A LONG WINDING MOUNTAIN ROADS, next to flowing acequias, and on top of little hills, artist studios blossom like wildflowers in the Land of Enchantment. September might be the best time of the year to experience them with gallery and studio tours along the scenic High Road and Turquoise Trail, and throughout Santa Fe, Eldorado, and the Chama Valley. Visitors can meet with artists, learn about their process, and step into their creative worlds. “They are coming inside these homes and experiencing how people live—what’s cooking, how the interior looks and smells,” says Peggy Luplow, president of the 2024 High Road Artisans Tour, which features more than 40 stops between Chimayó and Taos. “You get to talk to them and find their vibe,” adds Peggy’s husband, Eric, a watercolor painter who has shown his work on the tour for 22 years.
Take your time. “Realize you probably won’t make the whole tour in one go,” says Peggy Luplow, who notes that the High Road Artisans Studio Tour stretches over two weekends. “It’s not something you should try to rush through.”
Don’t miss the community sites. Most tours have shared spaces that serve as gathering places along the route. The High Road tour, for example, has community sites in Truchas, Ojo Sarco, and Peñasco. “They have multiple artists and clean bathrooms,” Peggy says. “The Truchas community site includes pieces from our youth art program.”
Take a brochure. Cell service can be spotty in places, so it’s good to have a printed map just in case. “You may get lost getting to some of these spots, but that’s part of the fun,” says Peggy. With short descriptions of the artists and their mediums, it’s also useful to find what you like. “We have art from the most traditional styles to the most contemporary,” she says.
Midway rides such as the swing carousel light up the night.
Photograph courtesy of the New Mexico State Fair.
NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR
September 5-15
Since 1938, the New Mexico State Fair has corralled a big slice of enchantment for everyone. Spanning 11 days (September 5–15), the fair draws more than 500,000 folks to Albuquerque’s Expo New Mexico with deep-fried green chile cheese curds; prize-winning livestock, baked goods, and traditional crafts; a midway packed with rides; the best competitors in barrel racing, bull riding, and big-time rodeo; and boot stompin’ good music from Brad Paisley, Jo Dee Messina, Becky G, Cole Swindell, and Josh Turner. Can we get a “Yeehaw!”?
Watch the sky come alive at Light the Night Sky Lantern Festival.
Photograph courtesy of Luna.
FIESTAS DE SANTA FE
August 31-September 8
The City Different celebrates more than 300 years of tradition with parades, bailes, food, concerts, and more.
DARK SKIES, BRIGHT STARS
September 2
Salinas Pueblo Mission National Monument rangers bring you closer to the stars during this evening of storytelling, telescope viewing, and night sky photography at Abó.
ELEPHANT BUTTE BALLOON REGATTA
September 6-8
Hot-air balloons take off each morning from Lions Beach or Long Point over the biggest lake in New Mexico.
BLOSSOMS & BONES MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 12-14
Nestled among the colorful cliffs of Ghost Ranch, this three-day festival features a powerful lineup that includes Albuquerque’s Red Light Cameras, indie rocker Vance Joy, Grammy-winner Lucinda Williams, and R&B icon Mavis Staples.
LIGHT THE NIGHT SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL
September 28
The White Sands National Park dunes host an evening of live music, food, and a lantern release representing hope, joy, and togetherness.
Amina Figarova performs at the New Mexico Jazz Festival.
Photograph courtesy of Amina Figarova.
