Photo by Cisco Velarde
Ok, technically the Taos Grand Fall Arts events began over Labor Day — but hey, fall actually begins this weekend, and there are plenty of Grand Fall Arts weekends still to come.
Taos Grand Fall Arts is not so much a festival as a designation of time — nine weeks spanning September and October that are jam-packed with art, culture, food, community, and performance events. As the colors change and the temperatures drop, it’s a time of year that highlights how breathtakingly beautiful northern New Mexico is — and the events listed under Grand Fall Arts generally supply the food, art, and people to go with it.
Of course, when you look at the full listings, it all seems pretty daunting, so here’s a sampling of what’s in store through the end of October. We’ve hand-picked the Top Ten Fall Arts events that we think you’ll most enjoy — but there’s plenty more going on. To see full listings for all of these weekends, visit taos.org.
Top Ten Taos Grand Fall Arts Events
High Road Art Tour
September 21-22 and 28-29
- Spanning the final two weekends of September, the High Road Art Tour showcases over 100 artists at 40 sites along the High Road to Taos. Find the brochure and tour map here.
Fourth Annual Paella Festival
Sunday, September 22 at Sabroso
- For $25, you get to taste 7 different chefs’ take on paella, and you’re supporting the UNM and THS Culinary Arts programs. Do it for the children! And for the delicious!
Taos Fall Arts Opening Reception
Friday, September 27 at the Convention Center; ongoing through October 6
- Taos Fall Arts is the oldest art festival in Taos, and it includes two juried art shows and a Taos Open. It represents over 250 Taos County artists working in a variety of mediums. Proceeds benefit children’s art programs. Taos Fall Arts officially opens to the public at 6pm on the 27th, following a ticketed 4-6pm Distinguished Achievements Award Reception.
Taos Chamber of Commerce Fall Arts and Crafts Fair
September 27 – 29, 10am – 5pm daily at Kit Carson Park
- Arts and Crafts fair in Kit Carson park. No further explanation necessary.
TCA Quick-Draw and Art Auction
Saturday, September 28. Quick draw from noon – 3pm; auction at 5pm
- A Taos fall favorite: 40+ New Mexico artists create pieces in 3 hours at the TCA, on Taos Plaza, on Bent Street/John Dunn Shop, at the Blumenschein Home and Museum, and at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site. Culminates in live auction benefiting the artists and the TCA.
San Geronimo Day
Monday, September 30 at Taos Pueblo (San Geronimo Eve Vespers Sunday, September 29)
- Named for the Pueblo’s patron saint, St. Jerome, San Geronimo Day was originally a fall trading festival. The Pueblo plaza will be filled with American Indian vendors from villages all over the Southwest, and traditional ceremonies include morning races and an afternoon pole climb. No photography, parking fee.
Annual SOMOS Storytelling Festival
October 4 & 5; at SOMOS, TCA, Taos Mesa Brewing, and other locations around town
- Storytelling events all weekend, including a Friday night competitive Story Slam, workshops for children, and performances by nationally-recognized storytellers. This year’s headliners are singer-songwriter and artist Terry Allen, and actor/writer Jo Harvey Allen.
Taos Wool Festival
October 5 (9am – 5pm) & 6 (9am – 4pm), Kit Carson Park
- For many the true herald of Fall, the Taos Wool Festival is a free event featuring a regional wool market, demonstrations, kids’ events, workshops, food vendors, live music, contests, a silent auction, and more.
Oktoberfest in Red River
October 11 – 13, 10am – 6pm, Brandenburg Park
- Authentic German food, music, and arts & crafts. Microbreweries and wineries, games and contests, family-friendly activities.
31st Annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
October 25 – 27; full events schedule here
- Hosting 35 – 50 balloons and crews every year.