Discover 12 things to do in Southern New Mexico this October, from sipping local wine and picking pumpkins to dancing with zombies.
If you’re tired of the same old weekend routine, Southern New Mexico offers plenty of opportunities to shake things up this October. You can set your worries on fire (literally, at Burning of the Bull), learn the “Thriller” dance alongside a crowd of zombies, or listen to ghost stories around a campfire in a former prison yard.
Prefer something a little less spooky? This month’s events calendar also includes a pumpkin festival with an adults-only trike race and pie-eating contest, a wine festival, and a five-day jazz festival.
Whatever kind of fun you’re after, here are the top 12 things to do in Southern New Mexico this October.
1. Mesilla Valley Maze
For tons of fall fun all in one spot, head to Mesilla Valley Maze. Spread across about 30 acres, you’ll find a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin junction (where you can shop for pumpkins), games, and other attractions for kids.
Mesilla Valley Maze is open for most of the month, but you may want to plan your visit around its New Mexico Pumpkin Festival (Oct. 24-25). The festival will feature live music, the Tour de Maze (an adults-only trike race), and a pumpkin pie eating contest.
Date: Oct. 3-25
Location: 3855 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces
Cost: Adult tickets cost $19.
2. Ghost Stories by the Campfire
Settle in for a spooky evening at the former county jail in downtown Las Cruces. During Ghost Stories by the Campfire, you can listen to a professional storyteller share spooky tales about the ghosts rumored to haunt the historic 1937 courthouse and jail, as well as other ghost stories about the downtown area.
The evening starts in the courtroom, where you’ll watch a short video and enjoy complimentary wine, hot chocolate, and hors d’oeuvres. Then, guides take you into the old jail to tour the spooky jail cells. After that, you’ll make your way to the prison yard, decorated as a graveyard, and gather around the campfire to hear the scary stories.
Date: Oct. 10
Location: Former Dona Ana Courthouse, 251 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces
Cost: Tickets start at $39.
3. Southwest Print Fiesta
Southwest Print Fiesta is a multi-day celebration of printmakers and their work. This event will feature workshops on topics like creating 3D letterpress ornaments and drypoint etching, as well as artist talks, a guided hike, and a printers’ market with work from more than 40 artists, printing demonstrations, and food and drinks.
Date: Oct. 8-12
Location: Downtown Silver City
Cost: Admission is free; however, some workshops have a registration fee.
4. Gila Monster Gran Fondo
Gila Monster Gran Fondo is a cycling event that’s open to all skill levels, from recreational bikers to competitive racers. Choose from three distances—30, 60, or 80 miles—and enjoy an after-ride party at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House with free beer and food, plus live music.
Date: Oct. 10
Location: 103 E. College Ave., Silver City
Cost: $110
5. Second Saturday Art Hop
Celebrate local galleries, shops, and other venues in downtown Truth or Consequences during the city’s monthly Second Saturday Art Hop. Participating businesses host art exhibitions, live music, and shopping from 6-9 p.m. during the recurring event.
Date: Oct. 10
Location: Downtown Truth or Consequences
Cost: Free
6. Burning of the Bull
If you have some stress or anxiety you want to release, Burning of the Bull is the place to do it. At this annual event, you can write down what’s bothering you and attach the paper to a giant bull before it gets set on fire. (Burning the bull effigy is meant to symbolize letting go of burdens and making space for positive new beginnings.)
The event will also include live music, food, and drinks.
Date: Oct. 17
Location: 401 Fairgrounds Rd., Alamogordo
Cost: General admission tickets start at $15.
7. Corks & Shells Wine Festival
Corks & Shells Wine Festival is a celebration of Southern New Mexico’s agriculture and small businesses. At the event, you can sample wine from six New Mexico wineries, indulge in treats from multiple food trucks, and browse goods by about 30 arts, crafts, and home-based baker vendors.
There will also be a paint-and-sip session with a local artist, and local musicians will perform throughout the day.
Corks & Shells Wine Festival will benefit Thrive in Southern New Mexico, which supports local non-profits.
Date: Oct. 17
Location: Alameda Park, 1599 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo
Cost: General admission tickets start at $20.
8. Sky Fiesta
Aviation fans won’t want to miss the 2026 Sky Fiesta at Las Cruces International Airport. This event will feature high-speed air racing and aerobatics, plus you can meet the pilots and see the aircraft up close. There will also be interactive STEM exhibits, live entertainment, and food vendors.
Date: Oct. 17
Location: Las Cruces International Airport, 8990 Zia Blvd., Las Cruces
Cost: General admission tickets start at $17.60.
9. Roswell Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers should mark their calendars for the 19th annual Roswell Jazz Festival. This event brings world-class musicians to Roswell for five days of performances spread across eight different venues.
Date: Oct. 21-25
Location: Multiple venues
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on the performance(s) you want to see.
10. Thrill the World Dance and Bazaar
At Roswell’s Thrill the World Dance and Bazaar, guests get together to dance in unison to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” choreography to support local youth and family events.
You’re encouraged to practice the dance before the event (resources to help you are provided here), but there will also be multiple rehearsals leading up to the performance. Wearing a zombie costume and taking part in the pre-dance zombie walk is also highly encouraged.
In addition to dancing, this event will have several contests, including a costume contest, a salsa-making contest, a jalapeño eating competition, and a green chili stew contest. There will also be food trucks, about 50 vendors, and live entertainment.
Date: Oct. 24
Location: Chaves County Cultural Plaza, 219 E. 4th St., Roswell
Cost: Free
11. Zoo Boo
Zoo Boo is a family-friendly Halloween event at Alameda Park Zoo. Guests are invited to come dressed in a costume (there will be a contest), follow the candy trail to collect sweet treats, and sample fare from on-site food trucks. There will also be games and activities for children.
Date: Oct. 24
Location: Alameda Park Zoo, 1021 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo
Cost: Free
12. Day of the Dead Series Race
Get your steps in—and then some—by participating in one of Wanderlust Running’s Day of the Dead Series races. Races include a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, 50K, 100K, and 100 miler.
Date: Oct. 24-25
Location: La Llorona Park (races begin at the South End Trailhead), 3440 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces
Cost: Pricing varies depending on when you register and what distance you choose.
