Spring in Santa Fe
Spring in Santa Fe brings the scent of mountain lilacs and flowering fruit trees in the air. While blustery weather--and even snow--still drop in from time to time, most days are sunny and warm enough for golf and other outdoor activities. It's a period of transition--the busy summer season is some weeks away, but the pace is leisurely and there are still special deals and packages available at many hotels. To find them, visit our specials page.
| But while winter is losing its grip on the city, it's a different story 5,000 feet higher in the nearby mountain peaks. This has been a spectacular year for winter sports with Ski Santa Fe receiving more early winter snow than almost anywhere else in the country. With more than a 50-inch base, spring skiing and snowboarding promise to be outstanding. The ski area usually closes in early April, but sometimes stays open longer if conditions and attendance merit it. Check SkiSantaFe.com for a firm closing date. Even after the ski lifts stop running, there is plenty of snow at the highest elevations and die-hard cross-country skiers and snowshoers will be out for several more weeks. During much of spring, it is perfectly possible to play in the snow in the morning and on the golf course in the afternoon.
Editors, writers, and visitors continue to choose Santa Fe as one of the world's top destinations. In 2011, the city was chosen as one of the 10 Best Vacation Spots for Traveling Boomers by the Huffington Post, one of the Ten Best Places to retire by US News and World Report, one of America's Favorite Cities in a number of categories by Travel + Leisure magazine, the third most popular travel city in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler, and one of the Top Ten Food and Wine Destinations by TripAdvisor, just to name a few accolades. For 2012 the Los Angeles Times suggested New Mexico / Santa Fe as one of 12 places to visit during the year. |  |
Art and culture, of course, are two of the prime reasons that visitors love Santa Fe and there are plenty of both in the spring months. This year marks 100 years of New Mexico statehood and there are a number of special events and exhibits that celebrate both history and artistry. Shutterbugs can find ongoing photo contests at getthepicture.newmexico.org. Put your own modern spin on a historic photo and win a chance at a $10,000 prize. There are art gallery openings almost every Friday and you can stroll from gallery to gallery on a couple of special Fridays each month. The Canyon Road galleries have an evening art walk on the fourth Friday of every month and the Railyard Art District sponsors a walk on the last Friday of each month while the galleries along and around Lincoln Street downtown hold special events the first Friday of each month.
Beginning April 3, American Eagle Airlines adds another daily round trip between Santa Fe and Dallas/Fort Worth for a total of three so it's easier than ever to get to Santa Fe. There is also a daily round trip between Santa Fe and Los Angeles.
Find everything you need to book a trip at SantaFe.org. While you're there, be sure to sign up for a chance to win a
Santa Fe-cation! Here are a few of the events coming up in spring. Check the website for updates.
Mar. 1-31: DIY Santa Fe. Stay in Santa Fe during Spring Break and spend time with local artists creating your own special work of art. Special workshops throughout the month offer a hands-on opportunity to experience Santa Fe's world-famous art scene on a personal level. Many fascinating workshops are available and the Inn and Spa at Loretto is featuring a special discount for participants.
SantaFeCreativeTourism.org
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Mar. 4-11 Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Sample special lunches and dinners at a different restaurant every day! This year 60 restaurants are participating, offering special fixed-price menus at significant discounts.
SantaFe.NMRestaurantWeek.com
Mar. 6 St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is rooted in Russian culture, but performs music from many genres. Presented by the Santa Fe Concert Association. Lensic.org Mar. 7 Los Lobos. The popular Hispanic rock band never fails to entertain. Lensic.org |  |
Mar. 9 The Comedy of Errors. The latest way to enjoy superb art and performance without actually being there--a live high-definition broadcast of the National Theater production.
Lensic.org
Mar. 11 Schola Cantorum and the Monks of Christ in the Desert Monastery. Don't miss this unusual opportunity to hear beautiful Medieval and Renaissance chants sung masterfully by the monks who live in nearby Abiquiu.
NMHistoryMuseum.org
Mar. 11 Red Star: Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble. Stirring music and dance from Russian traditions.
Lensic.org
Mar. 12 Matsukawa Kyougaku Taiko Drummers. These exciting drummers are touring the U. S. on an arigato (thank you) tour for assistance during last year's horrific tsunami.
AikidoNM.webs.com
Mar. 16-18 Belisama Irish Dance presents Rhythm of Fire. Both traditional and contemporary Irish dance will be featured in this high-energy show just in time for Saint Patrick's Day.
TicketsSantaFe.org
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Mar. 16-17 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. This well-known company returns to town with a new mix of their signature contemporary dance pieces. Lensic.org Mar. 17 Opera 201. Explore all the artistry that goes into an opera performance, from the singing voice to the world of props and costumes. SantaFeOpera.org Mar. 20 The Swingle Singers. No, not the same group you remember from the sixties, but a contemporary incarnation of virtuoso a cappella singers. Lensic.org Mar. 21-22 Banff Mountain Film Festival. Thrilling action, adventure, and environmental films from the annual festival. Lensic.org |  |
Mar. 25 Tessa Horan Ascension at Ski Santa Fe. This endurance event honors a Ski Santa Fe Ski Patrol member who died from a shark attach while serving in the Peace Corps in Tonga. Participants snowshoe or ski up the mountain, then ski or snowboard down a modified slalom course. This year's event benefits Assistance Dogs of the West.
SFPatrol.org
Mar. 30 She Stoops to Conquer. Another classic brought to life in a live broadcast from the National Theater.
Lensic.org
Mar. 31 JIN Japanese Cultural Festival. This year's theme is Pop Japan. There will be food, music, performances, games and activities. Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
SantaFeJIN.org
Mar. 31 Gladfelter Memorial Bump Contest at Ski Santa Fe. Skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities can get a kick out of this fun event.
SkiSantaFe.com
Apr. 7 Manon. Enjoy the Metropolitan Opera season in Santa Fe at this live, high-definition broadcast. These performances often sell out, so the live broadcast is at 11 a.m. and repeated on tape in the evening.
Lensic.org
Apr. 8 Ski Santa Fe Tentative closing date - check for updates.
SkiSantaFe.com
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Apr. 10 Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company. Santa Fe's own famous flamenco company dazzles audiences all over the world with contemporary and traditional dance. Lensic.org Apr. 11 Sierra Maestra. Cuban music is enjoying a revival and this group is at the heart of the movement. Lensic.org Apr. 14 La Traviata. Live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera in New York at 11 a.m., taped repeat in the evening. Lensic.org |  |
Apr. 17 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Encore. The compact, highly regarded contemporary company repeats its March performance.
Lensic.org
Apr. 19 Andrew Bird. This unorthodox violinist accompanies himself on a variety of instruments, sings, and even whistles.
Lensic.org
Apr. 20 New Mexico Jazz Festival: Charles Lloyd and Maria Farantouri. A remarkable collaboration between a jazz icon and a Greek classical singer.
Lensic.org
Apr. 22 Spring Inspiration. Soloists and a guest chorus join the Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus for a celebration of the season.
Lensic.org
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Apr. 28-29 La Tierra Torture. Competition and fun for all ages and abilities of mountain bike riders on trails north of Santa Fe. LaTierraTorture.com Apr. 28-29 Mozart with Santa Fe Pro Musica. Santa Fe Pro Musica chamber orchestra, presents works of the master. Lensic.org May 4 Songs and Stories IV: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin. Two Grammy-winning singers share their stories and their songs in an acoustic concert. Lensic.org May 20 Santa Fe Century. This early season 100-mile bike ride attracts riders from all over the region. It's not a race and riders of all abilities and ages can participate. There are 25 and 50-mile rides too. SantaFeCentury.com |  |
May 20 Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Grand Finale. The end of the season is celebrated with guest violinist Clara-Jumi Kang.
Lensic.org
May 23 The Taj Mahal Trio. Taj Mahal's music is inspired by American blues infused with a host of international sounds.
Lensic.org
May 26-27 Eighth Annual Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival. More than 200 master artists sell their work and there is music, food, and demonstrations. Presented by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture at the Santa Fe Convention Center.
NativeTreasures.org
June 2-3 Spring Festival and Children's Fair. Participate in the spring activities of a Spanish Colonial farm. There is food and activities for all ages.
Golondrinas.org
June 7-10 Thirsty Ear Music Festival. The city's popular roots-music festival features local and national acts at various venues.
ThirstyEarFestival.com
June 15-16 Buckaroo Ball. Yahoo, this fun event raises money for Santa Fe's at risk children. There are concerts, a ball, auctions, and a barn dance, all at the Railyard.
BuckarooBall.com
IN THE MUSEUMS
New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors. The popular exhibit, Illuminating the Word: The Saint John's Bible, has been extended until December 30, 2012. The Bible, a modern work of calligraphy and art has captivated visitors. There are a number of calligraphy demonstrations in conjunction with the exhibit. A number of changing exhibits and lectures celebrate New Mexico's first hundred years as an American state.
NMHistoryMuseum.org
New Mexico Museum of Art. There are several new exhibitions this spring. Treasures Seldom Seen opens March 2 with a number of the spectacular representational paintings that defined New Mexico art. Waterscapes, opening March 23, draws from the permanent photography collection images of water by New Mexico photographers. It's About Time: 14,000 Years of Art in New Mexico traces art in the state from the very earliest people to today. It opens May 11.
NMArtMuseum.org
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Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Currently, see a collection of the vibrant, contemporary paintings of Jaune Quick-to See Smith. Beginning on May 11, Georgia O'Keeffe and the Faraway: Nature and Image displays the artist's paintings of Southwestern landscape and photographs of the camping trips that often inspired her. OKeeffeMuseum.org Museum of International Folk Art. Young Brides, Old Treasures: Macedonian Embroidered Dresses an exhibit of the elaborate garments and jewelry worn by Macedonian women in a time of great change, 1890 to 1920. Folk Art of the Andes is a group of 850 objects from toys to religious items incorporating textiles, jewelry, metalwork, painting and carving. The Arts of Survival is a moving exploration of art in times of recent natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina and the Haitian earthquake. InternationalFolkArt.org |  |
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. They Wove for Horses: Diné Saddle Blankets opens March 25 and continues through August 25. The complex designs of these blankets, often decorated with silver, show how Diné women wove artistry into their everyday lives. Magarete Bagshaw: Breaking the Rules features the colorful paintings and sculptural objects of this contemporary artist. There are also several long-term and permanent exhibits.
IndianArtsandCulture.org
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Thunderbird Jewelry of Santo Domingo Pueblo includes 300 Thunderbird motif necklaces, earrings, pins and other items that were made for sale to tourists. Unable to obtain their traditional materials, the Native American artists used whatever they could find, including car battery casings and phonograph records to make these charming, whimsical folk art pieces.
Wheelwright.org
Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts. Until February 27, view New Mexico Collects: Private Treasures, an exhibition of rarely seen pieces loaned to the museum by private collectors. Opening March 23, New Deal Art: CCC Furniture and Tinwork explores the revival of traditional furniture and decorative arts during the Depression era.
SpanishColonialBlog.org
SUMMER PREVIEW
Of course, spring means that the busy summer season will be here before we know it. Here's a list of just a few of the major events to help you plan your visit. Check for updates at SantaFe.org
June 29 through August 25, Santa Fe Opera. Puccini's Tosca, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, Rossini's Maometto II, Szmanowski's King Roger, Richard Strauss's Arabella, all performed in the spectacular outdoor theater.
SantaFeOpera.org
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July 13-15, Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. This colorful and popular event brings artists and their creations from all over the world to Santa Fe. It benefits both the artists and their communities. Outdoors at Museum Hill. FolkArtMarket.org July 12-15, ART Santa Fe. Contemporary art from around the globe, cutting-edge installations, and emerging artists and dealers are what this art fair is all about. Santa Fe Convention Center. ArtSantaFe.com |  |
July 15 through August 20, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Top musicians and groups from all over the world perform in this series of concerts of both classical and contemporary music. Performances are at the Saint Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art or at the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts.
sfcmf.org
July 28-29 Spanish Market. This juried market showcases artists from the region who work in traditional Spanish Colonial art forms. There is weaving, carving, jewelry, tinwork, furniture, and more. Outdoors on the Plaza.
SpanishColonialBlog.org
August 2-5 SOFA West. Contemporary decorative arts and design are in the spotlight at this international show. Santa Fe Convention Center.
SOFAexpo.com
August 9-11 Whitehawk Invitational Antique Indian Art Show. This is one of the largest and most established shows for antique Native American art. Santa Fe Convention Center.
WhitehawkShows.com
| August 12-14, Whitehawk Ethnographic Art Show. More than 150 dealers bring ethnographic art from around the world. Santa Fe Convention Center. WhitehawkShows.com August 18-19, Santa Fe Indian Market. The largest market of its kind and Santa Fe's biggest event brings hundreds of master Native American artists to compete for prizes and sell their work. There are thousands of treasures including pottery, jewelry, carving, painting, weaving, and more. Outdoors on the Plaza. swaia.org |  |
