This article was posted by JessZozoFest returns to Santa Fe from August 28-30, 2026, serving as the official preview weekend for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, held in America’s oldest capital city, is a uniquely New Mexican part of the country-wide America 250 celebration. This free, three-day event allows the public to see the 50-foot-tall marionette up close before it is moved to Fort Marcy Park for the annual burn. The festival is held at Santa Fe Place Mall and includes an art exhibit, arts and crafts activities for kids, merchandise sales, and the traditional opportunity to stuff personal “glooms” inside Zozobra.
The event marks the first public appearance of Zozobra 2026. Visitors can interact with the artists who build the specter and participate in family-friendly activities designed to build anticipation for the burn on September 4.
Artists who want to display their work should submit their Zozofest artwork by August 3, 2026.
WHAT ARE THE EVENT DETAILS FOR ZOZOFEST 2026?
In short: Visit Santa Fe Place Mall the weekend before Labor Day to see the 102nd Zozobra. You can submit your written “glooms” to be stuffed inside the figure and browse official event merchandise during this three-day preview festival.
- Date: Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Time: Friday 5-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Santa Fe Place Mall (next to Olivia’s), Santa Fe, NM
- Admission: Free and open to all ages.
- Activities: Gloom submission, official Zozobra art show, selfies with Old Man Gloom, and meet-and-greets with the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club builders.
WHY ATTEND ZOZOFEST 2026?
- Release worries: This is an in-person opportunity to submit glooms: place your written worries, bad habits, or papers into Zozobra to be burned away during the main event.
- Meet the artists: Engage with the creators of the 2026 official artwork and the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club members who maintain this 102-year-old tradition.
- First look: View the specific design theme for 2026, titled “The Tyranny of Gloom vs. The Spirit of ’76,” in an accessible indoor environment, and buy 2026 Zozobra merch.
ATTEND ZOZOFEST
ZozoFest provides a community-focused atmosphere that is distinct from the high-energy burn night. Admission is free, making it a festive, relaxing way to participate in Santa Fe’s iconic celebration.
Can’t get enough of Zozobra? Rent or buy Zozobra: 100 Years of Fire and Redemption now! Watch the film, see the trailer, get behind-the-scenes insights, and find additional information at Zozobra100Film.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR STUFFING GLOOMS AT ZOZOFEST?
Gloom stuffing is the tradition of placing written notes, photos, or documents representing the past year’s hardships into Zozobra’s hollow body. During ZozoFest, the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club provides “gloom” paper for you to write on, or you can bring your own glooms, notes, letters, documents, photos, from home. Got something memorable you’d like to burn? Contact Kiwanis to make arrangements. These submissions are collected and placed inside the 50-foot marionette. When Zozobra is burned on September 4, 2026, these symbolic worries are consumed by the flames. This process is central to the festival’s purpose: to allow the community to leave behind their troubles and move forward with a fresh perspective.
IS ZOZOFEST THE SAME THING AS THE BURNING OF ZOZOBRA?
No. ZozoFest is a free, daytime preview event held at the Santa Fe Place Mall the weekend before the burn. It focuses on art, community, and the physical preparation of the figure. The Burning of Zozobra is a separate, ticketed performance held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Fort Marcy Park. While ZozoFest is a time when you can see the figure at a close distance and stuff your glooms inside, the annual pageant and burning only happen during the main event at the park. ZozoFest is an ideal option for those who want to participate in the tradition but prefer a quieter, indoor experience.
CAN I BUY TICKETS FOR THE MAIN BURN EVENT AT ZOZOFEST?
Yes. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe has a dedicated booth at ZozoFest where you can purchase general admission tickets for the burning on September 4. Buying tickets in person at ZozoFest ensures that you have your entry secured before prices increase at the gate on the day of the burn. General admission (standing-to-view) for 2026 starts at $30 in advance, though individual discounts are available for New Mexico residents, students, seniors, and military personnel. And there are no credit card or processing fees. None. Premium viewing tickets, including seated options and valet transportation, can only be bought online at BurnZozobra.com; note that premium viewing areas often sell out before ZozoFest begins
ARE THERE ART ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN DURING THE FESTIVAL?
ZozoFest is designed to be a family-friendly environment with free activities for kids. The festival features a dedicated “Family Craft” area where children can create their own mini-Zozobra art or themed decorations. There is also an official art exhibit featuring professional Zozobra-inspired work, which serves as a great introduction to local art for younger visitors. Since the event is held inside the Santa Fe Place Mall, it provides a climate-controlled space with easy access to restrooms, shopping, and food, making it manageable for families and children.
WHAT IS THE THEME FOR THE 102ND BURNING OF ZOZOBRA?
For 2026, the theme is “The Tyranny of Gloom vs. The Spirit of ’76,” honoring the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). The design of the Zozobra figure and the surrounding performance at the burn will reflect revolutionary motifs and a patriotic flair. At ZozoFest, you can see these specific thematic elements up close, including the custom-designed elements for this year’s “tyrant.” This theme serves as a symbolic call for the community to declare its independence from the gloom and worries that have accumulated over the past year.
Featured image: Official ZozoFest Poster Image by Christopher Dalton (cropped). See the full poster at BurnZozobra.com/Zozofest.
