Fall in Love with The Real New Mexico

A guide to festivals, flavors, and outdoor escapes that make Las Cruces autumn unforgettable

Fall Festivities 

Diez y Seis de Septiembre 9/13

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Mesilla, NM with traditional Mexican festivities such as folklorico dances, mariachi music, Mexican cuisine and beautiful décor on the Mesilla Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 13.
 

Las Cruces Space Festival 9/21-27

Celebrate space-related interests and activities in southern New Mexico with this astronomical event. Don’t miss a week of art, activities, exhibits and a real-life astronaut!
 

Southern NM State Fair & Rodeo 9/24-28

Take the family out to this multiday fair complete with carnival games and rides, rodeo shows, a petting zoo, live music, food, vendors and more. 

La Viña’s Harvest Wine Festival 9/27-28

Wine lovers should head out to celebrate La Viña’s annual harvest wine festival. Admission includes a souvenir glass and either five samplings or a full glass. Wine lovers can sample and purchase over 20 wines while enjoying live music performances, food and arts and crafts vendors.

Local Corn Mazes

Embrace the fall feels with corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin picking! With two mazes in the area, you’ll find endless family fun and delicious food. Experience fall-time flavors, slides, jumping pillows, duck races, pedal cars, and more. Pick your maze and make it a day to remember.

Things to do 

Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market

An iconic staple year-round, the market never fails to serve up your usual findings while also adapting to the season. If you’re looking for new fall favorites, try hitting downtown Main Street to find autumn scents, flavors, colors, attire, décor and more! With spooky season fast-approaching vendors often add their festive touches to merchandise and booths for that Halloween feel. 

Get Outdoors

While known for its sunshine, fall-time in Las Cruces is perfect for outdoor adventure.  Take in fall foliage at Dripping Springs, spot wildlife at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, or plan a day trip to White Sands National Park. Pack your friends, family, good tunes, tasty food, sleds and plenty of sunscreen—then let the sunshine and stunning landscapes do the rest.

Baila Las Cruces!

Baila Las Cruces is back! Don't miss out on free public dance lessons at Plaza de Las Cruces and NMCU campus  Learn new steps and show off your skills at these lively sessions. No partner? No problem! Just bring yourself and your energy. Next date is Oct. 2 at the Plaza de Las Cruces — for further dates check out our events calendar.

Taste the Season

Look no further than these local spots for some fall flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg, maple, ginger and more!

Indulgence Bakery & Cafe

You can always find something new to ​indulge in at this bakery. With a rotating dessert menu, Indulgence serves up plenty of options to pick from, whether it be cakes and cupcakes or cinnamon rolls and tiramisu. This bakery also serves up breakfast, lunch and vegan and gluten-free cakes for customers to enjoy. 

Pan Dulce

Pan dulce is prominent in Las Cruces. Nothing quite beats snacking on traditional Mexican baked goods like conchas or pumpkin empanadas. Take home some "marranitos," gingerbread cinnamon-flavored cookies made with molasses and shaped into pigs. Discover other panaderia finds like biscochos and a variety of donuts at Lujan's Bakery and its sister bakery, Leo's. 

The Bean

With three current locations (and one upcoming) The Bean proves itself to be worthy of a visit. Get your fix of cinnamon, maple, brown sugar and caramel apple with a delicious brew and tasty pastry. Find friendly staff and new creations for your palate when you walk into one of their locations!