Festivals
Taos Festivals are something to behold. See something that you dig? Plan your trip around it… they do festivals right.
The big ones:
Wool Festival - Starting with my favorite! A cornucopia of colorful tents, fiber arts and demonstrations, vibrant music and spectacular festival food. Every fall for or over 35 years this festival headquartered at the Kit Carson Park brings in the masses and there’s a little something here for everyone… don’t let the name fool ya. Precious live sheep, alpacas, goats, Angora rabbits and more. Artists, crafters, vendors alike unite in what is my favorite festival in Taos. Admissions and demos are free.
Winter or Summer Wine Festival - Four-day weekend of incredible culinary events. Featuring local accomplished chefs coupled with the sophistication of local and national wines and wineries. Approximately 40 national wineries and 24 of the areas best restaurants. If you are a foodie… go for the Grand and Reserve Tastings, chefs luncheons, winery seminars and wine dinners. The weekend culminates with the Grand Tasting at the Taos Valley Ski Resort… this is the ultimate sampling of all the festivals’ best of the best.
Lilac Festival - Lilacs flourish abundantly in Taos and peak the last two weeks of May hence the timing of this not to be missed annual festival. Much like the wool festival, this one is ideal for the whole family. Live entertainment. Festival food. Crafts for all ages. Pet parade. Costume contest. Children’s carousel. The smell and sights are abundant… the centerpiece of this event.
Motet on the Mesa - Intimate 2 day music festival at the Taos Mesa Brewing mothership. With starlight camping at the vintage Hotel Luna Mystica. And an incredible and thoughtful mix of music. Retro Fiery funk. Simmering soul. Plus big name headliners sprinkled throughout the lineup. The improvisational inventiveness of the Denver, CO seven-piece band have continually provided an escape for listeners.
Taos Pueblo Pow Wow - Members of Indian tribes throughout the country gather in Taos to compete in traditional dance competitions. The artistry and culture is astounding and you feel honored to be amongst the tribes. Crafts booths. Food vendors. The annual 3 day pow wow is 32 years in existence and still going strong. Significant. Meaningful. Beautiful. Add this to your bucket list.
Red River Motorcycle Festival - Taos County boasts one of the oldest motorcycle rallies in the nation. For over 30 years the Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally has filled the Red River for 5 outrageous days of fun! I have yet to attend but hear it’s a hoot. Live music can be heard and found all over town. Once again, great vendors carrying everything from leather and lace to food and fun. Held annually over Memorial Day Weekend where they do an overwhelming tribute as they all ride together to the Vietnam’s Veteran Memorial.
