Festivals Throughout the Year in Santa Fe, NM

At the start of the new year, this is the best time to think about travel plans. Santa Fe offers events and festivals all year ‘round. Some of these festivals are related to art, some to celebrations of food and drink, some to music, and some are staged to celebrate Native culture or other ethnic cultures. In truth, there are so many Santa Fe, New Mexico activities and festivals offered, that it might be hard to choose which sounds most appealing, but a few of the most popular are described below.

Santa Fe Indian Market

For almost 100 years, this festival has been staged as a celebration of Native artists from around the region, from other parts of the U.S., and even from Canada. The works of more than 1,000 artists are on display at this festival, which routinely attracts at least 150,000 visitors from all around the globe. A particular highlight of this festival is that visitors have the opportunity to mingle and converse with the actual artists and make all purchases directly from the originator of the artwork.

Santa Fe Fiesta

The Santa Fe Fiesta is the oldest perpetually staged community festival in this country, dating all the way back to 1712! Presented during the early days of September, this Fiesta is a week-long appreciation of dance, music, arts, theater, and parades, featuring traditions of Spanish, Native American, and Western culture. One of the highlights of the week is a ceremonial burning of Zozobra, which is a huge marionette made out of paper and is intended to banish worry and anxieties from all the observers and participants.

ART Santa Fe

In mid-February, this festival is conducted as a celebration of art, wine, food, homes, and fashions, with all proceeds being distributed to local schools and their art programs. Altogether, the festival lasts three weekend days, beginning with a fashion show, progressing to tours of local galleries and restaurants, and concluding with a tour of some of the area's most remarkable residences. The downtown Santa Fe event also includes an auction and luncheon/dinner with local artists.

National Treasures Indian Arts Festival

One of the Santa Fe, New Mexico activities you won't want to miss is this festival, which is the only show offering museum-quality artwork for sale. Each of the 200 artists in attendance has been specially invited by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, as a representative of the best-in-class types of Indian artwork throughout the region.

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

This is considered the largest show and sale of global artwork offered anywhere in the world, and the 150 artists are all foreign to U.S. shores. Run every year in mid-July, this festival is an eclectic gathering of artists, food, musicians, and cultures from the international community, rather than from any distinctly American origin. Most of the artists in attendance earn the majority of their annual income directly from this festival, so it's as important to them as it is to appreciative guests.