.
@visitlascruces The full moon rises just after the sun dipped below the horizon at White Sands National Park. Although sunset strolls are offered everyday at the park, full moon hikes are held once a month on the day of a full moon and fill up quickly. #whitesands #whitesandsnationalpark #newmexico #nationalparks #fullmoon #sunset #hike #visitlascruces ♬ Talking to the Moon - Bruno Mars