- Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon festival the first weekend in October.
- Las Cruces makes the world's largest enchilada the first weekend in October at the "Whole Enchilada Fiesta."
- In Carrizozo, it is forbidden for a female to appear unshaven in public.
- The leaves of the Yucca, New Mexico's state flower, can be used to make rope, baskets and sandals.
- The World Shovel Race Championships take place every winter at Angel Fire Resort.
- White Sands National Monument is a desert, not of sand, but of gleaming white gypsum crystals.
- In 1950 the little cub that became the National Fire Safety symbol, Smokey the Bear, was found trapped in a tree when his home in Lincoln National Forest was destroyed by fire.
- In Las Cruces, it is against the law to carry a lunch box down Main Street.
- In New Mexico, it is against the law to dance around a Sombrero.
- New Mexico has far more sheep and cattle than people. There are only about 12 people per square mile.
- New Mexico has two designated State Vegetables - Chile and frijoles. That being said, it comes as no surprise that New Mexico also has an officially designated State Question -- ---"Red or green?" (referring to chile preference.)
- New Mexico's history is filled with Wild West characters. Some who made their homes here, at least for a time, were Clay Allison, Buffalo Bill Cody, Black Jack Ketchum, Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, and Pat Garrett.
International Balloon Festival October 4-12