🐴 "The Magdalena Burro Stampede" – First-Ever Donkey Race in Magdalena, NM! 🐴
Tumbleweeds Diner is teaming up with NM Pack Burros and Studio Piñon to bring you the first-ever Magdalena Burro Stampede—a truly unique event happening right here in Magdalena, New Mexico!
More than 40 teams (runner and burro) will race through the hills and trails surrounding the Magdalena Rodeo Grounds, Riley Road, and nearby terrain—capturing the wild beauty and spirit of our historic village. The race will take place during Frontier Festival weekend.
🏕 Participant Info:
Teams are welcome to camp at the fenced-in old baseball field at the Magdalena Rodeo Grounds. There’s plenty of space for tents, trailers, and RVs. We’ll have port-o-potties and hand washing stations on site, but please bring your own charging stations and any essential devices. Bring your own feed and plenty of water for your burro. Water will be available through fire trucks to refill tanks periodically.
For registration / participant details:
https://www.nmpackburros.com/event-details/magdalena-burro-stampede
Questions about the race, leasing a donkey, etc? Email:
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🎉 Spectator Info:
Guests are encouraged to set up along the route and cheer teams on! Please keep trails and access roads clear for racers. Bring camp chairs, water, and snacks. Prepare for hot weather! There will also be food trucks and local vendors around the Rodeo Grounds for food, refreshments, shopping.
🎉 Food & Provisions:
Other nearby businesses with food and beverages.
Tumbleweeds Diner (west end of town)
1408 Highway 60 West
www.tumbleweedsnm.com
Open Sunday 11am - 5pm
Golden Spur Saloon
Highway 60
www.goldenspursaloon.com
Open late with a full bar, patio, jukebox—great vibes and you’re sure to meet a cowboy!
Winston's Auto & Clara's Navajo Taco Stand
Highway 60 & Main St
Snacks, gas, beverages, Navajo tacos, frito pie, and more
Steer Stop Gas & Grocery
705 1st St / Highway 60
www.facebook.com/SteerStopMagdalena
Gas, snacks, groceries, and homemade burritos and baked goods
ES.PRESS.O
605 1st St
Open Mon–Fri, 7am–12ish
Coffee and local art!
Food Trucks and Vendors
Mr. and Mrs. Lemonade
🛏 For Out-of-Town Guests:
Magdalena is 2.5 hours from Santa Fe and 1.5 hours from Albuquerque. Whether you're coming for the day or staying the weekend, here are your options:
Rodeo Grounds RV Camping:
Self-contained RVs and campers welcome on Magdalena Rodeo Grounds. Pack-in, pack-out policy strictly enforced! There will be port of potties and hand washing stations on site.
Lodging in Magdalena:
Note that lodging is limited in Magdalena on this weekend. Other options include Socorro which is 30 minutes away.
High Country Lodge
www.hclmagdalena.com
303 1st Street
(575) 854-2062
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Western Motel
404 1st Street
(575) 418-7278
Magdalena Hall Hotel
www.magdalenahallhotel.com
404 2nd Street
(575) 854-2040
Other Nearby RV Sites:
Socorro Rodeo Grounds Complex
Eagle Guest Ranch in Datil
Airbnb Lodging
Plenty of listings in and around Magdalena—check the app or site. Search in Datil, Pie Town, Socorro.
🛍 Shopping & Local Businesses:
La Posada Gallery
902 1st St
www.laposadademariamagdalena.com
Navajo rugs, pottery, paintings, and handmade gifts. Ask for Fritz!
Warehouse 110 Art Gallery
110 N Main St
www.warehouse110.com
Kind of Small Array Gallery
106 N Main St
www.kindofasmallarray.com/
Marketplace Shop & Antiques
105 N Main St
Open Mondays. A treasure trove of Navajo gifts, Pendleton blankets, beaded jewelry, and leatherwork.
Gussied Up Gals Boutique
N Main St.
Ranch wear, western wear, jewelry, gifts
🌄 Outdoor Adventures & Science Destinations:
Looking to explore? These spots are great for camping, sightseeing, and day trips. Google for pins and directions!
Kelly Mine
Water Canyon
US Forest Service Info
Box Canyon
BLM Info
Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge
Very Large Array (VLA)
www.public.nrao.edu
Socorro Mineral Museum
www.geoinfo.nmt.edu
🚗 Day Trips from Magdalena:
Pie Town
Visit Pie Town
Home of the Pie-O-Neer Café—quirky charm, famous pies, and a true New Mexico experience.
Datil
Visit Datil
Stop by the Eagle Guest Ranch for breakfast or the butcher shop. Don’t miss the new Three Star General Store!
Whether you're racing, spectating, jamming, vending, or just passing through—we can’t wait to welcome you to Magdalena for this unforgettable weekend.
Questions? Looking to vend or reserve a spot?
Contact us at Tumbleweeds Diner or DM us directly!
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We still have room for food truck vendors, artist vendors, and more! Inquire to participate.
Also check out other Arts events in Magdalena, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Magdalena.