In addition to year-round outdoor recreation, national and state parks, and vibrant communities, Sandoval County hosts a variety of special events throughout the year celebrating local culture, flavor, traditions, and history.
For those looking to immerse in the way of the locals while on vacation, Sandoval County’s annual events provide a unique look into local life and culture.
Plan your visit around one of these events for a visit you’ll remember for a lifetime:
- Placitas Studio Tour – A highly-anticipated annual event for the art community of New Mexico, the Placitas Studio tour is held each year on Mother’s Day weekend. Featuring only artists who live in or have a full-time art studio in Placitas, the tour is free of charge and self-guided. Visitors can stop into artists’ studios, learn about their processes, and purchase creations in all mediums.
- Corrales 4th of July Parade – Celebrate Independence Day in the Village of Corrales. Enjoy old-fashioned summer favorites like classic cars, a parade, fire trucks, ice cream, barbecue, fireworks, and swimming, along with opportunities to meet and greet horses and raise funds for the local library summer reading programs.
- Sandoval County Fair & Rodeo – Held annually in early August, the Sandoval County Fair is an exciting end-of-summer celebration for families, bringing together delectable fair food, rodeo events, Pow Wows, vendor booths, livestock exhibits, entertainment, and a grand parade. New in 2023, the fair introduced annual watermelon eating contests and a chili cookoff.
- Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo – Held annually in mid-August, Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo takes place in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Las Fiestas celebrate and honor Bernalillo’s patron San Lorenzo and feature ritual dances known as los Matachines. In fact, Las Fiestas is the largest Matachines dance in the region. In addition to los Matachines, attendees can experience food, music, mass, and more. By attending, visitors are offered a close-up view of the culture, history, and religious practices of this are.
- Rio Rancho Fall Festival – Held annually in late October, Rio Rancho Fall Festival, presented by the City of Rio Rancho, is a family-friendly celebration of autumn. Complete with carnival games, pumpkin carving, food trucks, music, a trunk or treat, and a beer garden, this lively celebration is the perfect time to don your costumes, bring the family, and enjoy local flavors and entertainment. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 21.
- Light Among the Ruins – Each December, guests are invited to experience the ruins of Giusewa Pueblo and the San Jose de Jemez Mission amidst the backdrop of hundreds of farolitos. The two-evening program includes traditional and contemporary Native American music, dancers, and bonfires. Arts, crafts, and food are available for purchase at this historically and culturally immersive holiday event.
For more information and to plan your visit, go to https://seesandoval.org.