Of course, everyone’s list will differ, but throughout the year, across the state, there are some standouts.

Gathering of Nations -  Last Full Weekend in April in Albuquerque Every year, at the last full weekend in April, the  world’s largest gathering of native American and indigenous people takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Part reunion, part competition, and part celebration of culture and tradition, over 500 tribes and First Nations from the US, Canada, and throughout the world come together for 3 days. Read more at OffbeatNewMexico.com  and Gathering of Nations official website

UFO Festival - Roswell July 4th weekend New Mexico is a very quirky state -- which is part of its enduring charm. (Did you know that we have a State Cookie? Yes, we do). And nowhere is that predisposition for things slightly skewed more evident than in our UFO Festival in Roswell.

New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair - June/July in Albuquerque The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is the longest continuously running arts festival in New Mexico, started in 1962. Featuring exclusively New Mexico artisans, this prestigious, juried arts fair showcases New Mexico's most talented artists and craftspeople, many of whom enjoy national and international reputations. The fair ranks among the largest events in the state. For more information visit NM arts and crafts 

Spanish Market in July, Santa Fe The rich Hispanic culture of northern New Mexico is celebrated at the Traditional Spanish Market, in Santa Fe, on the Santa Fe Plaza in July. A popular event for residents and visitors alike, Spanish Market features handmade traditional arts by over 200 local Hispanic artists as well as continuous live music and dance, art demonstrations and regional foods. A separate youth exhibition area also features the work of some 100 emerging artists. The Market provides a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of New Mexico’s vibrant Spanish culture, both past and present. Admission is free. For more information visit Traditional Spanish Market

Santa Fe Indian Market in August, Santa Fe Each year for a weekend in August, 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes show their work in over 600 booths at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market. For more information visit Santa Fe Indian Market

New Mexico State Fair in September in Albuquerque The New Mexico State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the nation with PRCA rodeo and nationally known country recording stars, and Indian and Spanish villages. For 17 days, visitors explore art, agriculture, animals, entertainment, food, carnival rides, exhibits and shopping all in one place. For more information visit New Mexico State Fair

Balloon Fiesta first week in October, Albuquerque This is the largest balloon rally in the country, and a truly extraordinary experience. Shortly after dawn the Albuquerque sky gradually turns its customary vibrant clear blue. People walk amidst hundreds of colorful hot air balloons as they fill with heated air. The balloons cover the huge field with color and form. And then, in waves, they slowly, majestically, silently lift off the ground, floating up into the sky. There they pause, hanging like ornaments decorating the blue sky. Read more at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta at OffbeatNewMexico and at their official website Balloon Fiesta

Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad in November and December, Carlsbad The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad. Read more at Christmas on the Pecos on OffbeatNewMexico  and their official website ChristmasOnThePecos.com

New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is the longest continuously running arts festival in New Mexico, started in 1962. Featuring exclusively New Mexico artisans, this prestigious, juried arts fair showcases New Mexico's most talented artists and craftspeople, many of whom enjoy national and international reputations. The fair ranks among the largest events in the state, offering artists the opportunity to display and sell their work directly to the public. It takes place at EXPO New Mexico. For more information visit New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair

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