Hatch Chile Festival
Fall festival · New Mexico
Every Labor Day weekend, the small farming town of Hatch fills with the smell of roasting green chile for its Chile Festival, September 5 and 6, 2026. Between chile-roasting stands, a parade, and live music, it is a loud way to mark the start of New Mexico's fall harvest, right along the Rio Grande's chile fields.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Labor Day weekend chile festival in downtown Hatch
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: November 2–November 6
Color builds from October 20 · mostly bare by November 28
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Hatch Chile Festival’s own coordinates and elevation (1237 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Hatch Chile Festival on the map
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Frequently asked
- When is Hatch Chile Festival open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Sep 5 – Sep 6. Labor Day weekend chile festival in downtown Hatch. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Hatch Chile Festival peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 2–November 6 (best estimate November 4). Color starts around October 20 and is mostly bare by November 28.
- What is Hatch Chile Festival best for?
- Chile lovers timing a trip to the start of harvest season.
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