Hatch Chile Festival New Mexico is one celebration that is returning bigger and spicier than ever in 2024! This 52nd annual celebration in New Mexico first began in the 1970s as a way to celebrate the chile harvest. Today it is world-renowned and attracts more than 30,000 people from around the globe. Let’s take a look at one of the best festivals in New Mexico that celebrates all things chile on Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, 2024.

The Hatch Chile Festival takes place in — you guessed it — the beautiful village of Hatch bringing more than 30,000 people to the small village each year.
Christopher Holden/flickr
This unique place in New Mexico is known as the Chile Capital of the World. Some of the events in the past have included a bike run; a carnival with rides, food, and games; and a parade that kicks off the festival Saturday morning.
This year, the Hatch Chile Festival will take place right in the small town of Hatch where you'll find this delicious landmark - Sparky's.
Sparkys, 115 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937, USA
StrykerLT/Tripadvisor
Being located directly in the village allows the community to more easily come together to assist with the festival. It also makes it easy for all attendees to visit the shops, restaurants, and other attractions that make the small village of Hatch so great.
To keep the festival lively, energetic, and fun, entertainment is scheduled throughout the day in different locations, so bring your best dancing shoes because you can guarantee there will be some incredible live music.
Ballet Folklorico Corazon de Las Cruces/Facebook
The list of attractions at last year's Hatch Chile Festival included the authentic dancing of Ballet Folklorico Corazon de Las Cruces. This group is dedicated to teaching folks about its culture and performing in colorful, traditional dress. This year's schedule has not yet been posted.
You will also find vendors selling a variety of goods, from chilis to crafts, during this festival in New Mexico.
Lisa Haneberg/flickr

Related Stories

Don’t Miss The Biggest Hot Air Balloon Festival In New Mexico This Year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Don’t Miss The Biggest Hot Air Balloon Festival In New Mexico This Year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

 7 New Mexico Mountain Towns Where You Can Cool Off This Summer

7 New Mexico Mountain Towns Where You Can Cool Off This Summer

 14 Destinations Everyone In New Mexico Needs to Visit This Summer

14 Destinations Everyone In New Mexico Needs to Visit This Summer
Of course, the Hatch Chile Festival in New Mexico is not complete without a little competition.
Christopher Holden/flickr
Multiple competitions will be held throughout the festival including chile eating contests and a chile toss. There will also be contests for the best chile recipe, chile ristra, and grown chiles.
And the food comes deliciously and with the amount of heat you prefer.
Christopher Holden/flickr
We encourage you to take a chance and push your limits a little.
Enjoy the aroma of fresh chiles roasting throughout the village.
Christopher Holden/flickr
From wherever you came, you'll be glad you visited this charming village for this New Mexico chile festival.
Jim Legans, Jr/Flickr

Hatch Chile Festival New Mexico offers more information on its website, so look for updated posts about the 2024 festival. Have you ever attended the Hatch Chile Festival? If so, what was your favorite part of this celebration? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

Try out some hot chili pepper recipes. Did you know Hatch was named by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the best small towns in New Mexico to visit?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Festivals In New Mexico

Carolyn Harmon | May 14, 2024

What are some of the best festivals in New Mexico?

  • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Every October look up in the sky to see the colorful balloons this event brings. Take a ride, dance to the live musical performances, taste the food, and enjoy the special light shows.
  • Pirate & Viking Summer Festival (Edgewood): This event allows you to dress up like a pirate or Viking and participate in all of the festivities. The wide variety of activities includes puppet shows, live musical performances, sword dancers, crafts, and drinking mead.
  • Festival of Cranes (San Antonio): Celebrate the annual return of the overwintering sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks to the Middle Rio Grande Valley every December.
  • Santa Fe Harvest Fest (Santa Fe): The crisp autumn air brings this event that celebrates the annual harvest. Learn how to craft red chile ristras or pick your favorite pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.
  • Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (Gallup): Every year at the lovely Red Rock Park folks enjoy this century-old celebration. It is one of the oldest continuous recognitions of Native American culture and heritage.

Where are the best state parks in New Mexico?

  • Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park (Mesilla): Take a ranger-led or self-guided tour while bird-watching. This property is an Audubon-designated Important Birding Area. See the exhibits in the Visitor Center and appreciate your surroundings on a picnic.
  • Cerrillos Hills State Park (Los Cerrillos): History lovers will appreciate the more than 1,100 years of mining history along the five miles of trails here. Take in the extraordinary views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges.

Related Articles

Explore New Mexico

Featured Addresses
Hatch, NM, USA