The Bernalillo County government will host the 11th annual Bosque Chile Fest on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Villa Hispana in Expo New Mexico.
This festival is designed to bring together those who appreciate New Mexico chile—red, green, or a combination known as “Christmas”—through music, food, art, and cultural activities. Attendees can sample chiles and related products from local vendors offering items such as hot sauces, jerky, candles, and desserts. Traditional chile roasting demonstrations and lessons on making ristras will be available. There will also be live cooking demonstrations, an interactive family art activity, and a watermelon eating contest.
Musical entertainment includes DJ sessions and live performances by bands such as Plain Jane. Additional performers are expected to be announced soon.
Admission is $5 per person plus taxes and fees; children aged 12 or under can attend for free. Tickets must be purchased in advance online as there will be no sales at the entrance.
Parking is accessible through Gate 3 at San Pedro and Copper for $10 per vehicle—a fee charged by Expo New Mexico. Organizers recommend rideshare services with drop-off and pick-up at Gate 4.
The festival will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Outside food or drink is not permitted; however, portable chairs may be brought in.
Further information about the event can be found at bernco.gov/bosquechilefest.
Recent unrelated news involving Bernalillo County includes concerns raised by the District Attorney’s office over suspects being released without GPS monitors when they are supposed to have them. For example, Jawid Yaqubi was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly firing a gun during a domestic incident in Albuquerque but was released from custody despite objections from prosecutors (https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/bernalillo-county-da-frustrated-over-suspects-breaking-ankle-monitor-rules/).
