Red River, New Mexico 2026 Events Calendar
Planning your Red River getaway?
Whether you're seeking powder-perfect skiing, lively summer concerts, or unique cultural celebrations, Red River's 2026 events calendar has something for everyone. This blog lists all official town events, along with a high-level summary of each.
Book your Red River rental now and secure the perfect home base for your mountain adventure.
2026 Calendar of Events in Red River
Red River Ski Area Opening Day: November 26, 2025
Switch on the Holidays: November 27, 2025
Christmas in the Mountains Craft Market: December 20-21, 2025
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks: December 24, 2025
Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party: December 31, 2025
Race the Face: January 17, 2026
RR Songwriter’s Festival: January 22-24, 2026
Ski Ranch Rodeo: January 31, 2026
Skijoring: January 31, 2026
Mardi Gras in the Mountains: February 12-17, 2026
RR Ski Area Pond Skim & Closing Day: March 22, 2026
May Fest in the Mountains: May 22-24, 2026
Car Show: June 6, 2026
Vino in the Valley: June 19-21, 2026
4th of July Parade: July 4, 2026
Red River Jamboree: July 17-19, 2026
Enchanted Forest Trail Races: July 25, 2026
8750 BBQ & Music Festival: August 14-16, 2026
Aspencade Arts & Crafts Fair: September 25-27, 2026
Oktoberfest: October 9-11, 2026
Red River Ski Area Opening Day - November 26, 2025
The countdown to ski season ends as Red River Ski Area opens its slopes for another winter of world-class skiing and snowboarding. With 67 runs, opening day marks the beginning of family-friendly mountain adventures.
Planning tip: Reserve your accommodation early for the best selection near the slopes.
Switch on the Holidays - November 27, 2025
Red River transforms into a winter wonderland as twinkling lights illuminate Main Street. This beloved tradition features holiday music, festive activities, and the official lighting ceremony that kicks off the Christmas season in the mountains.
Christmas in the Mountains Craft Market - December 20-21, 2025
Shop with local artisans and find unique handcrafted gifts at this two-day holiday market. From jewelry and pottery to woodwork and textiles, it's the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting regional craftspeople.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks - December 24, 2025
Experience pure mountain magic as skiers descend the slopes carrying torches, creating a river of light against the dark winter sky. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the valley.
Make it memorable: Book a cozy cabin with a fireplace for the ultimate Christmas Eve in Red River.
Old Fashioned New Year's Eve Party - December 31, 2025
Ring in 2026 mountain-style and small-town hospitality. This family-friendly celebration captures the spirit of old-fashioned New Year's festivities with a distinctly New Mexican twist.
Race the Face - January 17, 2026
Watch adrenaline junkies tackle one of Red River's most challenging races down the mountain's face. This high-speed competition draws skilled skiers and snowboarders from across the region.
Red River Songwriter's Festival - January 22-24, 2026
The town hosts talented singer-songwriters who share their original music and the stories behind the songs. This three-day festival celebrates acoustic performances and the craft of songwriting in an up-close, personal setting.
Secure your winter rental and enjoy walking distance to all festival venues.
Ski Ranch Rodeo & Skijoring - January 31, 2026
Two unique winter traditions converge on the same day. The Ski Ranch Rodeo showcases skiing and snowboarding tricks, while Skijoring combines horseback riding and skiing in a thrilling spectacle that's pure mountain west entertainment.
Mardi Gras in the Mountains - February 12-17, 2026
Who says you need to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Red River brings the celebration to an elevation of 8,750 feet with plenty of purple, green, and gold. It's Fat Tuesday with a mountain twist.
Red River Ski Area Pond Skim & Closing Day - March 22, 2026
The ski season goes out with a splash as brave participants attempt to skim across a pool of icy water on skis and snowboards. This hilarious tradition marks the end of another successful winter season.
May Fest in the Mountains - May 22-24, 2026
Spring comes alive with this three-day celebration featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and outdoor activities. It's the perfect way to welcome warmer weather and blooming wildflowers to the high country.
Browse summer vacation rentals with mountain views and easy access to town.
Car Show - June 6, 2026
Classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles cruise into Red River for this popular annual showcase. Auto enthusiasts gather to admire chrome, engines, and automotive artistry against the stunning mountain backdrop.
Vino in the Valley - June 19-21, 2026
Sip and savor at this wine lover's paradise featuring New Mexico wineries, wine tastings, live music, and gourmet food pairings. The weekend celebrates the state's flourishing wine industry in an unforgettable mountain setting.
4th of July Parade - July 4, 2026
Red River's Independence Day parade is a quintessential small-town American celebration complete with floats, marching bands, local organizations, and plenty of patriotic spirit. Arrive early to claim your spot along Main Street.
July 4th stays book fast: Reserve your holiday rental today to be part of this beloved tradition.
Red River Jamboree - July 17-19, 2026
This summer music festival brings multiple stages, diverse musical acts, and three days of live entertainment to the heart of town. From country and rock to folk and blues, the Jamboree offers something for every music lover.
Enchanted Forest Trail Races - July 25, 2026
Trail runners tackle scenic mountain courses through aspen groves and alpine meadows. Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, these races showcase Red River's spectacular summer hiking terrain.
8750 BBQ & Music Festival - August 14-16, 2026
Named after Red River's elevation, this festival combines competition BBQ and mountain hospitality. Taste award-winning smoked meats while enjoying performances from regional and national acts.
Find the perfect family rental with outdoor space for summer adventures.
Aspencade Arts & Crafts Fair - September 25-27, 2026
Timing perfectly with the fall foliage season, Aspencade brings together artisans, crafters, and visitors beneath golden aspen canopies. Shop handmade goods while surrounded by some of New Mexico's most breathtaking autumn scenery.
Pro tip: This is peak fall color season. Book your rental now for the best availability during this popular weekend.
Oktoberfest - October 9-11, 2026
Prost! Red River celebrates Bavarian culture with German beer, authentic food, polka music, and plenty of lederhosen. This lively festival brings European tradition to the American Southwest in the most entertaining way possible.
Why Book Your Red River Rental Early?
With 20+ major events throughout 2026, Red River accommodations fill quickly, especially during peak ski season, holiday weekends, and popular summer festivals.
Booking your rental property in advance ensures:
Best selection of properties and locations
Competitive rates before peak pricing kicks in
More time to plan your itinerary around events
Peace of mind knowing your mountain getaway is secured
Explore available rentals and start planning your 2026 Red River adventure today.
Plan Your Red River Experience
Red River's compact, walkable downtown means you're never far from the action. Most events take place on or near Main Street, making it easy to experience multiple activities during your stay. The town's elevation of 8,750 feet provides cool summer temperatures and abundant winter snow, making it an ideal year-round destination.
Whether you're drawn by world-class skiing, unique cultural festivals, or simply the charm of a genuine mountain town, Red River's 2026 events calendar offers countless reasons to visit this New Mexico gem.
Review this events calendar, pick your favorite festivals, and book your Red River rental to guarantee your spot in New Mexico's favorite mountain town.
Ready to reserve your dates? Browse our selection of Red River vacation rentals and find your perfect mountain retreat for 2026.
