New Mexico Tourism Department
When it comes to seasons, Southwest has never been particularly interested in playing by the rules. Sure, you’ll find changing leaves, crisp mountain air and plenty of reasons to break out a sweater. But the season also arrives with roasting chile, cowboy art, hot-air balloons, flamenco dancers, film festivals and a village full of witches.
From sipping wine among the fall colors of Colorado to celebrating food and culture in New Mexico, here are some of the best ways to welcome fall across the Southwest.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art | Opens Sept. 22 | Los Angeles
“Be among the first to explore this 300,000-square-foot museum in L.A.’s Exposition Park, created by the mastermind behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. The museum’s 35 galleries do deep dives on visual storytelling including comics, children’s books, films, and more.”
Learn more at lucasmuseum.org.
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
MCAS Miramar Airshow | Sept. 25-27 | San Diego
“America’s Air Show returns on September 25-27, celebrating 250 years of American spirit, innovation, and aviation excellence. As the nation’s largest military air show, this one-of-a-kind event delivers an unforgettable flight line experience featuring immersive experiences, military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic performers, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft, and iconic warbirds.”
Learn more at miramarairshow.com.
Ohana Festival | Sept. 25-27 | Dana Point
“Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder always helms this three-day weekend at Dana Point’s Doheny State Beach that features his favorite musicians. (The word “ohana” means “family” in Hawaiian.) Vedder shares top billing with the rest of Pearl Jam and other stars all weekend—including Maná, Billy Idol, Bad Religion, Tyler Childers, Jon Batiste, and the Pixies.”
Learn more at visitcalifornia.com.
ARIZONA
13th Annual Garlic Festival | Sept. 19-20 | Queen Creek
“Joins for the 13th Annual Garlic Festival, recently named the Best Festival in PHOENIX Magazine's 2026 Arizona Travel Awards. Experience two weekends filled with incredible food, fresh estate-grown garlic, live entertainment, and family fun.”
Learn more at queencreekolivemill.com.
Discover Flagstaff
Festival of Science | Sept. 25 – Oct. 4 | Flagstaff
“Mark your calendars Flagstaff! In just a few weeks, the Festival of Science takes over Northern Arizona for 10 days of discovery, wonder, and world-class science, and it's all completely free. Lectures, workshops, guided hikes, hands-on activities, stargazing, and so much more. Whether you're bringing the whole family or flying solo, there's something here that will spark something in you.”
Learn more at facebook.com/flgscifest.
FoodieLand Festival | Sept. 25-27 | Avondale
“FoodielLand is built on the country’s largest networks of independent food and merchandise vendors—thousands of small businesses bringing bold flavors, unexpected finds, and global culture to one unforgettable experience.”
Learn more at foodielandnm.com/city/Avondale.
NEW MEXICO
Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña | Sept. 22-27 | Albuquerque
“Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña is a Flamenco festival presented by Flamenco Works in downtown Albuquerque. The festival transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant cultural hub featuring world-class flamenco dance, live music, educational workshops, cultural experiences, food, and community activities. Designed for all ages, Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña invites you to discover the passion, artistry, and rich cultural traditions of Flamenco while fostering connection, learning, and appreciation through unforgettable experiences.”
Learn more at flamencoworks.org/fiesta-flamenca-burquena.
Santa Fe wine & Chile Festival | Sept. 22-27 | Santa Fe
“For over 30 years, the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has celebrated the unique flavors and rich culinary traditions of Santa Fe. What began as a one-day gathering in a parking lot, with just 20 restaurants and 20 wineries, has evolved into a highly anticipated, five-day festival, with 65 of Santa Fe’s top restaurants and 90 world-class winery partners. This one-of-a-kind experience draws over 4,500 food and wine lovers to the region. Join us this September and savor the best of Santa Fe’s food, wine, and culture.”
Learn more at santafewineandchile.org.
San Geronimo Day | Sept. 30 | Taos, NM
“The Annual San Geronimo Feast Day is September 30th. Visitors are welcome to come and share in the day of family, friends, and feast. Traditionally, a trade fair for visitors near and far. As part of our traditions and customs we have our footraces in the morning, open to the public at 8 am, your more than welcome to observe the morning festivities. Throughout the day an open market will be accessible to take home wares from an array of visiting vendors.”
Learn more at taos.org/events.
WEST TEXAS
Trappings of Texas Exhibit & Sale | Sept. 17-19 | Alpine
“39th Annual Trappings of Texas at the Museum of the Big Bend is the longest running annual exhibit and sale of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear in the country. ‘Trappings,’ in the cowboy vernacular, refers to the equipment and gear used in working with livestock. This exhibit goes beyond simply displaying these functional objects, it elevates them to works of art, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into their creation.”
Learn more at visitalpinetx.com/attractions/annual-must-attends.
El Paso Film Festival | Sept. 24-26
“Welcome to the El Paso Film Festival (EPFF), a film festival in the far west oasis of Texas! Our festival is one of the largest in Texas to showcase emerging filmmakers on a bi-national stage, providing an inclusive platform where film lovers of every stripe can discover and support the next generation of regional movie makers.”
Learn more at elpasofilmfestival.org.
COLORADO
Colorfest Weekend in Pagosa Springs | Sept. 18-20
“You won't want to miss Passport to Pagosa Food and Wine Festival - an event featuring great local foods, local Colorado Wines, live music and a whole lot of fun! It sells out every year. There are two mass hot air balloon launches, one Saturday morning and one Sunday morning. Colorfest Weekend also featured Bands and Brews Craft Beer Festival in Town Park, a Color-run/walk 5k and lots more fun!”
Learn more at visitpagosasprings.com/colorfest-weekend.
Aspen Film Festival | Sept. 29-Oct. 4
“We’re thrilled to announce the full program for Aspen Film’s 47th Filmfest! Explore six days of exceptional films, inspiring stories, and unforgettable conversations.”
Learn more at aspenfilm.org.
Autumn Gold Festival | Sept. 26-27 | Estes Park
“Autumn Gold Festival is a fundraiser for the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club and is organized by 100% volunteers from the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club…Check out our long established vendors who offer roasted corn on the cob, funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, coffee, popcorn, and of course the traditional Autumn Gold brat, and even more!”
Learn more at estesparkautumngold.com.
UTAH
Witchfest at Gardner Village | Sept. 18- Oct. 31 | West Jordan
“Step into the magic of WitchFest at Gardner Village, where whimsical witch displays, festive entertainment and Halloween fun take over the village from mid-September through October. This beloved Utah fall tradition features enchanting pathways filled with larger-than-life witch displays, seasonal décor, shopping, dining and family-friendly activities. WitchFest has been one of Utah’s premier Halloween festivals since 2000 and offers unforgettable fall entertainment for families, friends and Halloween lovers from across Utah and beyond.”
Learn more at gardnervillage.com/witch-fest.
Deer Valley Mountain Beer Fest | Sept. 19-20
“Raise a glass to Utah's craft brewing scene at the fifth annual Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival. The weekend begins with the Brewmaster Dinner on Friday, September 18, followed by two days of tastings from more than 20 local breweries … Enjoy live music from Dylan Catrone on Saturday and G. Love & Special Sauce on Sunday, along with scenic chairlift rides, culinary offerings, and family-friendly activities from noon to 5 p.m. each day.”
Learn more at deervalley.com.
SOUTHERN NEVADA
Pahrump Fall Festival | Sept. 24-27
Held at Petrack Park, the annual Pahrump Fall Festival brings four days of carnival rides, live entertainment, vendors, arts and crafts and plenty of classic community-fair fun. The weekend also includes a parade, car show, horseshoe and cornhole tournaments and two nights of rodeo action at the McCullough Rodeo Arena.
Learn more at pahrumpnv.gov/302/Pahrump-Fall-Festival.
Las Vegas Greek Fest | Sept. 25-27
“Join us for three days of unforgettable food, music, and celebration at one of the most well-known and cherished festivals in the Las Vegas area. Experience the flavors of authentic Greek cuisine, from savory classics to homemade pastries, all prepared with time-honored recipes. Enjoy live music, traditional dancing, unique vendors, and guided church tours that offer a glimpse into the beauty of our Orthodox faith.”
Learn more at lasvegasgreekfestival.com.