The Burning of Zozobra 2026 marks the 102nd burning of Santa Fe’s towering effigy known as Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom. Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, the annual event combines a staged outdoor program, live performances, and nonprofit fundraising that supports youth programs across Northern New Mexico.
Held at Fort Marcy Park, the evening builds toward the burning through music, ceremonial moments, and crowd participation, including the submission of handwritten “glooms.” When the fire is lit under controlled conditions, it marks the peak of the evening during one of the city’s most iconic public gatherings.
What Is the Burning of Zozobra?
At its core, the Burning of Zozobra is a public event built around the burning of a 50-foot-tall marionette known as Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom. Each year, the figure is constructed and filled with “glooms,” handwritten notes submitted by the public that represent personal worries, frustrations, or difficult moments.
The event unfolds as a staged evening program that leads to the burning of the effigy. That final moment, when Old Man Gloom collapses into fire, marks the symbolic release of those collected worries. Fire safety crews and city officials oversee the burn to ensure it takes place under controlled conditions.
Where Did Zozobra Come From?
Zozobra was created in the 1920s by artist Will Shuster, who originally burned a small effigy among friends in his backyard. What began as a private artistic act gradually drew wider attention and repeat audiences.
A defining part of Zozobra history is that gradual shift from an informal gathering to a citywide event. Over time, the burning moved into public spaces and became an organized annual tradition, with the early backyard figure evolving into the fiery marionette it is today.
What to Know Before You Go in 2026
Here are the practical details that shape the night and how it unfolds in 2026.
What Happens on the Night Zozobra Burns?
The Burning of Zozobra is part of a multi-day series of public events leading up to the main night. In 2026, activities will take place in late August and early September, with the burning held on the Friday before Labor Day.
Key Dates and Events
- Thursday, August 27, 2026
A dedication ceremony for the Zozobra Monument and Time Capsule takes place at Magers Field. Music is provided by the Santa Fe Concert Band, which performs a short program beginning at 5:40 p.m. - Friday–Sunday, August 28–30, 2026: ZozoFest
ZozoFest offers the first public viewing of Zozobra for the year. The free, family-friendly event includes art displays, hands-on activities, opportunities to submit glooms, and live music.- Friday: 5 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday, September 4, 2026: The Burning of Zozobra
The 102nd Burning of Zozobra takes place at Fort Marcy Park. Gates open at 4 p.m., followed by live entertainment and the official Zozobra show beginning at 6 p.m.
The burning occurs later in the evening, weather permitting, under controlled fire and safety conditions.
When and Where Is the Burning of Zozobra 2026?
All major Zozobra events are centered around Fort Marcy Park, including Zozobra Field and nearby Magers Field. The location sits a short distance from the Santa Fe Plaza and is supported by temporary road closures and traffic controls on the day of the burning.
Because of these closures, attendees are encouraged to plan for extra travel time and to review parking and access updates in advance.
How Do Tickets, Entry, and Accessibility Work?
Entry to the Burning of Zozobra is managed through designated access points once gates open at 4 p.m. Ticketing policies, permitted items, and accessibility details are updated annually.
Organizers release event maps, accessibility guidance, and neighborhood access information closer to the event date. Visitors should review official updates before arriving, especially regarding street closures and pedestrian routes.
How the Event Is Run and Why It Matters
Beyond the event itself, Zozobra operates within a clear nonprofit and civic framework.
Who Runs the Burning of Zozobra Today?
In 1964, Will Shuster transferred all rights to Zozobra to the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe. The organization has overseen the event ever since, managing production, volunteers, and fundraising.
The Burning of Zozobra remains largely volunteer-driven. Proceeds support grants and educational programs for children throughout Northern New Mexico, with the Kiwanis Club maintaining full stewardship of Kiwanis Club Zozobra operations.
How Is Safety Managed at the Event?
The event is produced in coordination with the Santa Fe Fire Department, Santa Fe Police Department, and emergency medical services. Fire control measures, crowd management plans, and restricted-item policies are part of the city permitting process.
Organizers publish safety guidelines in advance and enforce them on site to comply with local regulations.
Why Does Zozobra Matter to Santa Fe?
Zozobra serves as a significant annual fundraiser, supporting youth-focused programs that contribute to education, health, and family services across the region. Grant funding contributes to education, health, and family services across the region.
The event also reflects continuity. The Burning of Zozobra returns each year under the same nonprofit stewardship and civic coordination, remaining a consistent part of Santa Fe’s annual event calendar with measurable community outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Burning of Zozobra 2026?
The Burning of Zozobra 2026 takes place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe. Gates open at 4 p.m., the official program begins at 6 p.m., and the burning occurs later in the evening, weather permitting.
The event follows a fixed evening schedule designed to build toward the burning rather than begin with it. Attendees typically arrive well before the main event to allow time for entry, seating, and the early portions of the program. Weather conditions can affect the exact timing, but the date itself remains consistent as the Friday before Labor Day. Visitors should plan to spend several hours at the event.
Where does the Burning of Zozobra happen?
The Burning of Zozobra takes place at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, including Zozobra Field and nearby Magers Field. The site is located a short walk from the Santa Fe Plaza and serves as the central venue for all major event activities.
On the day of the burning, the surrounding area is supported by temporary traffic controls, pedestrian routes, and restricted parking zones. Entry points, walking paths, and accessibility information are finalized closer to the event date. Because the park sits near residential neighborhoods and downtown streets, attendees are encouraged to review official maps and transportation guidance before arriving.
What are glooms, and how are they used?
Glooms are handwritten notes submitted by the public that represent worries, frustrations, or difficult moments. These notes are collected in the weeks leading up to the event and placed inside Zozobra before the burning. Organizers also accept online gloom submissions, which are printed and added to the effigy prior to the event, with submission details and deadlines published on the official Burning of Zozobra website.
On the night of the event, the glooms are burned along with the effigy, turning thousands of individual submissions into a shared moment that marks the evening’s conclusion. Gloom submission is open to the public during lead-up events such as ZozoFest and through official collection methods announced each year. The process allows attendees to participate directly in the event even if they do not attend the burning itself.
Is the Burning of Zozobra family-friendly?
Families commonly attend the Burning of Zozobra, and children are present throughout the event. Parental supervision is recommended due to crowd size, sound levels, and the use of fire effects during the final portion of the evening.
For families seeking daytime or lower-intensity activities, ZozoFest provides a free alternative earlier in the week. ZozoFest includes art activities, music, and opportunities to see Zozobra up close without the evening crowds. Families attending the burning itself should plan ahead for seating, hearing protection if needed, and exit timing once the Burning of Zozobra concludes.
How long does the Burning of Zozobra last?
The Burning of Zozobra typically lasts several hours, beginning with gate entry in the late afternoon and ending after the burning later in the evening. The official program starts at 6 p.m., but the burning and collapse of Zozobra is the grand finale.
The event is designed as a gradual build, with music and coordinated performances leading into the burning. Exit times vary depending on crowd movement and traffic controls. Attendees should plan for an extended stay and allow additional time for departure, especially when returning to Albuquerque after the event.
How to Follow 2026 Updates as Plans Are Announced
Final schedules, ticketing details, safety guidelines, and accessibility information for the Burning of Zozobra 2026 will be released as planning progresses. Checking burnzozobra.com remains the most reliable way to track confirmed updates.
As the city prepares for another burning, Old Man Gloom will once again be built, filled, and ultimately set alight. The evening closes out one summer and clears space for the year ahead.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
