Chile Taste-Off returns to Socorro October 4

September’s signature smell of roasting chile will fill the air this fall as Socorro once again celebrates the state’s most iconic crop. The 2025 Chile Taste-Off will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the New Mexico Rodeo and Sports Complex, bringing together growers, families, and chile lovers from across the state. The event is free to attend.

Now in its sixth year, the Chile Taste-Off has grown into one of Socorro County’s most anticipated autumn events.

“New Mexico green chile is a staple of our state. We’re considered the chile capital of the world,” said organizer Tommy Rosales, who has led the event for the past two years. “This event is really a celebration of who we are—whether you like red, green or Christmas.”

At the heart of the festival, sponsored primarily by the city of Socorro and the New Mexico Chile Association and local businesses, is the chile taste-off competition. Ten growers from across the state are selected through a blind draw through the New Mexico Certified Chile growers list. Each selected farmer submits freshly harvested chile to the Socorro taste-off, which is processed and sampled by a panel of judges who select the best green chile in New Mexico. Winners are announced during the evening program and receive plaques along with statewide recognition on New Mexico Certified Chile social media platforms.

While many of the selected farms are too busy harvesting to attend in person, several local and regional growers—including family farms from Socorro County and Hatch—plan to set up booths for visitors. Festival goers can sample roasted chile, purchase bags to take home and watch live roasting demonstrations. “People who have never seen chile roasted get to experience it firsthand,” Rosales said. “That smell alone brings people together.”

Beyond chile, the festival offers something for the whole family. Vendors will sell food, crafts and collectibles, while children can enjoy games and activities. A cornhole tournament will run alongside the main events, and The Pacemakers will provide live music starting at 5 p.m. after the chile winners are announced. Beer and wine will also be available, adding to the festive atmosphere.

For Rosales, the event is also about spotlighting the farmers whose work sustains one of New Mexico’s most prized industries. “Farming provides jobs and supports our communities,” he said. “Chile isn’t just food—it’s one of the biggest tools we have to strengthen New Mexico’s economy.”

Backed as well by the City of Socorro, this year’s program will also feature remarks from Edward Ogaz, president of the New Mexico Chile Association, underscoring the crop’s statewide impact.

“Come taste the best chile in New Mexico, and remember that Socorro County chile has been farmed, packaged and sold by local families for generations,” said County Manager Andrew Lotrich. “The Socorro Chile Taste-Off is an opportunity to showcase the best chile in the state, while providing a family-friendly venue to spend a fall afternoon surrounded by the best smell in the nation–roasting chile.”

Launched in 2019, the festival has quickly become a highlight of Socorro’s fall calendar. As the weather cools and the harvest peaks, thousands are expected to gather for chile, music, and community.

“October is the perfect time,” Rosales said. “The smell of roasting chile in the air—it’s what New Mexico is all about.”