The Santa Fe Kiwanis Club invites vocalists and instrumentalists from Albuquerque and across the state to audition for the 102nd Annual Burning of Zozobra.
The winner of this competition will perform the National Anthem live at Fort Marcy Park on September 4, 2026. This performance reaches a massive in-person crowd and a television and webcast audience of hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Auditions take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Santa Fe Convention Center. For Albuquerque-based talent, this is a premier opportunity to gain significant exposure and participate in one of New Mexico’s most iconic cultural traditions. Beyond the main stage in September, the audition process serves as a talent search for several other major regional celebrations throughout the year.
WHAT ARE THE AUDITION DETAILS FOR ZOZOBRA 102?
In short: Head to the Santa Fe Convention Center on July 25 for a 1 p.m. audition. The winner performs at Zozobra on September 4, while runners-up are booked for high-profile events like New Year’s Eve on the Santa Fe Plaza and the Wine and Chile Festival.
- Audition Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
- Time: 12:30 p.m. (Performers must arrive promptly to check in)
- Location: Santa Fe Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St., Santa Fe, NM
- Eligibility: Open to soloists, choirs, and instrumental performers.
- Requirements: Ability to perform the National Anthem and navigate stage stairs.
- Travel: The venue is approximately one hour north of Albuquerque via I-25.
WHY SHOULD ALBUQUERQUE ARTISTS AUDITION?
- Massive Reach: This is one of the few platforms in the Southwest that offers simultaneous live, televised, and digital broadcast exposure to a global audience.
- Performance Pipeline: The Kiwanis Club selects runners-up to perform at other major events, including the City of Santa Fe’s July 4th and New Year’s Eve festivities.
- Support a Mission: The Burning of Zozobra has generated $2.5 million for community youth programs, making this a performance with a direct social impact.
PARTICIPATE IN THE ANTHEM SEARCH
For Albuquerque musicians, this audition represents a chance to perform at one of New Mexico’s most visible public events. Prepare a respectful, high-energy rendition of the National Anthem that fits the scale of a 50-foot puppet burn. Be sure to review the history of Will Shuster’s Zozobra to understand the “Spirit of ’76” theme for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra event before meeting the judges.
ZOZOBRA NATIONAL ANTHEM AUDITIONS FAQs
The Santa Fe Convention Center is located in downtown Santa Fe, about a 60-minute drive from Albuquerque. Most performers take I-25 North to the St. Francis Drive exit and head toward downtown. If you prefer to avoid parking stress, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express serves the Santa Fe Depot, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the Convention Center. Given the 1 p.m. start time, allow extra time for the walk from the station or to find space in the nearby underground parking garage.
Yes. The audition process acts as a talent pipeline for several major regional events. The first runner-up serves as the official backup for Zozobra and performs at the City of Santa Fe’s New Year’s Eve celebration. The second runner-up is invited to perform for the July 4th festivities on the Santa Fe Plaza. Third and fourth runners-up are able to perform for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival. This ensures that talented musicians from across the state receive valuable performance slots even if they are not selected for the September 4 burn.
The judges are seeking a powerful and respectful rendition of the National Anthem that can resonate across a large outdoor venue. Whether you are a solo singer, a full choir, or an instrumentalist like a trumpeter, you must convey the energy and solemnity required to open the Burning of Zozobra. It is important to remember that this performance sets the stage for a ritual of renewal and hope. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the Zozobra tradition and its impact on the community can help your audition stand out.
Absolutely. Auditions are not limited to vocalists. Instrumentalists, ranging from solo guitarists to brass players, are encouraged to try out. The primary requirement is that the anthem is performed in its entirety and maintains a professional, ceremonial tone. All performers must be able to navigate the stairs leading to the Zozobra stage at Fort Marcy Park. If you have a unique musical arrangement, the July 25 audition is the time to showcase how it can enhance the 102nd annual event.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe typically contacts the winner and the runners-up within a few days following the July 25 tryouts. The selected anthem performer will then work with the Zozobra production team to coordinate logistics for the live broadcast on September 4, 2026. This includes details regarding sound checks, arrival times at Fort Marcy Park, and broadcast cues. For Albuquerque artists, being selected is a major career milestone that places your work in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers.
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