Placitas RanchFest™ Announces Vendor Visitation Day at Elk Ridge Ranch
PLACITAS, N.M. — Placitas RanchFest™, the flagship event of New Mexico RanchFest®, will host an official Vendor Visitation Day on May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon ahead of the June festival, allowing prospective vendors to tour the ranch, preview booth locations, and experience the event atmosphere firsthand.
The visitation day was created in response to strong vendor interest from businesses accustomed to indoor markets and conference-style events who wanted to see the ranch setup in person. Most vendor spaces for the 2026 event have already been reserved or sold.
PLACITAS, N.M. — Placitas RanchFest™, the flagship event of New Mexico RanchFest®, will host an official Vendor Visitation Day on May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon ahead of the June festival, allowing prospective vendors to tour the ranch, preview booth locations, and experience the event atmosphere firsthand.
The visitation day was created in response to strong vendor interest from businesses accustomed to indoor markets and conference-style events who wanted to see the ranch setup in person. Most vendor spaces for the 2026 event have already been reserved or sold.
The event is designed to help vendors better understand the layout, guest flow, parking, setup areas, and overall experience before applying or finalizing participation. Vendors will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly, explore booth placement options, and learn more about expanded programming planned for 2026.
Interested vendors must register for free at:
https://www.clearlightcedar.com/shop/p/placitas-ranchfest-vendor-visitation-day
Placitas RanchFest™ has quickly become one of the region’s most distinctive ranch lifestyle events, combining local makers, food vendors, live music, ranch experiences, baby bison season, and Route 66 anniversary celebrations in a uniquely New Mexico setting.
“We want vendors to see exactly what makes this event special,” said Keith Allen West. “This is not a parking lot festival. It’s a real working ranch experience with an incredible atmosphere, strong community energy, and guests who genuinely come to explore, shop, and spend the day.”
The 2026 event will feature approximately 60 vendors, live entertainment, ranch experiences, elk and bison viewing opportunities, and expanded guest offerings, including VIP Ranch Pass experiences.
Vendor applications remain open online, and approved vendors will be able to select booth locations directly from the official event map.
For vendor applications and event details, visit:
https://app.joinshowup.io/apply/placitas-ranch-fest
Tickets for Placitas RanchFest™ are available at:
https://ranchfestnm.com
or
https://app.joinshowup.io/ticket/placitas-ranch-fest
Placitas RanchFest™ is presented by Clear Light Cedar.
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About New Mexico RanchFest®
New Mexico RanchFest® is a registered trademark in the State of New Mexico and serves as the parent brand for a growing series of events celebrating ranch life, local craftsmanship, and community across the state. Founded by Keith Allen West, the brand is rooted in Placitas, New Mexico, and continues to expand while maintaining its connection to land, culture, and place. New Mexico RanchFest™ is the subject of a pending federal trademark application with the USPTO.
Back to the ranch: Placitas RanchFest™ returns this summer
“Adding to the magic of the day, Elk Ridge Ranch is expecting the arrival of new elk and bison calves in the weeks leading up to the event,” West said. “Guests may have the rare opportunity to witness these young animals as part of their first summer on the ranch — an authentic and memorable glimpse into the rhythms of ranch life in New Mexico.”
by Rodd CaytonApril 27, 2026
An adult bison and a calf taking a stroll. Bison are new at the Elk Ridge Ranch, site of the June 20 Placitas RanchFest.
Placitas RanchFest is back, bigger and bringing babies.
The June 20 affair is the second iteration and first as the flagship event of New Mexico RanchFest, which organizers say is rooted in ranch life, local culture, and community connection. West said more than 1,200 attended the first RanchFest. “Last year was more successful than we’d hoped,” he told the Sandoval Signpost. “From that, we’ve learned how to make this year’s run even smoother — better vendor locations, bigger name musicians, and the addition of bison on the ranch with our elk will make this even more fun.”
An adult bison and a calf taking a stroll. Bison are new at the Elk Ridge Ranch, site of the June 20 Placitas RanchFest.
Keith Allen West, creator of the event and owner of New Mexico RanchFest, says he wants to highlight New Mexico’s creative souls at festivals across the state. “What started as a single-day gathering has grown into something much larger,” he said in a news release. “A platform to showcase makers, musicians, and ranch traditions in an authentic and elevated way.”
The 2026 event, at Elk Ridge Ranch, 772 State Route 165, will feature live music from New Mexico artists, a vendor market of local artisans, food and beverage offerings from regional establishments and ranch tours and animal experiences. It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and parking is $15.
“Adding to the magic of the day, Elk Ridge Ranch is expecting the arrival of new elk and bison calves in the weeks leading up to the event,” West said. “Guests may have the rare opportunity to witness these young animals as part of their first summer on the ranch — an authentic and memorable glimpse into the rhythms of ranch life in New Mexico.”
Placitas Events April/May 2026
See the Chamber web Event Page for Details
Solamente Natural Plaster - Second Sunday Concerts
The MERC - Wine-tastings for April
Friday the 10th, 4-6 pm
Friday the 24th, 4-6 pm
Wednesday the 15th, 4-6 pm - Rock Tax Day!
Placitas Library Events
SPRING FLING April 11, 9am-3pm
Violin Wizardry - April 19th
Placitas Artists Series - April 12th concert - Megan Holland & Friends; April 26th - David Felberg & Luke Gullickson
Wild Hearts Gallery - Featured Artist -Bunny Bowen; Mar 30 - Apr 26; artist reception Apr 11, 1-3 pm
Outpost Performance Space - April Schedule of Events & Performances
PREP Alliance - It's all about preparedness and community safety for Placitans
In Bernalillo, stop in at Chicky's Coffee.
Placitas Studio Tour - Save the Dates - May 8, 9, and 10.
Canyon Blues and Jazz - Sandia Chill Concert tickets go on sale May 1st. Concerts Reveal on their website.
Three Ways to Burn: Rituals for Every Type of Clear Light Cedar Incense
Whether you're seeking clarity, grounding, or simply a home that smells like the New Mexico wilds, how you burn your incense matters. At Clear Light Cedar, we offer three types of incense—Spirit Sticks, traditional Sticks, and Cones—each crafted with wild-foraged Cedar and Piñon to support different kinds of rituals.
Whether you're seeking clarity, grounding, or simply a home that smells like the New Mexico wilds, how you burn your incense matters. At Clear Light Cedar, we offer three types of incense—Spirit Sticks, traditional Sticks, and Cones—each crafted with wild-foraged Cedar and Piñon to support different kinds of rituals.
Here’s how to make each one part of your sacred space.
🔥 SPIRIT STICK RITUAL: "Open the Space"
Use when: You're preparing for ceremony, hosting guests, or need to clear and bless a large area—like your entire home, patio, or event space.
You’ll need:
One Spirit Stick – Incense Log
A fire-safe dish or large incense burner
A feather or fan (optional)
Ritual Steps:
Set your intention: Before lighting, place your hands on the Spirit Stick and say aloud or silently:
“With this smoke, I welcome warmth, wisdom, and renewal into this space.”Light the end of the Spirit Stick until it flames. Let it catch for 10–15 seconds, then gently blow it out, letting the ember smolder.
Place it in a fireproof holder in the center of your space—or carry it gently from room to room, using a feather to waft the smoke.
As you move, name what you're clearing: “Stress,” “Stagnation,” “Old energy.” Then name what you're inviting in: “Peace,” “Protection,” “Joy.”
Let it burn all the way down, or extinguish it safely when you feel complete.
Spirit Sticks were used in the lobby of Hotel Tamaya for a reason—they bring presence to a space.
🌿 STICK RITUAL: "The Slow Reset"
Use when: You need grounding after a long day, want to refocus during a creative block, or simply want to soften the energy around you.
You’ll need:
One Clear Light Cedar Stick
Incense holder or bowl with sand
Journal or cup of tea (optional)
Ritual Steps:
Take a breath. Pause and feel your feet on the ground.
Light your stick incense and gently blow it out, allowing the fragrant smoke to curl into the air.
Sit near the smoke. Close your eyes and inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6. Repeat for a few rounds to reset your nervous system.
As the stick burns (30+ minutes), write down three things you’re releasing—and three things you’re calling in.
When finished, thank the smoke, the wood, and the land it came from.
A simple ritual to bring you back to yourself, one breath at a time.
🔺 CONE RITUAL: "Spark the Shift"
Use when: You feel stuck, tense, or need a fast, intentional energy change—before meditation, after an argument, or to mark a fresh start.
You’ll need:
One Clear Light Cedar Cone
Fireproof bowl or small burner
A phrase or mantra
Ritual Steps:
Light the tip of your cone until it catches. Let it burn for 15–20 seconds, then gently blow it out.
As it begins to smoke, say a mantra like:
“I release the old. I welcome the new.”Sit nearby and imagine the smoke sweeping out the stale energy—like a desert wind through an open window.
When the cone finishes burning (about 15 minutes), open a door or window to let fresh air circulate.
Quick, powerful, and perfect when you need to clear the room—literally and energetically.
🌀 CHOOSE YOUR FIRE
Stick. Cone. Spirit Stick. Each burns a little differently—but they all return you to the same place: the grounded, cedar-scented center of yourself.
Ready to create your own ritual?
Or try them all in our Incense Sampler—ritual-ready and handcrafted with love from Placitas, New Mexico.
Three Ways to Burn: Rituals for Every Type of Clear Light Cedar Incense
New News Network Coming to Placitas
Introducing PLACITAS NEWS NETWORK — the only local news show unafraid to ask hard-hitting questions like:
“Are solar panels giving hummingbirds migraines?”
“Can sand be zoned as residential?”
…and “Who double-booked the community center again, Barbara?”
🎙️🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨🎙️
Placitas, brace yourself. The truth is coming… sort of.
Introducing PLACITAS NEWS NETWORK — the only local news show unafraid to ask hard-hitting questions like:
“Are solar panels giving hummingbirds migraines?”
“Can sand be zoned as residential?”
…and “Who double-booked the community center again, Barbara?”
💥 Think John Oliver’s brains, The Onion’s absurdity, and Philomena Cunk’s deeply confused confidence — now set in the high desert where the HOA is mightier than the law.
🐷 Featuring Priscilla, Pig of the Desert, in her hard-hitting segment: Pig of the Week.
🎭 Hosted by Sagebrush Dustington, who may or may not be legally allowed to call this “journalism.”
📡 Premieres soon on… wherever things this weird are allowed.
#PlacitasNewsNetwork #PNN #LocalNewsWithAltitude #PigOfTheWeek #OnlyInPlacitas #PhilomenaCunkVibes #JohnOliverButDustier
Sagebrush Dustington is a self-declared investigative journalist, amateur weather psychic, and the only person in Placitas to be banned from both Nextdoor and the farmer’s market. With a background in asking the wrong questions at the worst possible time, Sagebrush brings deadpan curiosity and misplaced confidence to every story—whether it’s HOA drama, suspiciously organized coyotes, or the ongoing feud between pottery guilds.
Armed with a mic, a weather rock, and a deep distrust of hummingbirds, Sagebrush delivers the news Placitas never asked for—but probably deserves.