It's that time of year! Raton is going to be brimming with tourists as we enter into summer with our fun-filled annual events and signature adventures. Check out the list of events below and start planning your trip.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - Bubble Hearts & Lil' C's
May 4-5, 2024
Ripley Park
Hang out with us for Cinco de Mayo in gorgeous Ripley Park to celebrate our history and cultural heritage. Expect vendors, music and mariachis, and games.
Annual Kiwanis Fishing Derby
May 25 - June 2, 2024
Sugarite Canyon State Park
facebook.com/FriendsOfSugarite Who's ready for some reeling and relaxing in Sugarite Canyon State Park? The annual fishing derby is ready for you to bring your A-game and your lucky fishing hat because there are some big catches waiting for us. Plus, the beautiful mesa scenery and fresh air will be the cherry on top of a perfect day. Grab your gear and let's make some unforgettable memories at Lake Maloya!
Annual Sun Valley Rides Summer Carnival
June 13-16, 2024
Raton High School
Get ready to have a blast with thrilling rides, tasty carnival food, and fun games for all ages. Mark your calendars and bring the whole crew for a day filled with laughter, excitement, and a few too many spins.
Get Your Ass Over The Pass - Pack Burro Race
June 22-23, 2024
Raton, New Mexico • Trinidad, Colorado
Pack burro racing is coming to to town! This legendary event is one where you and your trusty pack burro partner take on a rugged trail across New Mexico to Colorado. New the area, this race is held across the Southwest. Legend holds that the races trace back to an incident in which two miners, finding gold at the same location simultaneously, raced each other to the claims office. Because the burros were too small or loaded to carry their owners, the miners were forced to run, leading the burros.
4th of July Celebration - Fun on Historic First Street
July 4, 2024
Historic First Street
A longtime favorite, celebrating the 4th of July in Raton is a must-attend holiday. Mixing together our American pride and small town culture, spend your day on Historic First Street with vendors, fun, and games, and then end the evening in the back of your pickup with a spectacular firework display.
Raton Lemonade Day
July 6, 2024
Raton Business District
We can already taste the refreshing tanginess of the lemonade and feel the warm summer breeze on our faces. Let's rally across the city and support our local young entrepreneurs as they sell their delicious lemonade creations. Don't forget to bring your wallets and thirst for sweet and sour goodness.
International Santa Fe Balloon Rally
July 5-7, 2024
La Mesa Airfield • Highway 555
Ever been to a hot air balloon rally? What about one that boasts the stunning views of the Historic Santa Fe Trail along the Mountain Branch? Friendly pilots, exciting locals, delicious pancakes, and colorful balloons fill the mornings in Raton with wonder and technicolor.
Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous
June 8-16, 2024
Coal Canyon • NRA Whittington Center
The Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous is like stepping back in time and immersing myself in the rich history of the Old West. From the authentic campsites to the reenactments and trading posts, here's your chance to be a true pioneer! Let's not forget the delicious campfire cooking and friendly conversations with fellow adventurers.
Run to Raton
July 19-21, 2024
Historic First Street
Gather all your hip friends and motorcycle enthusiasts to make your way to the natural beauty of Raton and northeastern New Mexico for epic rides, wide open spaces, live music, and delicious food and drinks. Family friendly and safe, Run to Raton is for the nerds of bike builds and the rockers shred on the guitar.
Miss Run to Raton Pin-Up Contest
July 19, 2024
Historic First Street
Let's keep the vintage vibes rocking and going around here! Hang out on First Street as we crown one of the fabulous ladies vying for the pinup queen title of Miss Run to Raton. Help us determine who's got style and personality, and whose outfit and hairstyle sticks true to the era!
Gate City Music Festival
Labor Day Weekend - Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, 2024
Historic First Street & Shuler Theater
Soak up the sun and enjoy music between mesas and mountains at Gate City Music Festival. This year's headliner is Lorrie Morgan and tickets are $50.
Raton Supercross
Sept. 14, 2024
Colfax County Events Center & Rodeo Grounds
Bringing racing back to Raton, Raton Supercross is apart of the Rocky Mountain Riders Association race circuit. Riders from Colorado mark their way to Raton along with their families. Bring the kids out for full-throttle and flying dirt!
Toy Land & City of Bethlehem Display
After Thanksgiving - New Years
Apache Avenue & Climax Canyon
A long-time tradition, Apache Avenue is decorated with cartoon characters leading up to Climax Canyon where the City of Bethlehem Display is set up. Get the family in the car for a drive-thru nativity scene in the canyon and read about the story of Jesus all while lit-up angels descend down the mountain. The displays are lit up nightly from Thanksgiving to New Years.
Festival of Lights - Christmas Light Parade & Tree Lighting
Day After Thanksgiving
Historic First Street
To kick off the winter holidays, Raton MainStreet hosts a tree lighting along and meet and greet with Santa Claus at Ripley Park. Afterwards, a stationary light parade is set up on Historic First Street. Families can peruse the local businesses downtown that are open for hot cocoa and shopping!
Christmas on the Chicorica
Dec. 13, 2024
Sugarite Canyon
The Friends of Sugarite Canyon will be hosting their Annual Christmas on Chicorica creek in the Sugarite Canyon Boardwalk area. Donations are appreciated. Come enjoy a walk among the decorated riverwalk complete with star gazing and warm beverages. Marshmallows roasting over a barrel fire will be available to visitors. Dress warmly as the event occurs predominantly outdoors. Santa and the his coal miner friend will be present for photographs from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
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