Frosty aspen leaves NPS/David Krueger
With elk bugling during misty mornings and aspen leaves turning shades of gold, fall is a magical time in the Jemez Mountains. Come celebrate the season at the Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta. The 2025 event will run daily from Saturday, October 4, through Sunday, October 12, from 9 am to 5 pm. Each day will have different ways for you to connect with this volcanic landscape.
This year, we will be hosting the events in the Cabin District, which is located about 4 miles down the park's gravel entrance road. Activities will include:
Artisan village and educational booths on Oct. 4-5
Cultural demonstrations on Oct. 4-5
Guest speakers on Oct. 4-5
Eruption simulations every hour on the half hour in the Volcano Discovery Center
Ranger-guided programs every day
Self-guided after-hours access of Valle Grande every night from 5-8 pm
Evening, reservation-based programs October 4, 5, 10, and 11 from 6:30-9:45 pm
Silent discos
Stargazing
Astrophotography
As activities are confirmed, details will be shared in the daily schedule below and on our Calendar of Events . We look forward to seeing you at Valles Caldera National Preserve!
NOTE: Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome at Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta. They may accompany their humans on the Cabin District Trail, in picnic areas, and at the artisan village. However, pets are not permitted inside of the Volcano Discovery Center or in the park's backcountry. Thank you for understanding!
Daily Schedule
Click on the dates below to view the daily event schedule. This calendar will continue to be populated as our team confirms guests speakers, cultural demonstrations, and other activities.
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
The Science of Fall
Ranger-guided program
Jemez River Trail
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Fall Fiesta booths open
Self-guided activity
Cabin District
Hike Through History
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
Walter Dasheno, Santa Clara Pueblo
Guest speaker
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Madeline Naranjo, Traditional Pottery from Santa Clara Pueblo
Cultural demonstration
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:00 pm
Stained Glass Wildlife Craft
Art activity
Cabin District
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:00 pm
Ray Krause, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Guest speaker
Cabin District
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:00 pm
Fall Fiesta booths close
Carlos Herrera, Pueblo of Cochiti Drum Maker
Cultural demonstration
Cabin District
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
6:30-9:30 pm
Music in the Valle (by reservation)
DJs: Abolition, Mii Casa, Yommy, Chaakra
Silent Disco
La Jara Borrow Pit
7:30-9:45 pm
Stargazing (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
8:00-9:45 pm
Astrophotography workshop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
10:00 pm
Park closes for the evening
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Guided Elk Viewing & Listening
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Fall Fiesta booths open
Self-guided activity
Cabin District
Wildlife Photography (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
Tom Swetnam - "The Jemez Mountains: A Cultural and Natural History"
Guest speaker
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Marlon Magdalena, Pueblo of Jemez Flute Player
Cultural demonstration
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:00 pm
Junior Ranger Program: Animal Superpowers
Ranger-guided activity
Cabin District
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:00 pm
Dr. Nelia Dunbar - "The Geology of Valles Caldera"
Guest speaker
Cabin District
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:00 pm
Fall Fiesta booths close
Mateo Vigil, Pueblo of Pojoaque Hoop Dancer
Cultural demonstration
Cabin District
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
6:30-9:30 pm
Music in the Valle (by reservation)
DJs: DJ Yardselah, Homie.Avacado, gohardbaby, DNDY
Silent Disco
La Jara Borrow Pit
7:30-9:45 pm
Stargazing (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
8:00-9:45 pm
Astrophotography workshop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
10:00 pm
Park closes for the evening
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Birding and Wildlife Watching on the Valle Grande Exploration Trail
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Instant Film Photography (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Gravel Biking and Wildlife Watching (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
En Plein Autumn Air: Art in the Cabin District
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Nature Journaling on La Jara Creek Trail
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Guided Hike on the South Mountain Trail (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Haiku Writing in Hidden Valley
Ranger-guided program
Jemez River Trail
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Dendroglyph Exploration Hike (Limited to 12 participants)
Ranger-guided program
Welcome Station
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Guided Hike in Obsidian Valley (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Early Bird Birding Tour
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
La Jara Wildlife Walk
Ranger-guided program
Welcome Station
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Bike Tour: Valle Grande Loop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
A Sense for Every Season
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Grizzly Bears—Past, Present, & Future
Ranger program
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Guided Hike on Redondo Foothills Loop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
6:30-9:30 pm
Music in the Valle (by reservation)
DJs: MydNyte, Aron Bliss, SlowRolla, DJ ILLASTR8
Silent Disco
La Jara Borrow Pit
7:30-9:45 pm
Stargazing (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
8:00-9:45 pm
Astrophotography workshop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
10:00 pm
Park closes for the evening
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Dendroglyph Exploration Hike (12-person limit)
Ranger-guided program
Welcome Station
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Hike Through History
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Fly Fishing at Valles Caldera
Panel discussion
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
Fly Casting Clinic (by reservation)
Ranger-guided activity
Cabin District
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
6:30-9:30 pm
Music in the Valle (by reservation)
DJs: TrillBot, Benji Fakes, Sirplus the Alchemist, Ana M.
Silent Disco
La Jara Borrow Pit
7:30-9:45 pm
Stargazing (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
8:00-9:45 pm
Astrophotography workshop (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
10:00 pm
Park closes for the evening
Time
Program
Details
Location
9:00 am
Main entrance gate opens to vehicular traffic
Early Bird Birding Tour
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
9:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
10:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
11:00 am
Parkitecture
Ranger program
Cabin District
11:30 am
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
12:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
1:00 pm
Colors of the Caldera (by reservation)
Ranger-guided program
Cabin District
1:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
2:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
3:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
4:30 pm
"Valles Caldera Eruption"
Multisensory show
Volcano Discovery Center
5:00-8:00 pm
Valle Grande After Hours
Self-guided activity
Cultural Demonstrators, Artisans, and Educational Exhibitors
On October 4th and 5th—from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm—visitors to the Fall Fiesta Artisan and Education Village will have opportunities to interact with artists from regional Tribes and Pueblos and a variety of organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. The Artisan and Education Village will be set up in front of the Volcano Discovery Center in the Cabin District.
Are you interested in participating as an artist or education exhibitor? Please read the information below.
Information for Booth Participants
We appreciate you joining us for this event. Here are some details to make your time at the fiesta as enjoyable as possible.
The entrance gate opens at 9 am every day, which gives two hours for set-up.
We have a dedicated booth space in the cabin district, which is about 4 miles down the main entrance road. Each space includes:
10'x10' space (possibly more space available)
WiFi internet connection for sales machines
Power available upon request
Artisans and organizations should supply their own shade structure, tables, and chairs.
Breakroom with microwave and refrigerator available in the Volcano Discovery Center.
Event runs from 11 am to 4 pm each day.
This part of the park closes at 8 pm each day.
Nearest accomodations, food, and services: Los Alamos or Jemez Springs.
Free (artisans just need to complete the demonstration agreement).
Artisans with a signed cultural demonstration agreement can sell their artwork!
Please contact Dave Krueger (david_krueger@nps.gov or 505-412-0826) with any questions.
Valle Grande After Hours
During the 2025 Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta, part of the park will remain open until 8:00 pm each night for self-guided activities like observing/photographing wildlife, taking a sunset hike, or enjoying the night sky. The area that will remain open after-hours is from the main entrance to the Cabin District.
Make the most of your experience by practicing these after-hours courtesies:
Plan ahead and prepare. There will likely be no visitor services available after-hours. For this reason, visitors should bring everything they need for a safe and comfortable visit, including warm clothing, snacks, drinking water, flashlights/headlamps, etc.
Respect wildlife. October is the height of the elk rut, which is an amazing phenomenon to witness. To respect this sensitive time for wildlife, please keep noise levels to a minimum, observe from a safe distance, properly dispose of all food waste, and follow posted speed limits.
Be considerate of other visitors. Many visitors will come to the caldera after dark to enjoy its magnificent night sky. Please minimize your impact on the stargazing experience by using red headlamps or flashlights, avoiding unnecessary vehicular travel (headlights) in the park after dark, and, when vehicular travel is necessary, following posted speed limits to minimize dust and ensure visitor/wildlife safety.
Stay mindful of the time. The main entrance gate will be closed and locked promptly at 8:00 pm each night. It is each visitor's responsibility to be back at their vehicle and exiting the park on time.