Gear up for a visit to Santa Fe County, one of the most spectacular and uniquely wonderful places on the planet. Rich in history, arts and culture, and brimming with outdoor adventures, this spectacular destination is where memories are made. Get outdoors and ski the Rockies or hike to your heart’s content. Hop on two wheels and ride through breathtaking scenery in the Santa Fe Century. Screen new films at the annual Santa Fe Film Festival. Learn about New Mexico’s riveting history in an award-winning winter lecture series, and tune in to “Travels With Darley,” a new podcast from Emmy award-winning PBS travel host Darley Newman, to hear about the exciting people and places that make this region so fascinating. All of this and more awaits you in Santa Fe County, where travelers keep coming back for extraordinary experiences.
Trails of Adventure
It’s a grand time of year to get out on scenic trails for excellent hiking and awesome mountain biking. The pathways are less crowded and the cold weather can be invigorating. Explore the Dale Ball Trails, a nearly 25-mile network of hiking and biking trails in the dramatic foothills of the Rockies. The Galisteo Basin Preserve is a paradise of meandering miles through scenic beauty, whether you’re on foot or riding two wheels. Set out on cross-country skis or snowshoes on the Norski Trail network or the Aspen Vista Trail, both in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A Ride to Remember
The annual Santa Fe Century is beloved by bicyclists of all ages and levels. The weekend celebration offers something for everyone. The longtime Sunday ride starts and ends in Santa Fe, and winds through the Ortiz Mountains, the Galisteo Basin and other breathtaking scenery. Ride options include the 106-mile timed Gran Fondo; the Half Century; and a 20-mile route. The Saturday Gravel Ride options include the 55-mile Gravelón and the 25-mile Gravelito on Rowe Mesa. Riders can fuel up at food stops along the way. Bike on!
Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19
Film Fiesta
With a focus on indie features, documentaries, international films, shorts, and many other genres, the long-running Santa Fe Film Festival celebrates the art of movies and movie-making. This year’s four-day event features more than 100 screenings, panels, and juried awards, along with Q&A panels, workshops, and other cinematic events.
Thursday April 25 through Sunday, April 28 in venues around town
Top Spot for Movie Makers
Santa Fe County has long been a mecca for movie makers and cinephiles. Its dramatic sunsets, striking landscapes and unique film locations are just some of the reasons that MovieMaker magazine named Santa Fe the number one place to live and work as a movie maker among small cities and towns. “The majestic wonder returns for the second consecutive year to the top of our list of Smaller Cities and Towns … we haven’t found another place with so many film opportunities per capita,” the magazine editors write, citing the Santa Fe Film Office’s key role in Santa Fe’s thriving film scene.
Living History
The premier living history museum of the Southwest, El Rancho de las Golondrinas is closed for the season until June, but that doesn’t mean great things aren’t happening.
Dr. Thomas Chavez talks about “The Diplomacy of Independence: Benjamin Franklin and Spain,” on Tuesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
Be sure to purchase your tickets early for these lectures, as they can sell out.
The museum kicks off its 2024 season with the 19th Annual Santa Fe Spring Festival, held Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Experience traditional New Mexico ranch activities such as sheep shearing, spinning and weaving and take in a fiber arts marketplace with local artisans and craft makers. Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Santa Fe Wine Festival on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7, and the 21st Annual Fiesta de los Niños on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 27, a family-fun event that brings history to life.
Group Getaways
Planning a family reunion, a wedding, or a group getaway? Book a group stay at one of our award-winning resorts, where natural beauty surrounds you. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is an ideal retreat for group stays, with luxury suites that offer separate living, dining and sleeping areas and expansive mountain views. The Adventure Center’s curated activities lead guests on amazing journeys, including hot air ballooning and exploring Bandelier National Monument.
Make memories with a group stay at Bishop's Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection—Santa Fe, named one of the top 10 hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Book your group in a two-or three-bedroom casita, handsomely outfitted with New Mexico-style vigas, kiva fireplaces and baskets and pottery by local artisans, or a 12-bedroom bunkhouse with vaulted ceilings and a two-story stone fireplace. Situated next to the Santa Fe National Forest, the resort is ideal for group getaways and romantic weddings. Onsite activities include horseback riding and al fresco art classes.
Travels with Darley Podcast
Tune in to “Travels with Darley,” a weekly podcast with Emmy-nominated PBS travel host Darley Newman. Discover Santa Fe County’s history, culture, and culinary hot spots as Darley explores the immersive art installation Meow Wolf; the themed adventure train Sky Railway with its co-owner George R.R. Martin; the serenity of Ten Thousand Waves Spa; and other fascinating people and places.
Zozobra Centennial
Zozobra turns 100 this year, and you can bet his birthday bash will be hot. It’s not too soon to start planning for the fiery demise of Old Man Gloom and all of the pageantry that goes with it—live music, a fire dancer, fireworks, and more. This beloved event takes place in Fort Marcy Park on Friday, August 30.
Upcoming Events
Celtic Royalty
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Irish way with Lúnasa, one of the most beloved Irish acoustic groups in the world. Folk Roots calls them the “Irish music dream team” and you can see why when you hear the beat of their Uilleann pipes, fiddles, flutes, whistles and other instruments. Their music is simply irresistible.
Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. at The Lensic Performing Arts Center
Marvelous Music
The Santa Fe Symphony is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season with an exciting calendar of events including “Italian Nights,” a program of romantic music that includes Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri Overture;” and Mendelssohn’s “Italian Symphony.”
Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m. at The Lensic Performing Arts Center
In Fashion
Celebrate the innovative and creative talent of Indigenous designers during Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week, presented by SWAIA Native Fashion. Marvel at the many creative and innovative fashions by designers and artists and presented by models, all from Native North America.
Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5
Crawdaddy Blues Fest
Celebrate Cajun food and foot-stomping blues during the annual Crawdaddy Blues Fest in Madrid, hosted by the Mine Shaft Tavern.
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19
Native Treasures
More than 200 Indigenous artists will gather in the Santa Fe Convention Center to showcase their pottery, jewelry, textiles, fashion and other museum-quality art work during the annual Native Treasures Art Market and Auction over Memorial Day weekend. The market features artists from pueblos and tribes working in traditional and contemporary styles as well as performances by musicians and dancers. Hosted by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
Saturday, May 27 through Sunday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find more Santa Fe County events here: santafenmtrue.com/events
