Top Fall Activities in Gallup, NM

Plan your visit to Gallup this fall with this list of festivals, scenic tours, and community events.

Explore historic sites, colorful murals, and local markets, or embrace the season with outdoor adventures and family-friendly Halloween activities. These activities and events make Gallup a perfect destination for seasonal fun and Southwestern charm.

Save the Date for the Gallup Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Events

Activities

More Fall Fun

Events

23rd Annual Gallup Farmers Market

Discover the quintessential fall experience at the Gallup Farmers’ Market, held each Saturday morning downtown. Browse a selection of fresh seasonal produce, local artisanal goods, and cozy community vibes.

Dates: Saturdays through October 10, 2026
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Courthouse Square | 215 West Aztec Avenue

Gallup ArtsCrawl

Gallup’s final 2026 ArtsCrawl transforms downtown into a block party filled with creativity and community spirit. Enjoy hands-on projects for kids, art demos, book signings, gallery openings, live performances, local vendors, and plenty of food as the streets come alive on the second Saturday of each month.

Dates: October 10, 2026
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Downtown Gallup

Gallup Municipal Airport exterior with a statue of an airplane

New Mexico MainStreet Institute: Place Makers Theme: Build It. Activate It. Share It.

Gallup is hosting the New Mexico MainStreet Institute! Expect community leaders and placemakers from across the state gathering downtown. Perfect timing to ensure your business is ready to welcome visitors!

Dates: September 23–25, 2026
Time: 9am
Location: McKinley County Courthouse | 207 W Hill Ave.

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Trunk or Treat

Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of safe, spooktacular Halloween fun! Hosted by Gallup Municipal Court Compliance, this annual Trunk or Treat offers a fun, family-friendly environment for local kids to collect treats, show off their costumes, and enjoy the holiday season.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 3-5pm
Gallup Municipal Court | 451 S. Boardman Dr.

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Gallup Fly In

Rev up your autumn with the Gallup Fly-In at Gallup Municipal Airport. Enjoy the crisp October air and take in the sights of vintage aircraft, listen to live music, and view classic cars, all free and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 7am-2pm
Location: Gallup Municipal Airport | 2111 West Historic Route 66

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City of Gallup Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony

Gallup honors its veterans with a procession through downtown followed by a remembrance ceremony at Courthouse Square. The day begins with wreath layings at the Hillcrest Veterans Cemetery, then a parade along Aztec Avenue, culminating in tributes at the Veterans’ Memorial.

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 10am
Location: Courthouse Square | 215 West Aztec Avenue

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Activities

See a Movie

Visit the El Morro Theatre or the Red Rock 10 Theater and catch a movie to get you into the fall spirit. El Morro plays a selection of new and classic movies, and Red Rock is your spot for any new theatrical release. You can save on your visit with El Morro’s $5 Friday specials and Red Rock’s $6 Tuesday deals!

Locations: El Morro Theatre | 207 W Coal Avenue
Red Rock 10 Theater | 3711 Church Rock St

Visit El Rancho Hotel

Step into autumn at Gallup’s iconic El Rancho Hotel, a Route 66 landmark known for its rich history and Hollywood ties. The glowing neon tagline, “charm of yesterday … convenience of tomorrow,” welcomes visitors to explore the hotel’s vintage décor and memorabilia. During the fall, it’s a favorite spot for travelers seeking a cozy Southwestern lodging experience or a seasonal meal at the on-site restaurant. For those intrigued by the spooky season, the hotel’s rumored haunted history adds an extra layer of fall fun.

Location: El Rancho Hotel | 1000 E Hwy 66

Tour the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary makes for a memorable fall day trip from Gallup. Cooler weather and golden desert light set the scene for guided tours, where visitors meet rescued wolves and wolfdogs while learning their powerful stories.

Location: Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary | 378 Candy Kitchen Road, Ramah

A gray and white wolf standing outside at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Take a Mural Tour

Crisp fall days are perfect for exploring Gallup’s Downtown Mural Walking Tour. More than 20 murals line the streets with vivid stories of history, heritage, and culture. Learn more about this self-guided tour around town here.

Location: Downtown Gallup

Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar into autumn with X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures. Experience a breathtaking sunrise flight over Gallup's red sandstone canyons and towering spires, and see the area from a unique aerial perspective.

Location: X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures | 825 Outlaw Road, Church Rock

A black hot air balloon with a sugar skull design floats above Gallup, NM

Visit by Train

Headed to Gallup by train or planning a scenic day trip? An Amtrak ride across the high desert will give you views of dramatic sandstone formations and hints of fall color along the route. The train stops at the historic Gallup Amtrak Station inside the George Galanis Multicultural Center, where exhibits highlight Native American culture, railroad history, coal mining, and the Navajo Code Talkers.