Labor Day weekend is one of the holidays that many families look forward to celebrating. Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, celebrates the contributions and achievements of American workers.
However, since it's a three-day weekend, many people make plans to hang out with their families and take day trips.
In the Borderland, families can either stay local and attend some of the popular festivals like the annual St. Anthony's Seminary kermes or they can head to New Mexico for a day or two of fun at various festivals.
Here are the top five festivals in the El Paso and New Mexico area.
St. Anthony's Seminary in El Paso
For many El Pasoans, St. Anthony's Seminary kermes is a fun way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. The seminary comes alive with festive booths with enchiladas, gorditas and other
items, as well as live music.
The fiesta will be from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7 at 4601 Hastings Drive. Free admission.
Hatch Chile Festival 2026
The Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, New Mexico, will have its traditional Hatch Chile Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. There will be plenty of food, crafts, an auction and live music.
Saturday:
Main Stage:
9 a.m.: Parade11 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies11:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.: 1st Armored Division Band2:30-4:30 p.m.: Chris Baker4:45-7:30 p.m.: Tudy Romero & The Silver Bullet Band
Second Stage:
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 PM: Music11:30 a.m.: Hatch Little Cheer Team11:30 a.m.: Elementary Ballet Folklorico12 p.m.: Author Rachel Bates & Other Authors Reading1-3 p.m.: Eating Contests (Watermelon, Chile, Ice Cream)3-4:30 p.m.: Live Auction
Sunday:
Main Stage:
11:00 a.m: Ballet Folklorico11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.: Mariachis12:30-1 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico1:15-3:15 p.m.: Mood Swing3:30-6:30 p.m.: Suthern Blend Band
Second Stage:
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Music11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Friendship Bracelet Craft1 p.m.: Eating Contests (Watermelon, Chile, Ice Cream)1:15-2:15 p.m.: Book Readings3-5 p.m.: Decorating Hats Craft4-5 p.m.: Music
For more information, visit hatchchilefestival.org.
New Mexico Harvest Wine & Music Festival in Las Cruces
The Southern New Mexico Wine Festival, from Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7, will feature more than 200 wines from New Mexico's finest wineries at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 12125 Robert Larson Blvd.
Enjoy your favorites by the glass and take them home by the bottle or case. People can also shop for fine art, jewelry, local foods and crafts. There will be live music as well. Hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. daily. General admission tickets are $34.19; tickets for 2 people are $51.19. Get tickets online.Information: 575-522-1232.
Let Freedom Sing on Fort Bliss
Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss will celebrate Let Freedom Sing, an all-day festival, from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5. The fest will feature music all day, interactive games and a kids zone. Frisco, Texas, country music singer Corey Kent will headline the fest. Gates will open at 1 p.m. Free admission. Make sure to get a Fort Bliss pass.
Franciscan Fine Arts Festival in Mesilla, New Mexico
For people who like to stroll and shop, make plans to attend the Franciscan Fine Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 5-6, at Holy Cross Retreat Center, 600 Holy Cross Road in Mesilla Park, New Mexico. Festival hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The outdoor show will feature more than 90 artists showcasing a variety of fine arts, including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, and more. The show also features a variety of food vendors, live music and more.
Information: 575-524-3688.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Top 5 Labor Day 2026 weekend festivals in El Paso and New Mexico
