Who doesn’t need a good festival right about now? There’s just something about putting the words “winter” and “festival” together that teases the senses with everything from the sight of sparkling string lights to the taste of kettle corn and mulled wine to the sounds of acoustic music wafting through saloon doors.
Let’s see what New Mexico has in store for us this snowy February:
RED RIVER
If you scoot up there pretty quick, you can catch the Red River Songwriter Festival Feb. 3-5. Founded in 2012, this 10th Annual event is designed to be intimate and personal. Tickets are officially sold out at this point, but you might be able to score some tickets on their Facebook page (@RedRiverSongs) There will be a variety of solo shows, duo shows, and collaborations between some of the most talented and respected songwriters in today landscape of Americana music. Expect late night informal jams, early afternoon ski runs, and who knows what else. Now that you know, get on their mailing list for next year.
Later in the month, Feb. 24- March 1, celebrate Mardi Gras in the Mountains, a Red River tradition that draws visitors from all over the country. Experience the burning of the tchoupitoulas, and dress up for the Grand Ball. The Mardi Gras Main Street parade showcases local business and their holiday spirit.
SIPAPU
Did someone say FREE?? Yep, that what the 2022 February Fun Fest at Sipapu Feb. 26-28 is…FREE. The main attraction is a giant snow castle built by the Sipapu mountain team. The 2-3-story tall castle is unique every year, but is a veritable snow playground for all ages. Other events, like the costume contest and parade, the Penny Toss and a kids Treasure Hunt all over the mountain provide the setting for a weekend you and your kids won’t soon forget.
TAOS
For more of an adult festival, check out the 35th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival Feb 3-6. The three-day week-end of events features the culinary artistry in Taos paired with wines from 30 wineries from around the world. Food and wine events include a Reserve Tasting, chef luncheons, aprés ski tastings, and wine dinners. Tickets and schedule here.
SANTA FE
Spread out over two weekends (Feb. 3-13), the Santa Fe Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in the world. With more than 500 feature, documentary and short entries from 38 countries, there is something for ev-eryone. On the schedule are Q&As, panels, workshops, red carpet interviews and a mini awards ceremony both weekends. Come in from the cold and check it out here.
RUIDOSO
Down south, our friends in Ruidoso will stage the Annual Vines in the Pines Art and Wine Festival Feb. 19 & 20 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Taste wines from a variety of New Mexico wineries while you enjoy shopping local arts, crafts, food, and boutique vendors. Ticket price includes entry, a complementary wine glass and tast-ings at each winery. And if your palate runs more towards beer tasting, they’ll have that, too. You might want to bring a wagon--there will be sales by the bottle and the case.