Every season in Angel Fire has something special, but fall may just be our favorite time of year. Crisp mountain mornings, brilliant golden aspens, fewer crowds, abundant wildlife, and some of Northern New Mexico's most enjoyable festivals make autumn the perfect time to plan a mountain getaway.
Whether you're visiting to enjoy Oktoberfest, browse local art festivals, ride through spectacular fall colors, or simply relax in the cool mountain air, there's always something happening around the Enchanted Circle.
Aspen Springs Cabin Resort is located just minutes from Angel Fire while also providing convenient access to Red River, Eagle Nest, Taos, and many of Northern New Mexico's most popular seasonal events. We've put together this guide to help you plan the perfect fall vacation.
Whether you're visiting to enjoy Oktoberfest, browse local art festivals, ride through spectacular fall colors, or simply relax in the cool mountain air, there's always something happening around the Enchanted Circle.
Aspen Springs Cabin Resort is located just minutes from Angel Fire while also providing convenient access to Red River, Eagle Nest, Taos, and many of Northern New Mexico's most popular seasonal events. We've put together this guide to help you plan the perfect fall vacation.
August Events
Red River's 8750' BBQ & Music Festival
📅 August 12–16, 2026
📍 Brandenburg Park & Downtown Red River
🕘 Festival activities take place throughout the day and evening. Live music performances continue into the evening.
🌐 Official Website
One of the largest events of late summer, the 8750' BBQ & Music Festival combines championship barbecue competitions, live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and mountain-town charm in the heart of Red River. Teams from across the Southwest compete in barbecue, red chile, and green chile cook-offs while nationally recognized musicians perform throughout the festival.
Whether you're a foodie, music lover, or simply looking for a fun mountain getaway, this festival is worth planning an entire weekend around.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Leave Aspen Springs around 9:00 AM and spend the entire day in Red River. Wander through the vendor booths, enjoy lunch at the festival, then stroll the shops along Main Street before stopping by our favorite candy store, Old Tymer's Candy Shop, for fresh homemade fudge to enjoy back at your cabin around the fire pit later that evening.
📍 Brandenburg Park & Downtown Red River
🕘 Festival activities take place throughout the day and evening. Live music performances continue into the evening.
🌐 Official Website
One of the largest events of late summer, the 8750' BBQ & Music Festival combines championship barbecue competitions, live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and mountain-town charm in the heart of Red River. Teams from across the Southwest compete in barbecue, red chile, and green chile cook-offs while nationally recognized musicians perform throughout the festival.
Whether you're a foodie, music lover, or simply looking for a fun mountain getaway, this festival is worth planning an entire weekend around.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Leave Aspen Springs around 9:00 AM and spend the entire day in Red River. Wander through the vendor booths, enjoy lunch at the festival, then stroll the shops along Main Street before stopping by our favorite candy store, Old Tymer's Candy Shop, for fresh homemade fudge to enjoy back at your cabin around the fire pit later that evening.
Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour
📅 August 8, 2026
📍 Starts and finishes in Red River
🚴 Ride begins early in the morning (typically around 7:00–8:00 AM depending on route)
🌐 Official Website
Cyclists from across the country come to Northern New Mexico each year to ride one of the Southwest's most scenic road cycling events. Riders choose from several routes ranging from approximately 35 to 100 miles, all winding through the spectacular Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
Even if you're not riding, it's exciting to watch hundreds of cyclists tackle mountain passes surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: If you're visiting this weekend but not participating, head out early for breakfast before taking a scenic drive to Eagle Nest Lake or Taos. Many roads are busier during the morning while cyclists are on the course.
📍 Starts and finishes in Red River
🚴 Ride begins early in the morning (typically around 7:00–8:00 AM depending on route)
🌐 Official Website
Cyclists from across the country come to Northern New Mexico each year to ride one of the Southwest's most scenic road cycling events. Riders choose from several routes ranging from approximately 35 to 100 miles, all winding through the spectacular Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
Even if you're not riding, it's exciting to watch hundreds of cyclists tackle mountain passes surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: If you're visiting this weekend but not participating, head out early for breakfast before taking a scenic drive to Eagle Nest Lake or Taos. Many roads are busier during the morning while cyclists are on the course.
September Events
Taos Fall Arts Festival
📅 Late September (Dates announced annually)
📍 Historic Taos Plaza & surrounding galleries
🕙 Most galleries and exhibits are open from late morning through the afternoon
🌐 Official Website
For more than five decades, artists from throughout the Southwest have gathered in Taos to celebrate painting, sculpture, pottery, photography, jewelry, and handcrafted works inspired by Northern New Mexico.
Combined with cool weather and golden aspens, this is one of our favorite fall day trips.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Spend the morning exploring the galleries before enjoying lunch on Historic Taos Plaza. Afterward, browse the unique boutiques and Southwestern shops before returning to Aspen Springs through the scenic High Road.
📍 Historic Taos Plaza & surrounding galleries
🕙 Most galleries and exhibits are open from late morning through the afternoon
🌐 Official Website
For more than five decades, artists from throughout the Southwest have gathered in Taos to celebrate painting, sculpture, pottery, photography, jewelry, and handcrafted works inspired by Northern New Mexico.
Combined with cool weather and golden aspens, this is one of our favorite fall day trips.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Spend the morning exploring the galleries before enjoying lunch on Historic Taos Plaza. Afterward, browse the unique boutiques and Southwestern shops before returning to Aspen Springs through the scenic High Road.
Eagle Nest Fish Fest & Pike Round-Up
📅 September 25–27, 2026
📍 Eagle Nest Lake State Park
🕗 Fishing tournaments begin early each morning. Family activities continue throughout the day.
🌐 Official Website
This popular weekend celebrates one of Northern New Mexico's premier fishing destinations. Visitors enjoy fishing tournaments, educational demonstrations, family activities, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to experience beautiful Eagle Nest Lake during peak fall color season.
You don't have to be an angler to enjoy the event—many visitors simply come for the scenery.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Bring camping chairs for fishing lakeside. Aspen Springs provides our guests with complimentary camping chair and fishing pole loans to our guests. Simply send us a text and we'll deliver these items to your cabin.
📍 Eagle Nest Lake State Park
🕗 Fishing tournaments begin early each morning. Family activities continue throughout the day.
🌐 Official Website
This popular weekend celebrates one of Northern New Mexico's premier fishing destinations. Visitors enjoy fishing tournaments, educational demonstrations, family activities, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to experience beautiful Eagle Nest Lake during peak fall color season.
You don't have to be an angler to enjoy the event—many visitors simply come for the scenery.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Bring camping chairs for fishing lakeside. Aspen Springs provides our guests with complimentary camping chair and fishing pole loans to our guests. Simply send us a text and we'll deliver these items to your cabin.
Angel Fire Studio Art Tour
📅 September 26–27, 2026
📍 Artist studios throughout Angel Fire and the Enchanted Circle
🕙 Studios are generally open from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (check the official tour map for participating locations and hours)
One weekend each fall, artists throughout Angel Fire and the Enchanted Circle open their working studios to the public for the annual Angel Fire Studio Art Tour. Visitors can follow a published tour map from studio to studio, stepping behind the scenes to see where artists create their work, watch demonstrations, learn about different artistic techniques, and meet the artists themselves.
The tour features a wide variety of artwork, including paintings, photography, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, glass art, fiber arts, sculpture, and other handcrafted pieces inspired by the beauty of Northern New Mexico. Whether you're looking for a special souvenir or a statement piece for your home, you'll find artwork you simply won't see in traditional gift shops.
New for 2026: Aspen Springs is proud to be a participating stop on the Studio Art Tour. During the event, The Cave will host two featured artists, giving both our guests and visitors an opportunity to meet the artists, watch them discuss their creative process, and purchase original artwork without ever leaving the property.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Pick up the official Studio Art Tour map and plan your route before heading out for the day. The drive between studios takes you through some of the Enchanted Circle's most beautiful scenery, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations. We also recommend setting aside time to stop by The Cave at Aspen Springs to meet our featured artists before continuing your tour. You never know when you'll discover the perfect piece to remind you of your mountain getaway.
📍 Artist studios throughout Angel Fire and the Enchanted Circle
🕙 Studios are generally open from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (check the official tour map for participating locations and hours)
One weekend each fall, artists throughout Angel Fire and the Enchanted Circle open their working studios to the public for the annual Angel Fire Studio Art Tour. Visitors can follow a published tour map from studio to studio, stepping behind the scenes to see where artists create their work, watch demonstrations, learn about different artistic techniques, and meet the artists themselves.
The tour features a wide variety of artwork, including paintings, photography, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, glass art, fiber arts, sculpture, and other handcrafted pieces inspired by the beauty of Northern New Mexico. Whether you're looking for a special souvenir or a statement piece for your home, you'll find artwork you simply won't see in traditional gift shops.
New for 2026: Aspen Springs is proud to be a participating stop on the Studio Art Tour. During the event, The Cave will host two featured artists, giving both our guests and visitors an opportunity to meet the artists, watch them discuss their creative process, and purchase original artwork without ever leaving the property.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Pick up the official Studio Art Tour map and plan your route before heading out for the day. The drive between studios takes you through some of the Enchanted Circle's most beautiful scenery, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations. We also recommend setting aside time to stop by The Cave at Aspen Springs to meet our featured artists before continuing your tour. You never know when you'll discover the perfect piece to remind you of your mountain getaway.
October Events
Angel Fire Oktoberfest
📅 October 3–4, 2026
📍 Mountain View Events Center
🕚 Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🌐 Official Website
Celebrate autumn with German-inspired food, local craft beer, live music, family activities, and spectacular mountain scenery at Angel Fire Resort. Surrounded by brilliant aspen trees, it's one of the most picturesque Oktoberfest celebrations in New Mexico.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Ride the scenic chairlift before heading into Oktoberfest. Early October often coincides with peak fall colors, and the panoramic mountain views are unforgettable. Don't forget camping chairs so you can enjoy the live music comfortably - Aspen Springs offers complimentary camping chair loans to our guests, just send us a text and we'll deliver them to your cabin.
📍 Mountain View Events Center
🕚 Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🌐 Official Website
Celebrate autumn with German-inspired food, local craft beer, live music, family activities, and spectacular mountain scenery at Angel Fire Resort. Surrounded by brilliant aspen trees, it's one of the most picturesque Oktoberfest celebrations in New Mexico.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: Ride the scenic chairlift before heading into Oktoberfest. Early October often coincides with peak fall colors, and the panoramic mountain views are unforgettable. Don't forget camping chairs so you can enjoy the live music comfortably - Aspen Springs offers complimentary camping chair loans to our guests, just send us a text and we'll deliver them to your cabin.
Red River Oktoberfest
📅 October 9–11, 2026
📍 Brandenburg Park, Red River
🕙 10:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
🌐 Official Website
Red River's historic mining-town atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for one of New Mexico's largest Oktoberfest celebrations. Enjoy German food, local craft breweries, live music, artisan vendors, competitions, and family-friendly entertainment all weekend long.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: After Oktoberfest, take time to wander the shops along Main Street before picking up fresh fudge from Old Tymer's Candy Shop—it's become one of our favorite Red River traditions.
📍 Brandenburg Park, Red River
🕙 10:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
🌐 Official Website
Red River's historic mining-town atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for one of New Mexico's largest Oktoberfest celebrations. Enjoy German food, local craft breweries, live music, artisan vendors, competitions, and family-friendly entertainment all weekend long.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: After Oktoberfest, take time to wander the shops along Main Street before picking up fresh fudge from Old Tymer's Candy Shop—it's become one of our favorite Red River traditions.
Taos Wool Festival
📅 Early October (typically the first weekend of October)
📍 Kit Carson Park, Taos
🕙 Approximately 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day
🌐 Official Website
This unique festival celebrates Northern New Mexico's rich ranching and fiber arts traditions with weaving demonstrations, spinning, sheepdog trials, artisan vendors, educational exhibits, and beautiful handcrafted textiles.
It's one of the most authentic cultural experiences you'll find anywhere in Northern New Mexico.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: If you're looking for locally made gifts or unique home décor, this is one of the best shopping weekends of the year.
📍 Kit Carson Park, Taos
🕙 Approximately 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day
🌐 Official Website
This unique festival celebrates Northern New Mexico's rich ranching and fiber arts traditions with weaving demonstrations, spinning, sheepdog trials, artisan vendors, educational exhibits, and beautiful handcrafted textiles.
It's one of the most authentic cultural experiences you'll find anywhere in Northern New Mexico.
Aspen Springs Insider Tip: If you're looking for locally made gifts or unique home décor, this is one of the best shopping weekends of the year.
