Endless turquoise skies await you in Santa Fe County, with lovely weather, alpine wildflowers and a sensational line-up of art markets, world-class opera and other exciting events. You won't find a more delightful destination for families, couples, friends and anyone else seeking seasonal fun. Add in exceptional spa experiences, immersive train adventures and an array of fun-filled festivals and things to do and and you'll agree, there's no better place to be this summer than right here. The only thing missing is you!
Spa Sojourns
Relax and recharge at some of the world's best spas in a region long known as a sanctuary for body, mind and spirit. Unwind in the enchanting spring-fed waters at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, or soak in hot tubs nestled in alpine mountains at the Japanese-style Ten Thousand Waves. Rejuvenate in Southwest-style surroundings with regionally inspired treatments at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage and other treatments at Stream Dance Spa at Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection–Santa Fe. With so many unique spa experiences in Santa Fe County, you're guaranteed to find your bliss.
All Aboard!
Take a thrilling ride on Sky Railway, an immersive adventure train that travels the tracks between the historic railroad town of Lamy and downtown Santa Fe. The owners, including acclaimed novelist George R.R. Martin, have dreamed up an array of themed train rides such as the Wild West Express, a journey into the Old West with horse chases and gunfights. Relax on the Sunset Serenade listening to live jazz as the setting sun paints the sky with brilliant colors. Take a celestial trip on The Stargazer and ride out into New Mexico’s deep, dark, star-studded night. No matter which train tour you choose, it's an adventure to remember.
Music in the Mountains
For a magical evening of music and song, take a seat at the Santa Fe Opera, one of the world's acclaimed summer opera festivals. The breathtaking setting in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is just as dramatic as the performances onstage. This year, the Santa Fe Opera's 65th Festival Season runs from July 1 through August 27 with five new productions, including the world premiere of M. Butterfly and the company's first ever presentation of Tristan und Isolde. The season also features some of opera's greatest hits—Carmen, The Barber of Seville and Falstaff. Savor a longtime Santa Fe Opera tradition, pre-performance tailgating in the parking lot.
EVENTS JUNE
Folk Art at the Fairgrounds
Find fabulous folk art, donated from around the world, at the 11th Annual Folk Art Flea at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. The sale of gently used and reasonably priced sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and a dizzying selection of other items, is presented by Friends of Folk Art to support education and exhibition programs of the Museum of International Folk Art. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., June 11.
Lavender Love
Celebrate the fragrant flowering herb at the 14th Annual Santa Fe Herb and Lavender Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Meet local farmers and artisans selling lavender and other herb products, enjoy live music, food, craft beer and more family-fun events. June 18-19.
Farmers' Fare
Pick up a breakfast burrito or the fixings for a picnic or gourmet meal at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. The rich bounty of local summer foods includes a huge variety of greens and tomatoes, cherries, peaches and bushels of other fruit, organic beef, buffalo, lamb and poultry, artisan cheese and chocolate, and the list just goes on. Held Saturdays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Santa Fe Railyard.
Pride Power
Santa Fe Pride Week, a celebration of Santa Fe's diverse LGBTQ community, kicks off on Sunday, June 19 with the Opening T-Dance at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery (1-5 p.m.), followed by parties, dances, drag shows, political events and more. The big parade begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, making its way from the PERA Building to the Santa Fe Plaza for a festival that lasts until 4 p.m.
Cutting-edge Art
The 13th Annual CURRENTS New Media Festival draws artists and collectors from around the world, as well as families seeking fun. The countywide festival showcases installations, multimedia performances, animation, robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality and many other cutting-edge art forms. Hosted by Parallel Studios, the festival features intriguing, interactive works by more than 80 New Media artists from around the world. June 17-26.
JULY
Salud!
The 28th Annual Santa Fe Wine Festival celebrates the winemakers and wines of New Mexico, the oldest wine-growing region in the country. Sample award-winning wines from around the state and enjoy live music and food at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the Southwest's premiere living history museum. July 2-3.
Folk Art Extravaganza
A dazzling pageantry of color, crafts, and creativity, the International Folk Art Market gathers more than 150 artists from 53 countries to Museum Hill to sell their unique folk art, including textiles, jewelry and apparel. You'll meet the artists, learn about their work and where they live, and enjoy live world music and global cuisines. July 10-12.
Cultural Traditions
Traditional Spanish Market, held on the Santa Fe Plaza, showcases jewelry, weaving, tin work, devotional arts and other traditional Spanish Colonial arts and crafts made by hundreds of area Hispanic artists. Enjoy art demonstrations, live music, dancing and regional fare. The Contemporary Hispanic Market takes place simultaneously, featuring work by New Mexico Hispanic artists.
July 30-31.
Music in the Park
Visit Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood to see elk, mountain lions, black bears, great horned owls and other native rescued wildlife in a 122-acre wildlife refuge park and enhanced zoo, run by the New Mexico Wildlife Association. The summer music festivals, with area bands and raptor shows, are fun for the whole family. July 2, 16 and 30, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Find all the information you need to plan your summer visit in the new Santa Fe County Travel Guide on our website, SantaFeNMTrue.com, and be sure to follow us on social media.