10/02/2026
🍂 **WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND LOS ALAMOS | OCTOBER 2–16**
October brings an especially varied two weeks across Northern New Mexico - books and astronomy in Los Alamos, harvest festival at Las Golondrinas, major music and dance performances in Santa Fe, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations, studio tours through Abiquiú and Galisteo, and the closing weekend of Taos Fall Arts Festival.
📍 **LOS ALAMOS, WHITE ROCK & BANDELIER**
📚 **Pajarito Literary Festival**
**Friday–Sunday, Oct. 2–4 | Opening Friday at 6 PM; programs throughout the weekend**
Downtown Los Alamos
The second annual literary festival brings writers and literary artists to Los Alamos for author panels, workshops, signings, meet-and-greets, b**r and tea tastings and other programs at Fuller Lodge, SALA, Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse and other downtown locations. Author signings are free and open to the public, while some panels and workshops require festival admission. ([losalamosartscouncil.org](https://www.losalamosartscouncil.org/pajarito-lit?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌌 **Night Sky in October**
**Friday, Oct. 2 | 7–8 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center
A live planetarium tour of the October sky, beginning with planets and constellations visible to the naked eye and moving outward to star clusters and objects visible through telescopes. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎻 **Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra: Fall Concert**
**Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7–8 PM**
Duane Smith Auditorium | FREE
The orchestra performs Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, *From the New World*, and Elena Kats-Chernin’s *Dance of the Paper Umbrellas*. Dancers from Dance Arts Los Alamos join the orchestra for a specially choreographed performance of the Kats-Chernin work. ([visitlosalamos.org](https://www.visitlosalamos.org/Events/Los-Alamos-Symphony-Concert?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎨 **Plein Air Painters of New Mexico: 18th National Juried Members Exhibition**
**Through Friday, Oct. 16**
Fuller Lodge Art Center | FREE
A juried exhibition celebrating the tradition of painting outdoors and the landscapes, changing light and atmosphere that inspire plein-air artists. ([losalamosartscouncil.org](https://www.losalamosartscouncil.org/events-2-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌎 **Climate Café**
**Monday, Oct. 5 | 6:30–8 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center | FREE
A facilitator-guided gathering for adults to discuss emotional responses to climate change in a supportive setting. The program focuses on shared experiences, climate emotions and resilience. Preregistration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📖 **My Favorite Lecture: Survey of Gothic American Literature**
**Monday, Oct. 5 | 5–6:30 PM**
SALA Event Center
UNM–Los Alamos professor Virginia Grant, Ph.D., presents an evening exploring the development, themes and haunting traditions of Gothic American literature as part of UNM-LA’s *My Favorite Lecture* series. ([sala.losalamos.com](https://sala.losalamos.com/tickets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎭 **Studio Ghibli Fest: *Spirited Away — Live on Stage***
**Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5 PM**
SALA Event Center
Hayao Miyazaki’s *Spirited Away* is presented as a filmed theatrical production captured during its acclaimed 2022 stage run rather than as a regular screening of the animated film. **Runtime: 2 hours 55 minutes.** ([sala.losalamos.com](https://sala.losalamos.com/tickets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌌 **PEEC at the Universe**
**Friday, Oct. 9 | Doors 6:45 PM | Program 7–8 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center | FREE
Astrophysicist Dr. Dan Reisenfeld leads a World Space Week full-dome journey from Earth past planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies to the outer edge of the visible universe and the cosmic echo of the Big Bang. ([visitlosalamos.org](https://www.visitlosalamos.org/Events/PEEC-at-the-Universe?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎨 **Los Alamos Fall Arts & Crafts Fair**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 9 AM–3 PM**
Central Park Square | FREE
Artists and craftspeople from around New Mexico gather downtown with handmade art, jewelry, clothing, décor, food, cosmetics and other artisan goods. ([losalamosartscouncil.org](https://www.losalamosartscouncil.org/artfairs?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🏺 **Bandelier Fall Fiesta**
**Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 10–11 | 9 AM–4 PM each day**
Bandelier National Monument
A weekend devoted to the cultures and traditions connected with the canyons of Bandelier. Programs include cultural demonstrations, ranger-led talks and walks, activities for junior rangers and a **Navajo rug show from Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site**. ([nps.gov](https://home.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/bandelier-fall-fiesta-2026.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎲 **Tabletop Game Day**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 1–4:30 PM**
Mesa Public Library | FREE
An open community afternoon for board- and card-game players. Bring a favorite or choose from the library’s collection of **125+ games**, ranging from quick games to multi-hour strategy games. Expert game masters also run limited-seat one-shot RPG sessions. Free popcorn and drinks are provided. ([visitlosalamos.org](https://www.visitlosalamos.org/Events/Tabletop-Game-Day-at-the-Library?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌄 **New Mexico from the Air**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 11–11:30 AM & 2–2:30 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center
A full-dome planetarium film by Jeff Gilkey featuring aerial footage of New Mexico and the Southwest projected across the planetarium dome. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🦎 **PEECnic: Community Celebration**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 1–3 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center | FREE
PEEC’s annual community gathering includes hands-on activities and close-up animal encounters. Everyone is welcome, including non-members. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎃 **25th Annual Los Alamos Scarecrow Contest**
**Voting begins Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Displays along Central Avenue**
The Los Alamos Arts Council celebrates the 25th anniversary of its annual scarecrow competition. This year’s theme is **“The Silver Screen: Celebrating 25 Years of Scarecrows on Central.”** Downtown visitors can stroll among the displays and vote for favorites in traditional and contemporary categories. Voting continues through Oct. 31. ([losalamosartscouncil.org](https://www.losalamosartscouncil.org/events-2-1/25th-annual-scarecrow-contest-voting?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🦠 **Hantaviruses: From New Mexico’s Four Corners to the World**
**Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7–8 PM**
Los Alamos Nature Center | FREE
A live-streamed science talk examining hantaviruses, the serious diseases they can cause and New Mexico’s unusual place in the history of hantavirus research following the Four Corners outbreak. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🥾 **Rise & Hike**
**Friday, Oct. 16 | 9–11:30 AM**
Los Alamos Nature Center / local trail | FREE
An easy-to-moderate guided morning hike exploring trails around the Pajarito Plateau. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌙 **Night Hike at Las Conchas**
**Friday, Oct. 16 | Evening**
Las Conchas Trailhead, Jemez Mountains
A PEEC-led nighttime walk offering a different perspective on the forests and meadows of the Jemez Mountains after dark. ([peecnature.org](https://peecnature.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📍 **SANTA FE
😂 **Patton Oswalt**
**Friday, Oct. 2 | 7:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Stand-up performance by the Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian, actor and writer. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🌾🍇 **SANTA FE HARVEST FESTIVAL AT LAS GOLONDRINAS**
**Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 3–4 | 10 AM–4 PM**
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
One of Northern New Mexico’s major fall traditions, held for **more than 50 years** at the historic living-history ranch south of Santa Fe. The festival spreads through historic adobe buildings, fields and grounds beneath the changing cottonwoods, combining traditional New Mexican harvest activities with living history, music, dance, crafts and food.
Visitors can learn how traditional **red chile ristras** are made, visit the pumpkin patch, make corn-husk dolls, meet farm animals, browse local artisans and **stomp grapes at the historic w**ery**. Grape-stomping demonstrations and harvest hayrides run **12–3 PM both days**. Historical interpreters throughout the ranch demonstrate traditional New Mexican lifeways and crafts. Regional b**r and w**e and several food options are available. ([golondrinas.org](https://golondrinas.org/annual-events/festivals/santa-fe-harvest-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Saturday, Oct. 3:** Traditional San Ysidro Procession and Mass **10:15 AM–12 PM**; *La Llorona* musical storytelling with Rosalía Pacheco **12–1 PM**; Los Coloniales traditional Spanish folk dances **1–2 PM**; Los Niños de Santa Fe traditional Mexican dances **2–3 PM**. Meet Harley “the Buffalo” **11 AM–3 PM**; corn-husk crafts **12–2 PM**; grape stomping and hayrides **12–3 PM**.
**Sunday, Oct. 4:** Mariachi Kraken **10–11 AM**; Tíos Míos **11 AM–12 PM**; interactive New Mexico *Bailes de Salón* dance lessons **12–1 PM**; **Zuni Olla Maidens 1–2 PM**; Los Niños de Santa Fe **2–3 PM**. Harley “the Buffalo” **11 AM–3 PM**; corn-husk crafts **11 AM–1 PM**; grape stomping and hayrides **12–3 PM**.
🎟️ Advance tickets are recommended. **Children 12 and under are free.** ([golondrinas.org](https://golondrinas.org/annual-events/festivals/santa-fe-harvest-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎼🤖 **SFI: *Opus Cope — An Algorithmic Opera* + Director Q&A**
**Saturday, Oct. 3 | 6–8 PM**
Center for Contemporary Arts
A Santa Fe Institute-sponsored screening exploring composer and artificial-creativity pioneer David Cope’s experiments with computers and musical creativity. A post-film discussion features director Jae Shim, SFI professor and AI researcher Melanie Mitchell, and composer/computational physicist Marco Buongiorno Nardelli. ([santafe.com](https://santafe.com/event/opus-cope-an-algorithmic-opera-a-special-qa-with-the-director-sponsored-by-sfi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📚 **Hampton Sides: 20th Anniversary of *Blood and Thunder***
**Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Collected Works and the Santa Fe International Literary Festival present historian Hampton Sides discussing the 20th anniversary of his history of Kit Carson and the American West in conversation with conservationist and storyteller Ed Roberson. ([collectedworksbookstore.com](https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎻 **Brooklyn Rider: Philip Glass String Quartets**
**Sunday, Oct. 4 | 3 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Santa Fe Pro Musica presents the acclaimed string quartet Brooklyn Rider in a program devoted to Philip Glass. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📿 **William Matthews: *Bolo***
**Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 6 PM**
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
A presentation devoted to the distinctly Southwestern art form of the bolo tie, featuring a new book with more than 500 pieces alongside photographs and cultural history. ([collectedworksbookstore.com](https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🐦 **Early Bird Wednesday**
**Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7–10 AM**
Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve
Special early-morning access to the preserve during peak birding hours. ([golondrinas.org](https://golondrinas.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🛣️ **Route 66: The Main Street of America + Filmmaker Q&A**
**Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
A special Route 66 Centennial screening of a new documentary exploring America’s legendary highway through stories of people and communities along its route, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker John Paget. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🧠 **Geeks Who Drink Trivia**
**Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7–9 PM**
The Mystic | FREE
A pub-style team trivia night with food and drinks available. ([themysticsantafe.com](https://themysticsantafe.com/calendar/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎵 **Jeremy Dutcher**
**Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
The classically trained tenor, composer, ethnomusicologist and member of Neqotkuk First Nation combines classical and jazz influences with Wolastoqey musical traditions and language revitalization. A presentation about the work of the Indigenous Language Institute begins at **6:30 PM**. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/jeremy-dutcher/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎷 **Snarky Puppy with Varijashree Venugopal**
**Friday, Oct. 9 | 7:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
The five-time Grammy-winning collective brings together jazz, funk, R&B, soul, gospel, rock and fusion, joined by Indian vocalist, flutist and composer Varijashree Venugopal. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/snarky-puppy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🪶 **Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend**
**Saturday–Monday, Oct. 10–12 | Santa Fe Plaza | FREE**
Three days honoring the cultures and citizens of New Mexico’s **23 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos**, with Native dance, music, storytelling, cultural organizations and community programs.
**Saturday, Oct. 10:** Danza Azteca de Anahuac **10 AM**; additional program **11 AM**; additional program **1 PM**; Lightning Boy Hoop Dancers **2 PM**; Poeh Cultural Center of Pojoaque Pueblo **3 PM**.
**Sunday, Oct. 11:** Programs begin **10 AM**; Water Strider Dance Group from Zuni Pueblo **11 AM**; Pueblo Gourd Dancing **1, 2 & 3 PM**.
**Monday, Oct. 12 — Honoring Native Nations Powwow:** Opening Prayer and Native Art Booths **9 AM**; Tesuque Pueblo Cottonwood Dancers **9:15 AM**; Champion Hoop Dancers of the Southwest **10 AM**; Mountain Eagle from Jemez Pueblo **11 AM**; **Grand Entry & Parade of Nations 12 PM**; closing **4:30 PM**. ([santafe.org](https://www.santafe.org/indigenouspeoplesday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🐎 **The Horse Shelter Open House**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 11 AM–3 PM**
Cerrillos | FREE
A behind-the-scenes look at the 128-acre sanctuary with ranch tours, demonstrations and opportunities to meet some of the more than 100 rescued horses being rehabilitated or cared for at the facility. ([santafe.com](https://santafe.com/event/the-horse-shelter-invites-community-to-annual-open-house/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎭🎨 **Santa Fe Artists’ Procession**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 2–5 PM**
Reunity Resources | FREE
An outdoor procession bringing together large-scale sculpture, puppets, costumes, art carts and unusual wheeled contraptions, masked characters, brass-band music, performance and visual art by Santa Fe artists and arts organizations. Food and additional performances continue at Reunity Farm. ([santafe.org](https://www.santafe.org/event/the-inaugural-first-annual-santa-fe-artists-procession/25506/amp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
✨ **Bronze Glow: An Evening of Art Under the Stars**
**Saturday, Oct. 10 | 4–9 PM**
Allan Houser Sculpture Garden
An evening combining illuminated sculpture, nighttime photography, art and astronomy in the outdoor sculpture garden, culminating in a celestial drone display. ([santafeselection.com](https://www.santafeselection.com/events?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📖 **Stan Biderman: *The Secularist’s Bible***
**Sunday, Oct. 11 | 4:30 PM**
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse | FREE
Biderman discusses his new work combining satire, memoir, family history and commentary on religion and church-state relations, in conversation with Owen Lipstein. ([collectedworksbookstore.com](https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🐕🧠 **The Genius of Dogs: Being With Humans**
**Sunday, Oct. 11 | 6 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Evolutionary anthropologists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods discuss research into canine cognition, social intelligence and the unusual evolutionary relationship between dogs and humans, in conversation with science and nature writer David Quammen. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/the-genius-of-dogs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📚 **Pam Houston: *Animals Taught Me Everything***
**Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6 PM**
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
The award-winning author discusses her new collection about lessons learned through encounters with horses, dogs, elephants, leopards, hyenas and other animals — and what animals can teach humans about play, rest, love, death and joy. Also available by Zoom. ([collectedworksbookstore.com](https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/events-1/pam-houston-animals-taught-me-everything?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎬 **Santa Fe International Film Festival Begins**
**Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Festival continues through Oct. 19**
Various Santa Fe venues
The 18th annual festival presents international and independent cinema, filmmaker discussions and special events around Santa Fe. ([santafe.film](https://santafe.film/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
💃 **Akram Khan Company: *Thikra — Night of Remembering***
**Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 7:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Akram Khan’s final touring production brings together contemporary dance and Bharatanatyam in an all-female international ensemble. Created with Saudi visual artist Manal AlDowayan, the work explores ritual, ancestry, memory and cultural heritage. ([lensic.org](https://lensic.org/events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🏡 **Josefina Tour**
**Thursday, Oct. 15 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM**
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
A guided tour through the historic buildings, landscape and traditions that helped inspire Josefina, the American Girl character whose story is set in early-19th-century New Mexico. ([golondrinas.org](https://golondrinas.org/annual-events/calendar-of-events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📚 **SFiFF Coffee Chat with Michael McGarrity**
**Thursday, Oct. 15 | 4–5 PM**
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
New Mexico crime novelist Michael McGarrity discusses his novels, writing, creativity, craft and developing an authorial voice with moderator Mary-Charlotte Domandi as part of the Santa Fe International Film Festival. ([collectedworksbookstore.com](https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/events-1/sfiff-coffee-chat-with-michael-mcgarrity-2026-10-15-16-00?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎬 **Zahn McClarnon — Santa Fe International Film Festival Visionary Award**
**Friday, Oct. 16 | 6:30 PM**
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Actor Zahn McClarnon receives the festival’s 2026 Visionary Award, followed by a discussion with filmmaker Chris Eyre and a screening of McClarnon’s directorial debut, *Dark Winds* Season 4, Episode 2. ([santafe.film](https://santafe.film/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📍 **ABIQUIÚ & GALISTEO**
🎨 **Abiquiú Studio Tour Artist Showcase Opening**
**Friday, Oct. 2 | 6:30–8:30 PM**
Abiquiú Inn | FREE
Opening reception for the annual Artist Showcase, featuring work by artists participating in the upcoming Abiquiú Studio Tour. ([abiquiuartscouncil.org](https://abiquiuartscouncil.org/programs-events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎨 **32nd Annual Abiquiú Studio Tour**
**Saturday–Monday, Oct. 10–12 | 10 AM–5 PM**
Abiquiú and Chama River Valley | FREE
One of Northern New Mexico’s established fall art traditions: a self-guided driving tour through Abiquiú and the surrounding Chama River Valley to working studios, galleries and creative spaces. Visitors can meet artists where they work and see ceramics, painting, weaving, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, glass and other media. **A limited number of studios are open Monday, Oct. 12.** ([abiquiuartscouncil.org](https://abiquiuartscouncil.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🎨 **38th Annual Galisteo Studio Tour**
**Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 10–11 | 10 AM–5 PM**
Galisteo & Ranchitos | FREE
Artists throughout the historic village and surrounding hills open their working studios, with oil painting, photography, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and traditional New Mexican art. The tour winds among historic adobe buildings, golden cottonwoods and studios overlooking the Ortiz Mountains and Galisteo Basin. ([galisteostudiotour.org](https://galisteostudiotour.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
📍 **TAOS**
🎨 **Final Weekend of Taos Fall Arts Festival**
**Friday–Sunday, Oct. 2–4 | Main exhibitions 10 AM–5 PM**
Historic Downtown Taos | FREE
The closing weekend of the long-running festival features work by **250+ contemporary artists** across multiple downtown venues.
**Friday, Oct. 2:** Ed Sandoval live painting **1–3:30 PM**; Laurie Celine Balliett live demonstration **4–6 PM**; **First Friday gallery events 5–7 PM** throughout the Historic District.
**Saturday, Oct. 3:** Taos Wool Festival activities at Red Willow Park **11 AM–5 PM**; Harwood Museum storytime **11–11:30 AM**; McCandless Sutton live demonstration **12–2 PM**; live music at the former U.S. Bank and Tuesday Morning venues **1–3 PM**, with additional music **3–5 PM**.
Festival exhibitions remain open through **Sunday, Oct. 4**. ([taosfallarts.com](https://taosfallarts.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
🍁 **A particularly strong weekend is Oct. 10–12:** Bandelier Fall Fiesta, the Abiquiú and Galisteo Studio Tours, Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations, the Santa Fe Artists’ Procession, Bronze Glow, and several Los Alamos events all take place over the same long weekend.
