Zozobra Event Schedule - Burn Zozobra

The 102nd Burning of Will Shuster’s Zozobra takes place on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026, the Friday before Labor Day!

The Burning of Zozobra:

The next Burning of Zozobra takes place on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026, in Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park, located a few short blocks from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Zozobra is a rain-or-shine family event in Santa Fe, weather permitting. Weather conditions may require an earlier or later start. Please help make Zozobra a litter-free event by using recycling bins and trash receptacles to Keep Santa Fe Beautiful!

For a detailed map of the event, click here. Got questions about this family event in Santa Fe? Check out the FAQ.

This cultural event in Santa Fe offers family entertainment and activities for everyone.

THE 2026 BURNING OF ZOZOBRA EVENT SCHEDULE

ZOZOFEST: WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY–SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 & 28-30, 2026

Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 5 – 8 pm
Friday, August 28, 2026, 5 – 8 pm
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10 – 4 pm

First chance to see Zozobra 2026 in all his gloomy glory as he waits for you to arrive and greet him, Get first dibs on collectible one-of-a-kind Zozobra art, Make your own Zozobra Art at the free crafts tables, take selfies with Zozobra glaring over your shoulder and stuff your glooms inside Zozobra to make your worries go up in smoke when he gets torched.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026: 4 pm GATES OPEN

The 102nd Burning of Zozobra, a once-in-a-century event.A guide to attending Zozobra 2026

WE WANT TO MAKE YOUR ZOZOBRA NIGHT UNFORGETTABLE!

Please keep in mind that all attendees MUST be in the venue
by 8:45 p.m. before entry gates are closed.

This Page Is Long But Has Everything You Need To Know, So Please Read It In Its Entirety.

The Fire Spirit Wants You To Get Through Several Layers Of Security Seamlessly So You Can Get Into The Venue & Have Fun!

There are lots of do’s, but there are also a few don’ts for this family-friendly event. Please see below to avoid having to rent a locker or walk back to your vehicle.

MAKE IT A GLOOM-FREE EXPERIENCE! THE LESS YOU BRING, THE LESS HASSLE YOU WILL HAVE!

or CLICK HERE

You will be searched with a wand. Only clear bags are allowed for everything in a similar manner as at the NFL and the NBA. This rule is in place to keep you, your family, friends, and fellow gloom-burners safe and will be strictly observed.

SAVE THE HASSLE AND PLACE YOUR FOOD & BELONGINGS IN A CLEAR PLASTIC BAG BEFORE YOU GET HERE.

OUTSIDE DRINK AND FOOD RULES

No Drinks In Bottles Or Cans and No Commercial Plastic Water Bottles. We have free bottled water stations.

FREE WATER STATIONS, AND SORRY, NO OUTSIDE DRINKS.

We have you covered with free bottled water stations!

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?

We do allow you to bring food, but you have to use our food exchange station.

FOOD EXCHANGE STATION

If you decide to bring your own food, you will need to remove it all from the container/wrappers/packing you brought it in and transfer it to a free clear food-grade plastic bag at our food exchange stations so that you can hold it up for us to see at our security search.

SAVE THE ANNOYANCE OF THE FOOD EXCHANGE AND INDULGE IN NEW MEXICO’S BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE VENDORS!

Rainbow Snow LLC
Busy Bee Custard
Red Road Runner LLC
JPZ Concessions
Monkey Food Truck
Cornivore
Andale 2
Fryin Brian’s
Fusion Tacos
Platero Frybread
W-Diamond
Joseph’s Kitchen
Gourmet Food Truck
Santa Fe Brewing Co
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Kiwanis Club

Visit our other fine local vendors for information and giveaways!

World Toys
Santa Fe Kia
Santa Fe County
State of NM DOT
State of NM Tourism Dept
Santa Fe New Mexican
Hutton Broadcasting
Local Locas Facepainting
High Desert Relief
Champion Windows
Husband & Wife Law Team
Aqua Shield NM LLC
Kiwanis Club

THE FIRE SPIRIT SAYS YES. YOU. CAN. AND. NO. PLEASE. DON’T SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE NOTES BELOW

YES, you can bring a picnic in a clear 1-gallon bag or clear plastic cooler with plastic utensils to picnic but no hard plastic coolers. If you don’t bring your items in a clear bag, you must visit the food exchange stations where we’ll help you out.

CLEAR BAGS ONLY. Sorry, that means NO purses, and even diapers and medical supplies must be in clear bags. Smalll 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch purse or one pocket fanny pack permitted and will be inspected. Childcare and medical supplies will be inspected. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 1 gallon, 12″ x 6″ x 12,” or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. NO buckles, grommets/hardware or décor concealing any part of the bag.

NO strollers or wagons are allowed. Sorry, we understand that traveling with kids to an event can be challenging, and we truly sympathize with the added effort it requires. However, strollers and wagons create potential tripping hazards so for your safety and the safety of others, they are not permitted in the venue. To save yourself the hassle, we ask that you please plan ahead to bring the kids without a stroller or wagon. If you do bring them, they must be checked in for safe storage at the Bike Valet, located in the Montezuma Lodge parking lot next to the Scottish Rite Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

NO lasers, flashlights, drones, bicycles, unicycles, skateboards. hoverboards, e-scooters, or e-skateboards

NO fireworks, sparklers, flares, lighters, open flame, flammable liquids, fuel canisters, camp stoves, tiki torches, charcoal, sky lanterns

NO hairspray, spray paint, silly string, streamers, glitter, silly string. Spray sunscreen permitted, 6 oz or less, one per person.

NO banners, signs, megaphones, air horns, whistles, noisemakers, portable Bluetooth speakers, musical instruments, sealed packages, wrapped packages or unattended bags.

• NO balloons, inflatables, frisbees, kites, or balls

• NO poles, sticks, selfie sticks, monopods, totems, or flags on poles

YES, if you’re watching in General Admission, you can bring a small cloth collapsible camping chair but sorry, NO tripods, binoculars or equipment are allowed in the venue.

Sorry, NO CHAIRS, tripods, binoculars. or equipment in premium viewing areas due to safety protocols.

YES, you can bring a small foldable portable umbrella, but no old-fashioned umbrellas with spiked tops and no beach umbrellas due to safety hazards.

YES, you should stock up on Zozobra shirts, hoodies, caps, Croc charms, blankets, posters, ZozoRita glasses and other cool swag at the merchandise tent. You don’t want to be the only one not wearing this year’s cool Z-Gear!

YES, you should visit as many food vendors as possible. Check out the list above and sorry if we made you drool while you’re reading!

YES, you can stop and have a brewski or a glass of wine at the Santa Fe Brewng beer gardens, behind the Fort Marcy Recreation Complex and by the east side scoreboard. Please note that there is no re-entry to the beer garden and no alcohol is permitted outside the beer garden.

YES, you should take selfies with Zozobra and post them generously on your social media. YES, we’d also love to share your pictures and videos of Zozobra, so use hashtag #Zozobra102 to let us know we can post them on Zozobra’s social media! YES, you should be respectful of our very skilled safety officials. YES, we want to see you in your best 1776 fashions, but NO costume weapons, prop weapons, or realistic Revolutionary War replicas are permitted in the venue.

YES, you should go home feeling happy and gloom-free!

Below is more information on what you need to know:
1.  Start Time and Weather
2.  Park and Ride
3.  Road Closures
4.  Entry information
5.  Entertainment and Merchandise
6.  Emergency Exits
7.  Lost Kids Registration
Our Thanks for Coming

GET READY TO WATCH HIM BURN

You’re on your way, but please keep in mind these important things. Free Admission for children 10 & under is for General Admission with an accompanying adult only. Please note premium viewing locations require all attendees to purchase a ticket, including children regardless of age. Weather and wind permitting, the Zozobra Show will begin at dark. Weather conditions may require an earlier or later burn time, so please be patient and have fun. All guests must be in the venue no later than 8:30 when entry is closed so you don’t miss any of the show.

Friday night’s forecast calls for a gloom-free night. And don’t worry, this is a rain-or-shine event, and HE. WILL. BURN! When Zozobra goes down in flames, DON’T LEAVE, or you’ll miss one of the West’s most spectacular fireworks displays, 15 sparkling minutes of pyrotechnic audio and visual bliss, synced to music you know and love!

HERE’S HOW TO GET THERE ON TIME

Sorry, there’s VERY LIMITED parking at or near the Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park event site. Entry is on foot, but we have free parking and transportation for you. Please park at the South Capitol Rail Runner Station parking lot located between Alta Vista St. and Cordova Rd., behind the Manual Lujan Building. Directions: https://www.riometro.org/405/Driving-Directions FREE buses run continuously beginning at 5 pm. The last bus leaves for the venue at 8:30 pm.

You will be dropped off on the east corner of Washington Ave. and Paseo de Peralta near the entry. Please remember your drop-off location. Return shuttle buses will depart from the northeast corner of East Marcy Street and Paseo de Peralta.. All return shuttle buses will begin leaving the Zozobra site 30 minutes after the lights come back on.

ADA and mobility-challenged guests can park in the Rail Runner South Capitol Station parking lot and look for the specially marked ADA shuttle buses that will deliver you to a dedicated ADA drop-off point. We request only one transport companion per ADA rider, and you must arrive at the South Capitol parking lot by 7:45 pm to guarantee you have transportation on the final shuttle. If you have other concerns about ADA or mobility challenges, please contact us at burnhim@burnzozobra.com.

ADA and mobility-challenged patrons, please arrive at the South Capitol parking lot as early as possible to allow yourself a relaxing experience. ADA patrons can enter the General Admission area, a grass-and-dirt field with potential outdoor obstructions for those utilizing a walker or wheelchair. ADA, and patrons with mobility challenges who choose to enter the General Admission viewing area assume personal liability. If ADA guests and patrons with mobility challenges enter the General Admission area, they are responsible for returning to the drop-off point in time to board the return shuttles at the same location. Due to pedestrian traffic, ADA shuttles will not leave until 30 minutes after the event ends.

You can ride your bike to Zozobra and store it safely with the Santa Fe Bike Valet in the Montezuma Lodge Parking Lot west of the Zozobra entry gates at the Scottish Rite Center. You can ride Santa Fe Trails buses to the venue, but please keep in mind that due to the night schedule, you may need to ask a friend for a ride or take an Uber or Lyft home.

DON’T LET TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURES STOP YOU

Zozobra road closure information is at this link with an interactive map https://burnzozobra.com/how-to-get-to-zozobra/.

PLAN AHEAD TO GET IN QUICKLY

If your tickets were purchased online, you should have already received your Zozobra ticket(s) via email. If you haven’t, please check your spam folders. You may present your digital mobile ticket(s), bring a printed copy, or present your paper ticket to be scanned. Cell service may be limited, so please take a screenshot of your ticket barcode or add it to your digital wallet just in case. Have your digital ticket ready with your phone brightness turned all the way up before reaching the scanner. Interaction with scanning staff will be limited and contactless.

NO EVENT RE-ENTRY Lost your tickets? Can’t find your ticket email? Locate your tickets by logging into your account on the Burn Zozobrra website:

Click on the ticket icon on the upper right of the Burzozobra website
Next, click on “Ticket Help”
Next, click on “Manage Tickets”
Enter your email and click on the “Look Up Tickets” button, and then you can resend your tickets to yourself.

Remember to check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email within 5 minutes.
Didn’t create an account when you purchased tickets? Register with the same email you used to make your purchase and create a password. Once your account is created, you will receive an email to confirm your registration. Then you can log in by following the instructions above.

PREMIUM TICKETS:
FRONT & CENTER, THE FIRE PIT, WEST OF THE WILD ONE, EAST OF THE BEAST, Z WHOLE ENCHILADA WALK-IN, AND EMBERS EDGE.

IF YOU HAVE PREMIUM VIEWING TICKETS, ou must be through the security and ticketing process, and in your specific viewing area no later than 8:45 p.m. to ensure that nothing prevents you from returning to your exclusive viewing location. Please plan ahead to complete your premium viewing entry process by 8:30 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., all gates will open to General Admission due to the increase in crowd size. If you arrive after 8:30 p.m., you can still enter through the express gates, but express check-in can no longer be guaranteed and you may experience delays. Please remember that the Zozobra Show is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:10 pm weather and wind permitting; weather conditions may require an earlier or later start time. All entry to the Zozobra Foeld at Fork Marcy Park site is on foot via two entry points: one at the intersection of Paseo de Peralta and Bishop’s Lodge Road for General Admission and the other on the west side of the Scottish Rite Center, the big pink building on the corner for Premium Viewing.

The GREEN CHILE GATE for your PREMIUM VIEWING LOCATION is located on Paseo de Peralta at the driveway on the WEST side of the Scottish Rite Center PINK building. LOOK FOR THE GREEN CHILE GATE AND THE FLAG THAT IDENTIFIES YOUR VIEWING AREA. Since you already purchased your ticket, skip the ticket booth. After you have entered on the WEST side of the Scottish Rite Center, look for the five PREMIUM VIEWING GATES. You will go through a security check and a metal detector before heading up Bishop’s Lodge Road to the venue. The less you carry, the easier it is to get through security and into the venue. Remember, you can pick up food and souvenirs once you get there! After going through security, proceed up Bishop’s Lodge Road and proceed across the central land bridge and look for the fag identifying your premium viewing location by name.

SEE THE MAP BELOW TO KNOW HOW TO PROCEED TO YOUR GENERAL ADMISSION VIEWING. PLEASE PLAN TO BE IN YOUR PREMIUM VIEWING LOCATION NO LATER THAN 8:30 PM.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

IF YOU HAVE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS The General Admission RED CHILE GATE is located on Paseo de Peralta on the EAST side of the Scottish Rite Center PINK building.
If you already have a GENERAL ADMISSION ticket, you may enter through the ‘HAVE A TICKET’ lane on the right and avoid the crowd. If you need a ticket, look for the “NEED A TICKET” lane on the left.

After you have entered on the east side of the Scottish Rite Center, LOOK for the fifteen SOUTHERN gates on the right. You will go through a security check and a metal detector before heading up Bishop’s Lodge Road to the venue. The less you carry, the easier it is to get through security and into the venue. Remember, you can pick up food and souvenirs once you get there! After going through security, proceed up Bishop’s Lodge Road to the venue. Once you are in the venue, you may stay in the family viewing area at the southeast part of the venue or proceed across the central land bridge into the ballpark General Admission area.

EVENT MAP

If you don’t use clear plastic bags, you’ll have to leave the ticketing area to make the switch, then go back to the ticketing area and start at the back of the line. Save the hassle and plan ahead and bring your snacks and personal items in a clear plastic bag. If you have items not allowed by security, there’s a locker truck 100 feet from the entry gates where you can rent a space for $10. That’s much easier than having to walk back to your vehicle to store your items!

THE BURNING IS THE PINNACLE OF THE FUN, BUT WE HAVE LOTS OF WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOU AS WE WAIT FOR THE MAIN SHOW

Zozobra is a full evening of fun. With live entertainment, food trucks, the burning, and a fabulous fireworks show.

GATES OPEN AT 4 pm:
Bragging rights if you celebrate by posting your pictures on Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #zozobra102 to be part of the fun!

4 – 7 pm Live Entertainment

Music from Say When
National Anthem sung by Karen Ortiz and signed in ASL by Elia Curley
Surprise Majestic Visitor
Lumbre del Sol
Presentation by the Santa Fe Downtown Kiwanis Foundation

7 – 9 pm

Surprise Royal Vocalist
OZOMATLI lights up the night
Depositing of the Glooms
The annual Beachball Toss, sponsored by Meow Wolf
Live Mariachi Music
MaaTuu Pueblo Dancers

9 pm – Everything You Know and Love

National Anthem introduced by Mayor Michael J. Garcia and performed by the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus

Welcome Remarks from Santa Fe Kiwanis President Bob Clifford and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez

Welcome Remarks from Kiwanis International President Michael Mulhall

Official Welcome from Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia

Surprise Sovereign Singer

Weather permitting, it’s time for the Burning of Zozobra for the 102nd time since 1924!

Friday, September 4, Road Closures By Time of Day

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Murales Road will close at 7 am from Valle del Sol to Cuesta del Norte for fireworks set-up. One lane will remain open for emergency vehicles only.

12 am (midnight):

Murales Road closed from Valle del Sol Drive to Cuesta del Norte Drive

7 am:

Murales Road closes from Bishop’s Lodge Road to Old Taos Highway
Calle Estado /Governor Dempsey Drive, and Mansion Drive close from Old Taos Highway to Bishop’s Lodge; local traffic only

12 pm:

Bishop’s Lodge Road closes from Paseo de Peralta to Valley Drive

5 pm:

Murales Road closes completely from Bishop’s Lodge Road to Old Taos Highway.
Artist/Hyde Park Road closes from Bishop’s Lodge to Gonzales Road. Through traffic will be able to pass on Gonzales Road, but with adjacent road closures, streets may experience congestion, so please allow extra time.
Hillside closes from East Marcy Street to Paseo de Peralta
Washington Avenue closes from East Marcy Street to Paseo de Peralta
Old Taos Highway from Paseo de Peralta to Murales Road
Rosario Boulevard closes from Griffin Street to Old Taos Highway
Griffin Street closes from Rio Grande to Paseo de Peralta
Solona Street closes from Griffin Street to North Guadalupe Street
Paseo de Peralta closes from North Guadalupe Street (east of DeVargas Mall) to East Marcy Street.
North Guadalupe Street, Alamo Drive to Paseo de Peralta, southbound lane closed
North Guadalupe Street, Catron Street to Paseo de Peralta, northbound lane closed

Friday, September 4, Road Closures By Road Name

MURALES ROAD: On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Murales Road will close at 7 am from Valle del Sol to Cuesta del Norte for fireworks set-up. One lane will remain open for emergency vehicles only.

Closed at 12 am from the Valle del Sol (east of fire station) to Cuesta del Norte (the tennis courts)
Closes completely at 7 AM from Bishop’s Lodge Road to Old Taos Highway

CALLE ESTADO/GOVERNOR DEMPSEY ROAD/MANSION DRIVE

Close at 7 am from Old Taos Highway to Bishop’s Lodge; local traffic only

BISHOP’S LODGE ROAD

Closes at 12 pm from Paseo de Peralta to Valley Drive

ARTIST/HYDE PARK ROAD

Closes at 5 pm from Bishop’s Lodge to Gonzales Road. Through traffic will able to pass on Gonzales Road, but with adjacent road closures, streets may experience congestion, so please allow extra time.

HILLSIDE AVENUE

Closes at 5 pm from East Marcy Street to Paseo de Peralta

WASHINGTON STREET

Closes at 5 pm from East Marcy Street to Paseo de Peralta

OLD TAOS HIGHWAY

Closes at 5 pm from Paseo de Peralta to Murales Road

ROSARIO BOULEVARD

Closes at 5 pm from Griffin Street to Old Taos Highway

GRANT AVENUE

Closes at 5 pm from Griffin Street to Old Taos Highway

GRIFFIN STREET

Closes at 5 pm from Rio Grande to Paseo de Peralta

SOLONA STREET

Closes at 5 pm from Griffin Street to Paseo de Peralta

PASEO DE PERALTA

Closes at 5 pm from North Guadalupe Street, east of De Vargas Mall, to Marcy Street

NORTH GUADALUPE STREET

Closes at 5 pm from Park Ave./Catron St. intersection to Alamo Drive, change of direction

Our commitment to our traditions is unwavering! This family event in Santa Fe provides entertainment, inspiration, and charitable help to great causes.