Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta

A distant herd of elk grazing in Valle Grande.

NPS/Stan Ford

 

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 2026 event will run daily from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27. Each day will have different ways for you to connect with this volcanic landscape.

Events will be held in the Cabin District, which is located about 4 miles down the park's gravel entrance road. Activities will include:

• Live music
• Artisan village and educational booths
• Cultural demonstrations
• Guest speakers
• Eruption simulations every hour on the half hour in the Volcano Discovery Center
• Ranger programs
• Self-guided after-hours access of Valle Grande

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.

 

Friday, September 25: Scientific Discovery

Saturday, September 26: Recreation & Stewardship

Sunday, September 27: Cultural Continuity

 

Cultural Demonstrators, Artisans, and Educational Exhibitors

From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm each day, visitors to the Fall Fiesta Artisan and Education Village will have opportunities to interact with a variety of artists, 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 fill out this form no later than Friday, August 21.

 

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 is 10' x 10'.
• 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!

 

Valle Grande After Hours

During the 2026 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.