Top 7 Santa Fe Events and Festivals

Everyone needs a getaway every once in a while. If you’re hoping to add a dash of art and culture to your upcoming vacation, one of the best places to find this is Santa Fe, New Mexico. This family-friendly and art-filled destination is historically known as the hot spot to discover art of all shapes and sizes including art shows, performances, fiestas and more. Before you get your travel agent on the phone, check out these recurring events happening in Santa Fe to see which one sounds like the best option for you to visit.

Art Festivals and Markets

Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival

If you’re hoping to witness high-quality and professional art featured from a variety of artists far and wide, then this is a must-see. The Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival not only showcases art to look at but features pieces that can also be purchased. Each contributing artist has been hand-selected and invited by the members of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC). Once the pieces have been displayed and admired, most of the art is then permanently hung in the Santa Fe Convention center for all to view.

International Folk Art Market

Gaining cultural knowledge through art is more than possible at this international market which can be found on Museum Hill. Watch in awe as you view the largest art show and international folk art market in the world. At the International Folk Art Market, you’ll have the opportunity to view pieces such as paintings, portraits, and more by over 150 artists. Once you’ve checked out the different artwork, you can then listen to musicians, snack on different types of food, and mingle with visitors from all over the world. All of the art is available for purchase. Even better, most of the artists will use the profits they have made from the market to donate to different institutions and organizations such as medical facilities, schools, and various cultural groups.

Art Santa Fe

Head on over to the Santa Fe Convention Center if you’re searching for art that can be viewed, worn, and bought. The art found at this show features pieces that are newer and created in a variety of different areas in and outside of the U.S. such as South America, Japan, and Europe. Whether you’re searching for a new necklace, photo, or sculpture, this fair has what you’re looking for. Wondering how these creative artists design and build such beautiful works of art? You can stop by a showing of their feature presentation called “How Things Are Made” where you learn the artistic secrets of different pieces and discover how you can create these different designs for yourself.

Music and Theatrical Performances

Santa Fe Opera

If you’re a music and/or theatre lover, why not take a trip to the opera and catch a show or two? Located only a few miles outside of Santa Fe is a collection of musicians, performers, and crew members who join together every summer to create performances onstage unlike any other. The two month season consists of five operas. Whether you’re in the mood for shows that are traditional or newer, the Santa Fe opera house has everything you’re looking for. Every year in the gorgeous amphitheater you’ll find a well-known contemporary or classic show that will help you escape to a different time or place as you lose yourself in one of their engaging performances.

Santa Fe Spanish Market

One of the beauties of visiting New Mexico is getting a taste of Spanish culture. The best place to find that is at the annual Spanish Market. This event, which is over 60 years old, is where you can find numerous Hispanic artists that have created different pieces that go above and beyond paintings, drawings, or crafts. They’ve created work such as furniture, weavings, and figures that have been hand-carved. Take a break from the vast amount of art by indulging in live music and food found throughout the rest of the market.

Fiestas

Santa Fe Fiesta

Who doesn’t love to celebrate? The Santa Fe Fiesta in historic downtown offers you the chance to celebrate historic culture as you join in on a fiesta that has taken place since the year 1712. Experience coming together as you witness different festivities and traditions from cultures like Spanish, Western, and Native American. You’ll also get the chance to attend both wacky and sincere cultural events. This is a week filled with unique and engaging experiences for every person attending. It’s chock full of different theatrical shows, dancing, showcased art, and parades.

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

What better way to celebrate with new and old friends than with food and wine? The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta includes drinks, meals, and snacks from 80 different Santa Fe restaurants as well as the finest wines from in 100 different vineyards in both New Mexico and throughout the nation. This wine has been made to pair with various meals in New Mexico, so you won’t be afraid to mix and match your meals with your beverages. Not only are you able to eat a variety of different foods, but you can also attend wine classes, auctions, chef demonstrations, and more. There have even been featured foodie celebrities who have been known to appear at this festival.

Picking the Right Event For You

When it comes to selecting the perfect event in Santa Fe, you really can’t go wrong with any of these festivals. Pick a month or two that may work with your schedule and head to one of these exciting and unique experiences. You never know what each event may have in store.