Labor Day Weekend 2021: Festivals Return to El Paso, Southern New Mexico

From a pig-out event where bacon is the star to a celebration of New Mexico wines, the unofficial end of summer around the Borderland is filled with family-friendly events and outdoor festivals that offer something for every taste – and taste bud.

Some fun options over the three-day holiday weekend include an all-things bacon affair that you can pair with a day of swimming at Sun City Baconfest, and just a short drive away, wine lovers can sip and swirl their beloved vino at the Harvest Wine Festival just outside Las Cruces. If you're up for a longer road trip, "the Chile Capital of the World" is paying homage to its world-famous crop in Hatch, New Mexico. Or beat the desert heat in Ruidoso and chill along the lake at the Inn of the Mountain Gods End of Summer Bash.

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Here's a look at some of what there is to do festival-style from September 4-6 in El Paso and Southern New Mexico.

Sun City Bacon Fest at Wet ‘N Wild

If you are looking for relief from the heat and bacon-infused goodness this is the festival for you.

Townsquare Media announces the return of the Sun City Bacon Fest, Sunday, September 5th at Wet N’ Wild Waterworld. The event takes place under the Big Canopy & Pavilion outside of the Wet N’ Wild gates featuring plenty of bacon chefs and food trucks serving up a bacon-infused menu of all things bacon.

Inside Wet N’ Wild, the event continues for those who purchase single day passes and for all season pass holders with bacon food vendors, live music, and a park full of water rides to keep you cool. Get more details online here.

Harvest Wine Festival

Sip, swirl and taste the day away at the Harvest Wine Festival in Las Cruces.

The Land of Enchantment is celebrating its fall grape harvest with the aptly-named Harvest Wine Festival, where you can taste the fruits of their labor -- literally and figuratively.

The Jesus Juice event takes place at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds September 4-6 and highlights “New Mexico’s best wineries, exceptional food trucks, talented artisans, and award-winning musicians.” Learn more about Living la Viva Vino at the Harvest Wine Festival website.

End of summer bash Inn of the Mountain

End the summer with stunning mountain views and fireworks at this free all-ages event. Live music on the lawn, family-friendly activities, concessions and fireworks over the lake after the sun goes down. Sunday, Sept. 5, at Inn of the Mountain Gods resort. Find more details online HERE.

Hatch Chile Festival

After a few years absence, the Hatch Chile Festival is back on Saturday and Sunday, September 4 and 5.

The 2021 version is an all-new, in-town festival that will take place in Hatch and not at its former outside of town location. Keeping it in-town means you can hit up the local shops and restaurants as well as partake in the traditional vendors and events such as chile roasting, live entertainment and more. Get more information on the festival website.