Quick answers to common questions about the Burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe. For questions not covered here, call the Zozobra Hotline at 855-969-6272. Please do not call city or county emergency services, as they are busy helping our community elsewhere.
Quick reminders: Arrive by 8:00 p.m. Clear bags only (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max). No purses, backpacks, strollers, and free water is available on-site. Venue gates close at 8:45 p.m.
ABOUT ZOZOBRA
What is Zozobra?
Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom, is a 50-foot marionette that embodies the gloom and anxiety of the past year. Every fall, the people of Santa Fe burn him to the ground in a ceremony of release and renewal. For the full story, see 14 Things to Know About Zozobra or the history of Zozobra.
How tall is Zozobra?
Zozobra stands 50 feet 6 inches tall, making him one of the world’s largest functioning marionettes. He can wave his arms, move his head, and growl at the crowd through his gaping mouth.
What is Zozobra made of?
Wood, wire, poultry netting, cotton cloth, nails, screws, pulleys, plywood, spray paint, pizza pans, and duct tape. He is then stuffed with shredded paper, including the glooms submitted by the public. Just before showtime, Old Man Gloom weighs in at about 3,000 pounds.
How long has Zozobra been a Santa Fe tradition?
Since 1924, when artist Will Shuster burned the first six-foot effigy in his backyard. For the full origin story, visit the history page.
Which came first: Zozobra or Burning Man?
Zozobra, by more than 60 years. Santa Fe has been burning Zozobra since 1924. The Burning Man festival originated in San Francisco in the 1980s.
EVENT DETAILS
When is Zozobra 2026?
Zozobra 2026 will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026. Zozobra is traditionally celebrated on the Friday before Labor Day and 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The event is followed by the historic Fiestas de Santa Fe, kicking off a series of cultural celebrations in the city.
Where is the Burning of Zozobra held?
The Burning of Zozobra is held in Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
When do the gates open for Zozobra 2026?
Gates open at 4:00 pm, and the entertainment will begin then. Official ceremonies begin at 6:00 pm. Gates close at 8:45 pm. We recommend you arrive by 8:00 pm. The Burning of Zozobra happens rain or shine, so no matter the weather, OLD MAN GLOOM WILL BURN!
What happens during the event?
The evening includes live music, dance performances, food vendors, a beer garden by Santa Fe Brewing, and a merchandise booth, followed by the ceremonial burn and a fireworks finale. For the full schedule and entertainment lineup, visit the event information page or read what to expect at Zozobra.
How many people attend Zozobra?
The in-person event capacity is 50,000 people, and hundreds of thousands more watch online.
TICKETS
How much are tickets?
General Admission is $30 online through September 3rd, and $40 on event day, September 4th. Kids 10 and under are free with a General Admission ticket. Through September 3rd, New Mexico residents receive a discount on General Admission tickets. Seniors and Military receive a special General Admission discount, and youth ages 11-23 are only $15 in General Admission. Premium viewing options (Embers Edge, Z-Zone, Z Whole Enchilada, and West of the Wild One) are the only seated areas at the event. Visit the ticket guide for current pricing and availability.
Where can I buy tickets?
Online or at in-person ticket outlets in Santa Fe. Early purchase is recommended.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Is Zozobra kid-friendly?
Yes. Zozobra brings out the kid in everyone, and the event includes activities and performances for children of all ages. Kids 10 and under are free with a general admission ticket. Note that strollers and wagons are not permitted inside the venue for safety reasons. If you bring one, it can be checked for free at the Bike Valet in the Montezuma Lodge parking lot next to the Scottish Rite Center.
What can I bring?
All items must be carried in clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. No buckles, grommets, or hardware that conceals any part of the bag. You can bring food in a clear bag. No canned or bottled liquids or only empty, hard plastic water bottles are allowed; free water stations and decorative cups are available throughout the venue. Collapsible cloth camping chairs are allowed in General Admission only (not in premium viewing areas) and must be opened for security screening. You can ride your bike and park it at the free Bike Santa Fe Valet on Paseo de Peralta. For the complete attending guide, visit the info page.
What items are not allowed?
- Purses, backpacks, opaque bags, or coolers
- Strollers or wagons (free check-in available at Bike Valet)
- Canned or bottled liquids, glass containers
- Alcohol or recreational drugs
- Weapons of any kind, including knives, pocket knives, multi-tools, mace, or pepper spray. No firearms, no concealed carry, and no open carry, even with permits. Weapons will be confiscated and not returned.
- Cuts, colors, wallet chains, or insignia clothing
- Metal chairs, tables, tents, or tripods
- Large or pointed umbrellas (small folding umbrellas under 12″ diameter are OK)
- Pets (service animals as defined by ADA regulations are welcome)
- Lasers or flashlights (will be confiscated and not returned)
- Drones (will be confiscated and not returned)
- Bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, or motorized devices inside the venue
Locker trucks are available on-site ($10 per locker) for non-allowed items. Full details on the attending guide.
GLOOMS & PARTICIPATION
How do I submit my glooms?
You can submit glooms online at the Gloom Box page ($1 per gloom, with a Certificate of Destruction from the Fire Spirit), at physical gloom boxes placed around Santa Fe in the weeks before the event, at ZozoFest the weekend before the burn, or at the Hutton Gloom Tent at Fort Marcy Park on event day until 8:00 p.m.
Can I volunteer or get involved?
Yes. Volunteers are welcome for event preparations and day-of operations. Visit the volunteer page for details.
LEARN MORE
Where can I learn more about Zozobra?
Read 14 Things to Know About Zozobra for the full experience guide, or visit the history of Zozobra for the origin story. For everything you need to know about attending, see the complete attending guide.
