In many places, Labor Day is seen as the end of summer and a time to begin winding down for autumn. That’s not how we see things in The City Different… Labor Day is a time to celebrate the kick-off of the autumn event season. We wash our gloom away in a fiery ritual, embrace the cooler temps as we run to the mountains for recreation, celebrate our harvest of regional staples including world famous Hatch green and Chimayo red chile, and still find time to celebrate the oldest continuous civic celebration in North America. Here are a few of our tips to enjoying Labor Day weekend in Santa Fe.
The Fire Dancer torches Zozobra! (Photo courtesy of The Burning of Will Shuster’s Zozobra)Burning of Zozobra
August 31, 2018
The Burning of Zozobra, a 50-foot high marionette, represents the worries and gloom of the community that are released once it is set on fire amidst fireworks and the cheers of the crowd. As Zozobra goes up in flames, the chants of thousands of spectators fill Fort Marcy Ball Park—just a few blocks from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Fireworks color the night sky as the gloom and doom of the crowd goes up in smoke. This event traditionally marks the kickoff to the Fiestas de Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Fiesta parade is loved by many. (courtesy of Salvador Zapien)
Fiestas de Santa Fe
August 31 - September 9, 2018
If there’s one tradition that captures the spirit of Santa Fe, it’s the annual celebration, Fiestas de Santa Fe. This event is the longest continuously running celebration in the US! With parades, dancing, concerts, and the Burning of Zozobra, Fiestas de Santa Fe is a feast for all the senses.
Dance the night away to the sweet sounds of local Santa Fe Musicians on the Plaza during Santa Fe Music Week.
Labor Day Weekend at Santa Fe Music Week
August 24 - September 3, 2018
Celebrate Santa Fe’s thriving live music scene and the talented musicians in our community that keep us dancing! Tap your toes to local and national acts of every genre as Santa Fe Music Week takes over The City Different. One of the highlights of the Labor Day Weekend lineup will be the Mariachi Extravaganza at the Santa Fe Opera. Swirling dresses, stamping feet and ringing trumpets welcome participants to a passionate musical experience.
Contemporary exhibits take center stage at SITE Santa Fe
SITElines:2018
August 3, 2018 - January 6, 2019
SITE Santa Fe will be opening their biennial exhibition “SITElines.2018: Casa Tomada” with the exhibition on display through January 6, 2019. Inspired by an Argentinian short story, the exhibition features 23 artists from eight countries across the Americas and explores current topics such as immigration and borders. Visit the exhibit during Labor Day Weekend and be one of the first to see it.
Enjoy Craft Beer and Great Rides and the Outside Bike & Brew Festival this Labor Day Weekend.
Outside Bike & Brew
September 1 - 2, 2018
Outside Bike & Brew is one of the most exciting and innovative cycling and craft beer festivals in the country. Enjoy two days of cycling celebration for avid and casual riders, bike builders, beer drinkers and music lovers from around the country.
This is one fall experience you will never forget! (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)
Fall Scenic Chairlift Rides
September 1 - September 29, 2018
One fall experience not to miss is the Ski Santa Fe chairlift rides on their comfortable Super Chief Quad chair. Come enjoy the fresh mountain air while you take in the fall colors surrounding you. Plan your ride around live music, a beer garden, and activities for the whole family.
Download the new Margarita Trail App! (Photo courtesy of Joanne Fischer)
Santa Fe Margarita Trail
Ongoing
The Margarita Trail promises to be one of your most memorable Santa Fe culinary adventures. Your adventure starts with purchasing the Margarita Trail Passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center or downloading the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. With 31 margaritas on the Trail to tantalize your taste buds, you’re sure to find a favorite or two! As an added bonus, with your Passport you will receive $1 off the signature Margarita Trail cocktail.
Get the low down on everything going on in The City Different! Order the [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2018 Santa Fe Travel Guide" date="2018-07-31”] now or browse our [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/index.html" text="deals and specials" date="2018-07-31"] to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.
