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!


5th Annual Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival

August 5 & 6, 2023
El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Beer and Food Festival

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 & The American Indian/Tribal Santa Fe

August 1013, 2023
El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe

Objects of Art and American Indian/Tribal Art Show V2

Set in the relaxed Railyard district at the illustrious El Museo de Cultural, the Objects of Art & The American Indian/Tribal Santa Fe "offers a global melding of the world’s best antiquities and fine art ranging from historic to contemporary." 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!


45th Annual Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show

August 11–14, 2023
Santa Fe Community Convention Center

Whitehawk

The Santa Fe tradition of the Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show continues in its 45th year with nearly 100 of the world’s most knowledgeable experts showcasing thousands of select historic art objects from indigenous cultures, such as the finest textiles, pottery, basketry, woodcarving, beadwork, and more. Tickets are required: There's an Early Buyer event Friday from noon to 4 pm ($200) and then a Benefit Preview, 6 to 9 pm ($100)! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 or $30 for the 3-day run of show. You don't want to miss the well-curated, high-quality items featured in gallery-like settings.


101st Annual Santa Fe Indian Market

August 16–20, 2023
Historic Plaza, Santa Fe Community Convention Center

Native American Clothing Contest

At the 101st 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.


32nd Annual Zia Regional Rodeo

August 25–27, 2023
Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds

Zia Rodeo

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

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 31, 2023
Venues throughout Santa Fe

Plaza music

FREE music and movies continue through the entire month of August! Lensic360 presents Santa Fe Summer Scene 2023! 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 31. And the free flicks, shown at the grassy Railyard Park, light up the evenings of August 12 and 26!


More Music: Chamber Music Festival, Opera, Performance Santa Fe

through August 2023
Venues throughout Santa Fe

Santa Fe Chamber Festival

Come on out for the 50th season of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, where you'll hear the likes of Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart, performed by distinguished musicians and emerging talent through August 21. And through August 26, celebrate the 66th season of the Santa Fe Opera, one of America’s premier opera festivals. With five new productions (Tosca, Flying Dutchman, Rusalka, Orfeo, and Pelléas et Mélisande) 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.