Hatch Chile Festival Returns With Food, Music and More

FACT: If something on a menu has Hatch green chile in it I’M ORDERING TWO OF IT!!

If you agree with the above statement then get ready to celebrate Hatch Chile this Labor Day weekend because if there’s one thing New Mexico knows how to celebrate, it’s Chile and this Labor Day weekend, thousands of people will head to Hatch for one of the state’s most beloved traditions: The Hatch Chile Festival

The festival returns to the Village of Hatch, bringing together food, music, culture and plenty of that famous green chile flavor. The festival is more than just a celebration of New Mexico’s most famous crop. It’s a tribute to the agricultural heritage of the Hatch Valley and the generations of farmers and families who have helped make Hatch chile famous around the world.

Get Ready for Plenty of Chile

What started in 1971 as a small gathering of local farmers celebrating the annual chile harvest has grown into a major Labor Day weekend tradition, attracting more than 30,000 visitors each year!

One of the biggest attractions is, of course, the chile itself and visitors will be able to experience the unmistakable aroma of freshly roasted Hatch chiles, sample chile-inspired foods and shop for local products and crafts.

The festival features live music, a parade, carnival attractions, contests and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Enjoy The Hatch Chile Festival Parade, Carnival, & Rock Hunt

The annual Hatch Chile Festival Parade is another highlight of the celebration. The parade route begins at Franklin & Hall Street, bringing colorful floats, local groups and community spirit to the streets of Hatch.

The Hatch Carnival will be set up behind Village Market at 101 School Street, giving visitors the chance to enjoy carnival rides and attractions.

You can also put your photography skills to the test during the Hatch Selfie Contest. Snap a selfie next to the icons of Hatch for a chance to win $100. Judging begins at 4:30 p.m.

And keep your eyes on the ground during the Hatch Chile Festival Rock Hunt. Several themed rocks will be hidden around the festival, and anyone who finds one can turn it in at the Hatch Chile Festival Booth for a prize.

How to Get to the Hatch Chile Festival

From Albuquerque:
Take I-25 South toward Las Cruces. Take Exit 41 for NM-26 toward Hatch/Deming and follow NM-26 west into Hatch.

From Las Cruces:
Take I-25 North toward Truth or Consequences. Take Exit 41 for NM-26 toward Hatch/Deming and follow NM-26 west into Hatch.

From Alamogordo:
Take US-70 West toward Las Cruces, then merge onto I-25 North toward Truth or Consequences. Take Exit 41 for NM-26 toward Hatch/Deming and follow NM-26 west into Hatch.

From Deming:
Take NM-26 East directly to Hatch.