In August, Santa Fe continues to celebrate not only its heritage, but its values of artistic expression, inclusivity, and diversity. As you weave your way through several traditions important to the cultural fabric, you will be constantly reminded of the majestic and enriched beauty of The City Different. Here are several can't-miss events!
6th Annual Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival
August 10 & 11, 2024
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Just a 20-minute drive, Santa Fe's living history museum, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, hosts yet another enriching community event on its 200-acre property, once an official paraje or rest stop for travelers on the Camino Real. At the 2-day Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival, taste local eats and brews, and experience music and fun for the whole family.
Objects of Art Shows
Throughout August 2024
El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe & Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Set in the relaxed Railyard district at the illustrious El Museo de Cultural, come see the collection of American Indian and international tribal art not found anywhere else in the world at Objects of Art & American Indian/Tribal (August 8–11) and Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show (August 9–12). New for 2024, discover contemporary art by Indigenous artists from around the United States and Canada at Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary (August 15–18). Handpicked by expert exhibitors, discover paintings, sculpture, fine art, furniture, fashion, jewelry, textiles, and tribal, folk, American Indian, African, and Asian art from around the world. You are bound to leave with something very unique!
102nd Annual Santa Fe Indian Market
August 19 & 20, 2024
Historic Plaza, Santa Fe Community Convention Center
At the 102nd Annual Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious juried intertribal fine art market in the world, celebrate Native arts and culture for five straight days. Eight hundred of the “best of the best” Native artists from 250 Nations in the US and Canada come to Santa Fe to showcase their art in 10 juried mediums, including pottery, basketry, jewelry, painting, sculpture, wood carvings, and textiles. Plan to attend the Saturday and Sunday markets (free entry) on the Plaza to meet the artists and shop, and also consider attending other events, some of which are ticketed—a Gala, a live auction, art previews, live performances, the Native American Clothing Contest, and more. Our 9 Must-Have Experiences blog outlines what to do and our Indigenous Fashion blog offers history on the ever-popular Indigenous Fashion Show, celebrating its 10th year! Another exciting happening is the Free Indian Market, showcasing nearly 600 Native artists in grassy Federal Park.
33rd Annual Zia Regional Rodeo
August 23–25, 2024
Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds
The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association, whose mission is to foster the western lifestyle within the gay community, celebrates more than 30 years of gay rodeo in New Mexico with exciting animal-friendly, breakaway calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, flag race, pole bending, and the rough stock events of steer riding. Also, there's the highly entertaining, hilarious, and unpredictable Wild Drag Race (wigs, dresses, an uncooperative bull), which you have to see to believe! Come on out to the Zia Regional Rodeo, the second-largest LGBTQ event in Santa Fe and a great fundraiser for many state charitable organizations!
Shakespeare in the Garden & Sunset Concert Series
Throughout August
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Through Sunday, August 20, you'll have the opportunity to see Much Ado About Nothing during Shakespeare in the Garden, Thursdays to Sundays. Produced by Santa Fe Classic Theater, this production is even more lively performed in the Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands amphitheater. And the Sunset Concert Series continues with two August evenings. Tickets are required for both series. Consider arriving in advance to walk the gardens and/or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
Santa Fe Summer Scene
Through August 28, 2024
Venues throughout Santa Fe
Shiny Ribs at SWAN Park (Photo by Adrift A Dream Photography)
FREE music and movies continue through the entire month of August! Lensic 360 presents Santa Fe Summer Scene 2024! The outdoor concerts—ranging from rock and country, to Native American and jazz, to mariachi and folk—are absolutely free for all to enjoy at Santa Fe Plaza, Railyard Plaza, SWAN Park, and Reunity Resources through August 28. And the free flicks, shown at the grassy Railyard Park, light up the evenings!
More Music: Chamber Music Festival, Opera, Performance Santa Fe
through August 2024
Venues throughout Santa Fe
Come on out for the 51st season of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, where you'll hear the likes of Handel, Mahler, Beethoven, and Schubert performed by distinguished musicians and emerging talent through August 19. And through August 24, celebrate the 67th season of the Santa Fe Opera, one of America’s premier opera festivals. With five new productions (La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Righteous, Der Rosenkavalier, and The Elixir of Love) and not a bad seat in the house, the Santa Fe Opera is a sure bet for a memorable experience in The City Different. August 6 and 13, Performance Santa Fe continues with the 10th Anniversary of the Festival of Song at the Scottish Rite Temple.
Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.
