Courtyard Santa Fe

Annual Santa Fe Events & Festivals

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The vibrant city of Santa Fe was voted one of the “Top 10 Food and Wine Destinations in the U.S.” by the millions of TripAdvisor members. With an admirable reputation around the country, don’t miss our annual Santa Fe events and festivals that occur all year long!

During your stay at the Courtyard Santa Fe, we invite you to experience our lively city, offering many Santa Fe events for our visitors. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or here for an extended vacation, don’t miss our amazing Santa Fe events that happen all year long. From ARTfeast at a Santa Fe Gallery to markets at the Santa Fe Plaza, enjoy our culturally-rich city! For more information, please visit the Santa Fe Visitors Bureau.

January

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Santa Fe Souper Bowl – Santa Fe Convention Center
With 27 restaurants in attendance, don’t miss this Santa Fe event each January! Last year, the Santa Fe Souper Bowl raised over $83,000 for hunger-relief in Santa Fe, due to the 1,200 guests who supported the cause.

February

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ARTfeast – Santa Fe galleries
ARTfeast takes place at a handful of Santa Fe galleries, coupling fine art with delicious food prepared by local chefs. Held in late February, ARTfeast raises money to support art programs for Santa Fe’s public schools. Today, ARTfeast has grown to a weekend of artful events with culinary delights and drinks.

 

March

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Santa Fe Restaurant Week – Santa Fe Restaurants
Santa Fe Restaurant Week is always bigger and better than ever, with close to 60 restaurants participating, including our very own Castle Ranch Steakhouse! Reservations are highly recommended.

 

May

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Civil War Weekend
Learn about New Mexico’s role in the United States Civil War with re-enactments of the battles at Glorieta Pass and Apache Canyon near Santa Fe. This annual weekend includes military drills, cannon firings, and more.

Eldorado Studio Tour
May 18-20, 2012
Explore more than 90 artist studios with this art tour close to Santa Fe. Featuring an impressive array of art work, including stained glass, digital art, fiber arts, & photography, visitors can view and buy art pieces from the tour.

Native Treasures Indian Art Festival – Santa Fe Community Convention Center
May 26-27, 2012
Shop beautiful jewelry and other art pieces made by more than 180 established and emerging artists from Native American pueblos and tribes. Traditionally scheduled during a late May weekend, this Santa Fe festival benefits the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and includes a preview and benefit cocktail party on Friday.

Santa Fe Century
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Cycle through the ageless beauty of northern New Mexico, where miles of history pass under your wheels. The annual Santa Fe Century draws more than 2,500 bicyclists for an unforgettable 100-mile ride down the historic Turquoise Trail, across the Ortiz and San Pedro Mountains, into sleepy Galisteo, and back to Santa Fe. Riders can opt for journeys of 25, 50 and 75 miles too. This Santa event takes place on the third Sunday in May.

June

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Rodeo de Santa Fe – Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds
June 22-25, 2012
From barrel racing to bull riding, this annual Santa Fe rodeo is held in late June. Since 1949, it’s been roping the hearts of cowboys and rodeo fans since this special Santa Fe event began. Aimed at families, there’s a Mutton Bustin’ event for kids, a carnival midway, a parade, and plenty of food and souvenirs. Don’t forget to wear your ten-gallon hats and custom cowboy boots too!

Santa Fe Pride – Railyard Plaza
June 17-26, 2012
Taking place every June, the annual Gay Pride Celebration is a Santa Fe festival that brings together gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their friends and families. Festivities include a parade, information and networking booths, and an art show and sale featuring work that reflects the GLBT community.

The Santa Fe Opera – The Santa Fe Opera House
June 29 – August 25, 2012
Join us for an exciting 2012 season at The Santa Fe Opera! The Santa Fe Opera House will feature 5 new productions, including 3 new performances to The Santa Opera. The season opens with Tosca, featuring the American premiere of the renowned soprano, Amanda Echalaz. Bizet’s stunning opera, The Pearl Fishers, will be performed for the first time in Santa Fe, NM. The 2012 season also features the world premiere of the new critical edition of Rossini’s Maometto II, with rising Italian bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni in the title role. Returning to Santa Fe after appearing as the Count in The Marriage of Figaro in 2008, Mariusz Kwiecien will sing the title role as Szymanowski’s King Roger in his native language, Polish. And, last but not least, Strauss returns to Santa Fe after a hiatus of 5 years with Erin Wall in the title role of Arabella.

July

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Art Santa Fe – Santa Fe Convention Center
July 12-15, 2012
This celebrated Santa Fe art fair brings together art collectors, artists, and representatives from more than 50 galleries around the world. The event showcases work by acclaimed masters as well as emerging artists.

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market – Milner Plaza on Museum Hill
July 13-15, 2012
Every July, artists from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe travel to Santa Fe to sell their weavings, woodcarvings, pottery, paintings, beadwork, and jewelry at the country’s largest international folk art market. Whatever language you speak, this Santa Fe Folk Art Market offers inspiration with a wide array of creativity from around the world. And, there’s no better place to host the market than Santa Fe, the only place in the U.S. designated by U.N.E.S.C.O. as a Creative City of Design & Folk Art.

Pancakes on the Plaza – Santa Fe Plaza
July 4, 2012
It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July in Santa Fe without a plate of hot pancakes to enjoy at the Santa Fe Plaza. Also including live music, dancing, kid’s entertainment, art booths, and a cool car show, end the day watching a fireworks display at the Santa Fe High School.

Santa Fe Wine Festival – El Rancho de las Golondrinas
July 7-8, 2012
New Mexico is the country’s oldest wine-producing region, inviting you to savor a glass of Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier or other varietals than our annual wine festival in early July. You can purchase bottles to take home from more than a dozen New Mexico vintners. There’s also live music, food, and handmade arts and crafts for sale as well.

Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show – San Juan, New Mexico
Fans of Native American art and culture adore this annual Santa Fe event, held in mid-July at Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo). Hundreds of artists from pueblos and tribes around the country gather to celebrate their heritage, selling an amazing array of arts and crafts and participating in ceremonial dances. Founded in 1972, this popular Santa Fe festival draws crowds who appreciate that it’s organized by Native Americans and held on Pueblo land.

Traditional Spanish Market – Santa Fe Plaza
July 27-29, 2012
A popular Santa Fe event, the Traditional Spanish Market features an impressive collection of santos, tinwork, textiles, & furniture, all hand-crafted by New Mexican artists using traditional tools and techniques. This annual Santa Fe event takes place in late July on the Santa Fe Plaza, while the winter market occurs in December in downtown Santa Fe.

Contemporary Hispanic Market – Lincoln Avenue
July 27-29, 2012
The Contemporary Hispanic Market is the largest Hispanic art event in the country, featuring innovative work by more than 100 artists drawing. Showcasing Hispanic heritage and New Mexico traditions, this summer market is held on Lincoln Avenue near the Santa Fe Plaza at the same time the Traditional Spanish Market in July.

Lavender and Herb Fair – El Rancho de las Golondrinas
July 28-29, 2012
When the lavender flowers bloom around the historic museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas, it’s time for the annual Lavender and Herb Fair in July. If you’re a lavender lover, this is the Santa Fe event for you. You’ll learn all about the herb, from culinary to medicinal use.

August

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SOFA WEST: Santa Fe 2012 – Santa Fe Community Convention Center
August 2-5, 2012
Recognized as the nation’s premier fairs for outstanding contemporary arts and design in New York and Chicago, the 2012 SOFA’s Western edition returns to the Santa Fe Convention Center in August.

Mountain Man Trade Fair and Rendezvous – Palace of the Governors Courtyard
Experience mountain life during this annual celebration of 19th-century life in New Mexico. Held in early August, buy authentic and reproduced items from people dressed up in 19th-century clothing. Enjoy live music from the era, while your family participates in games and activities.

Wheelwright Museum Benefit Auction – Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Held in late August, this annual auction benefits the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. The Santa Fe event features historic and contemporary Native American art, while guests enjoy silent and live auctions.

Whitehawk Antique Shows – Santa Fe Community Convention Center
August 9-14, 2012
This annual set of antique shows is held mid-August, becoming a popular Santa Fe event for serious collectors and browsers alike. Beginning with 3 days of the Annual Antique Ethnographic Art Show, the show features ethnographic and tribal art from around the world, and is followed by 3 days of the Annual Invitational Antique Indian Art Show.

Santa Fe Indian Market – Santa Fe Plaza
August 18-19, 2012
Don’t miss this internationally-famous market, held at the end of August. If you’re a fan of Native American art and culture, this is the Santa Fe event for you! With 1,000+ artists selling their pottery, weaving, jewelry, and basketry, enjoy a variety of art on the Santa Fe Plaza. Enjoy fry bread, roasted corn, and Navajo tacos as you enjoy Pueblo dances, live music, and shopping. Get there early – this Santa Fe market typically draws 100,000 visitors from around the world!!

Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival – Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds
August 24-26, 2012
A Santa Fe festival in late August, dance the weekend away during the Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival in Santa Fe. Featuring all kinds of musicians who have mastered the bluegrass banjo, mandolin, clawhammer, and fiddle, you can’t miss this lively Santa Fe event, sponsored by the Southwest Pickers.

September

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Santa Fe Renaissance Fair – El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Bursting with entertainment, join the cheerful crowds as you watch jousting, sword fighting, and Celtic games. Buy shields, blades, and cloaks from vendors while feasting on turkey legs during this mid-September Santa Fe fair!

Burning of Zozobra and Santa Fe Fiesta – Santa Fe Plaza and various venues
Occurring in mid-September, the streets are filled with joyous shouts during “Viva la Fiesta”, the oldest community event in the United States. The week-long festivities honor the reoccupation of Santa Fe led by Don Diego de Vargas in 1692, a dozen years after the Pueblo Indian Revolt. Beginning with the Burning of Zozobra, the fiesta rids everyone’s troubles from the past year. In addition, guests embrace music, dance, food, a Children’s Pet Parade, religious ceremonies, and more. Blending cherished traditions and joy, Fiesta is a favorite time for visitors and locals alike!

Pilar Studio Tour – Pilar, NM (about 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Santa Fe via US 84/285 to NM 68)
Early September
A charming village along the Rio Grande, the Pilar Studio Tour comprises of a dozen of artists who make pottery, wearable art, paintings, and more. They invite you to visit their workspaces and view their creations.

Pojoaque River Art Tour – Pojoaque River Valley (16 miles north of Santa Fe via US 84/285, in Pojoaque Pueblo and along County Road 84)
Mid-September
The Pojoaque River Art Tour takes place in the scenic Pojoaque River Valley, an old farming community 16 miles north of Santa Fe. Nearly 20 artists open their studios, including residents of Pojoaque and San Ildefenso pueblos.

High Road to Taos Art Tour
Last Two Weekends in September
A 105-mile back-country route between Santa Fe and Taos, the High Road to Taos extends from Chimayo to Vadito, taking you to galleries and studios of artisans along the way. With nearly 60 stops, this tour offers woodcarvings, paintings, jewelry, wind chimes and more.

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta- Various venues in Santa Fe
September 26-30, 2012
Devoted to the fruitful pairing of wine and chile, this annual fiesta has become a favorite with food and wine connoisseurs across the country. Occurring in late September, this Santa Fe event features more than 110 wineries and nearly 50 Santa Fe chefs participating in seminars, cooking demonstrations, guest chef luncheons, winemaker dinners, the famous Grand Food & Wine Tasting, and the Gruet Golf Classic.

Pecos Studio Tour – Pecos, NM (about 20 minutes southeast of Santa Fe off I-25)
September 29-30, 2012
Drive a mere 20 minutes from Santa Fe to the tranquil village of Pecos, where you can visit with about 20 artists in their open studios. You’ll enjoy paintings, ceramics, tinwork, jewelry, wearable art, and more.

October

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Santa Fe Film Festival
For 10 years, the Santa Fe Film Festival occurred in early December. In 2010, it was moved to October, continuing to showcase films made in the Southwest, independent American-made narrative films, films made outside the U.S., documentaries, and art films celebrating the creative spirit. With a full schedule of workshops, panels, parties, and awards, the Santa Fe Film Festival has become a spirited and popular film event, attracting professionals and fans alike.

Harvest Festival – El Rancho de las Golondrinas
October 6-7, 2012
A living history museum dedicated to the heritage and culture of Spanish Colonial New Mexico, celebrate the harvest during this annual Santa Fe festival in early October. Held at the El Rancho de las Golondrinas, learn to string chile ristras, crush wine grapes by foot, and grind sorghum with the help of burros. Enjoy tortillas cooked on a comal while buying arts and crafts from local artisans. Bring the whole family to this annual Santa Fe festival, honoring New Mexico’s vibrant culture.

El Rito Studio Tour – El Rito, NM (about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest of Santa Fe on NM 544 off US 84)
October 13-14, 2012
Situated about an hour’s drive northwest of Santa Fe, meet more than 25 artists who live and work in this quiet village that was an early Spanish settlement. The annual studio tour features everything from blacksmithing, fiber arts, and pottery to santos and retablos.

Abiquiú Studio Tour – Abiquiú (US Highway 84/285 - 18 miles northwest of Española)
Columbus Day Weekend
With more than 70 artists, visitors are welcomed into copious studios during this annual tour. Featuring golden cottonwoods and breathtaking mountain vistas, the Chama River Valley is a work of art during the fall season. You’ll see paintings, weavings, furniture, traditional Spanish Colonial art, and much more as you explore the historical spot where Georgia O’Keeffe once lived and worked.

Galisteo Studio Tour – Galisteo, NM (25 miles south of Santa Fe off Highway 285)
Third Weekend in October
Meet & greet over 30 artists living in beautiful old adobe village of the Galisteo basin. You’ll enjoy a wide range of work in these open studios, including photography, painting, pottery, sculpture, and weaving. Walk below towering cottonwoods and feast on traditional New Mexican fare during this Santa Fe art tour.

November

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Dixon Studio Tour – Dixon, NM (about 45 minutes north of Santa Fe on Highway 75, just east of Highway 68)
First Weekend in November
Nestled in the stunning Embudo Valley, Dixon is home to a lively group of more than 50 artists who open their studios for the annual art studio tour in November. You’ll uncover everything from painting, photography, and jewelry to stoneware, wearable art, herbal bath, beauty products, handmade chocolates, local wines, and roving musicians. As you walk studio to studio, enjoy traditional Southwest foods in this picturesque village.

La Cienega Studio Tour – La Cienega, NM (about 10 miles southwest of Santa Fe off I-25)
November 24-25, 2012
More than 30 artists open their studios for this annual art tour southwest of Santa Fe. You’ll find painting and photography as well as fiber arts, sculpture, glass, and jewelry.

Santa Fe Indian Market Winter Showcase – Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Begin your holiday shopping over Thanksgiving Weekend with treasures created by Native American artists from around the country. Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the same producers of Indian Market in August, this winter event features one-of-a-kind pieces by acclaimed Native artists. A special sneak preview takes place on Friday evening.

December

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Contemporary Hispanic Winter Market – Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Here is where statewide Artists showcase their work to the casual and serious collector. In addition, visitors have the rare opportunity to meet some of its most respected Hispanic Artists currently producing art in New Mexico today. With face-to-face meetings, we are committed to showcasing original paintings, printmaking, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, weaving, and much more.

Las Posadas – Palace of the Governors
Every December, this Santa Fe event celebrates the holiday season with a traditional Spanish play of Mary and Joseph searching for lodgings in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. The characters set off from the Palace of the Governors, joined by crowds from the community.

Canyon Road Farolito Walk – Canyon Road and neighboring streets
Christmas Eve
Celebrate the holiday season with the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lighting up the hearts and souls of the crowds who walk this famous path every Christmas Eve. Small, sand-filled bags contain votive candles that softly glow on this enchanting night as they line neighborhood streets and adobe walls. Carolers sing for joy as they warm themselves around small bonfires during the night.