Pride Month in Northern New Mexico

a guide to this month's events!

Welcome to Postcards from New Mexico!
Two Sundays a month, I share beauty, stories, and culture from this region that has been my home since 2008.

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I know that I only started writing about Spring in Northern New Mexico with my last Postcard, but as is often the case here it feels like our shortest season. Flowers and blooms have already turned into lush green vegetation, and this weekend’s weather with temperatures in the high 80s is making it clear that Summer has arrived!

There are so many ways to enjoy this time of year here — art festivals are popping up everywhere, there’s live music in the plazas and parks, many Pueblos have feast days in the Summer months, farmers’ markets are overflowing with bounty from fields and greenhouses, most restaurant patios are now open for al fresco dining, and hiking trails are a great way to escape the heat into cool forests and along mountain streams. I’ll feature some of those in the weeks to come.

And June is Pride Month! Northern New Mexico has always been a place where those of us who don’t fit into the heteronormative model find ourselves completely at home. Perhaps it goes back to the strong Indigenous presence here, and Native peoples who hold gender and sexuality in a more fluid and liberating context. Maybe it’s got something to do with the waves of artists and others who came here in the early part of the 20th century, seeking a place that would give them the freedom to explore gender and relationships in creative ways. (Read the fascinating queer backstory of Los Luceros, a state historic site between Santa Fe and Taos.)

The queer-friendly environment is definitely supported by state laws and policies that for the most part respect and protect lesbian, gay, bi, and trans folks. In 2013, New Mexico became the 17th state to recognize same-sex marriage. As an ordained Buddhist chaplain and minister, I was honored to officiate a number of marriage ceremonies that year!

the author officiating the wedding of Honey Ward and Sandy Davis, 2013

It all adds up to Northern New Mexico being a great place to live or visit during Pride Month. From Albuquerque north to Santa Fe and Taos and points in between, you can find something happening almost every day of the month. I’ve put together a selection of some of these events below — you can find a more extensive calendar here.

Pride Events 2025

Friday, June 6
8 pm
Queer Prom
Meow Wolf, Santa Fe
A joyful, affirming celebration where everyone is welcome to dance, shine, and reclaim the magic of prom.

Saturday, June 7
10 am
Albuquerque Pride Fest
The parade marches down Route 66, starting on Central and Girard, ending at Central and San Mateo.

Saturday, June 7
5 - 7 pm
OUT Taos Opening Reception
Taos Center for the Arts, Encore Gallery
OUT TAOS celebrates the creative force of LGBTQIA+ artists living and working in Taos County. Showcasing work across mediums—from painting and sculpture to fiber, photography, and installation—this exhibition brings visibility to queer expression rooted in identity, place, and resilience.

Sunday, June 8
2 pm
Madrid Pride Parade
Join the fun in this small mining town on the Turquoise Trail south of Santa Fe! After the parade, there’s a party at the Mine Shaft Tavern.

Friday, June 13
5:30 pm
The Shoulders We Stand On: An historical overview of the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Fe and New Mexico
New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe

Saturday, June 21
7 – 10:30 pm
Pride Women’s Dance
Scottish Rite Temple, Santa Fe
A night of music, community, and celebration featuring Hillary Smith and Chillhouse.

Saturday, June 28
9 am – 5 pm
Pride on the Plaza!
Santa Fe
The big day! The Pride Parade steps off at 10 am across the street from the state capitol building (known as the Roundhouse), where Old Santa Fe Trail intersects with Paseo de Peralta. The parade winds its way to the Plaza, a great place to meet up with friends, dance to live music, and get a bite to eat.

photos: Kristin Barendsen

Wish you were here!

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