White Oaks Miner’s Day 2025

Each year in August, the living ghost town of White Oaks, New Mexico, hosts the White Oaks Miner’s Day celebration. Activities include a parade, an outhouse race, shopping and eating, live music performances, and multiple museums.

White Oaks became a boomtown in the late 1870s and early 1880s, shortly after the discovery of a rich gold deposit. The settlement quickly grew from a mining camp into a full-fledged town. The area was frequented by notable figures of the Wild West, such as Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and Dave Rudabaugh.

By the late 1890s, gold production slowed down, and the population began to dwindle. Now, the town is unincorporated, but has a small population of 10 – 20 people. My grandma’s family lived in White Oaks for a time, so it is extra special to me.

I had not previously visited the Miner’s Day, so I was extra excited for this visit to the town. I had arrived in Socorro fairly late the previous evening, so I ended up leaving town later than initially expected. I missed the parade, but got to check the area out! It was a beautiful day and I’m so glad I got myself out there!