Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally
January 16-18, 2026
Watch as New Mexico history paint the sky with mesmerizing colors and designs at this family-friendly, free event. Head out to the Field of Dreams for mass ascensions of full-size and RC hot air balloons on Saturday and Sunday. Start the celebration at the Plaza de Las Cruces with an RC balloon glow. For more details and a full schedule of events click here.
Skate Doña Ana
Last Day: February 22
Hit the ice before the city heats up. Skate Doña Ana remains open and available to the public until the end of February so be sure to lace up those skate and glide at this indoor ice skating rink. For more details, pricing and hours of operation click here.
Chef Creates: Le Grande Dinner
February 6, 2026
Journey to France with this delightful culinary tour of French cuisine. The Chef Creates experience includes a cocktail hour with themes hours d'oeuvres and signature cocktail, a plated dinner, and live music. Enjoy an intimate evening at the Las Cruces Convention Center. Check out the menu and reserve your seats here.
Cocktails & Cabaret at the Rio Grande Theatre
February 13, 2026
Indulge in an evening of glamour and decadence at this single-night show. Enjoy the swing era luxury with performances in couture costuming. Headlining this event is Joey Arias, a legendary New York City icon and cabaret singer. Sip specialty cocktails brought right to your seat, pairing with mind-blowing performances from Jordan Matthews and Julie Atlas Muz, another NYC burlesque icon. Visit the Rio Grande Theatre website to purchase your tickets.
18th Annual Cupid's Chase 5K
February 14, 2026
Get your heart racing and blood pumping this Valentine's Day and join this 5k celebrating Community Option's founding. Runners, walkers, baby stroller, wheelchair users and sponsors are invited to join. Find peace registration and details here.
For the Love of Art Month
February
Celebrate local art studios during this annual celebration. Tour studios and exhibitions every weekend with this year's tours including 30 locations. Meet artists, discuss their works and purchase pieces right from the source. Explore exhibits that highlight the diversity, history and culture of art in Southern New Mexico. The guide is available at most art establishments and online.
37th Annual Bataan Death March
March 21, 2026
Partake in this historical challenging event honoring the service members who defended the Philippines during World War II. Participants march through desert terrain at White Sands Missile Range and face challenges that reflect the hardships endured by the original marchers. Participants can register for the event and find more here.
Las Cruces International Film Festival
April 8-12, 2026
This year's LCIFF will honor "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor , Michael Rooker with the Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Award. Get ready for a festival full of the best independent cinema as filmmakers gather for workshops, panels, film screenings and celebrity appearances. VIP experiences are available for this event, purchase your tickets here.
2nd Annual Blue Moon Country Limits Music Festival & NMSU Rodeo
April 10-11, 2026
Get your rodeo on the weekend of April 10-11 for two days of live country music, food trucks and plenty of entertainment brought to you by NMSU Rodeo. Purchase your tickets here.
Fourth of July Electric Light Parade & Fireworks Display
July 3-4, 2026
This free family-favorite event invites the community to join the celebration the night before on July 3 for parade floats and cards draped in lights. Continue the celebration on July 4 with a fireworks display and headlining music and family activities. Fore more info visit here.
Hatch Chile Fest
Labor Day Weekend
Visit the Chile Capitol of the world for an event that celebrates one of the region's best-known products.. This unique festival features a carnival, parade, vendors, live entertainment and of course — lots and lots of chile!
Franciscan Fine Arts Festival
Labor Day Weekend
This annual festival features beautiful pieces such as paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photographs, quilts, woodwork, glasswork, and so much more. Browse to your heart's content with lots of food, a wine garden, silent auction and raffle.
Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta in Mesilla, NM
September 12
Join Mesilla in celebrating Mexico's independence with a fiesta on the plaza. Watch folklorico dancing, listen to mariachi music, eat delicious local food, shop around the plaza and participate in activities.
Southern NM State Fair and Rodeo
September
Enjoy a taste of the region's farming industry at this fair highlighting a midway, auction, livestock show, cowboy rodeo, live music, local food, vendors and a carnival.
Las Cruces Space Festival
September
A celebration of the rich space history in the region, the Las Cruces Space Festival recognizes and commemorates all things aerospace, astronomical and suborbital in the area.
Sky Fiesta
October
Aviation fans can't miss out on this action-packed, jaw-dropping air show. The Sky Fiesta features high-speed air racing, aerobatics, interactive exhibits and live entertainment for spectators to enjoy. This event will leave you feeling sky high, for more info click here.