We’re gearing up for a spectacular summer in Santa Fe County, with adventures on the road and the river that will leave you breathless. Explore the High Road to Taos and experience the thrills of a river rafting adventure, fuel up with award-winning cuisine on a prime patio with magnificent high-mountain desert views. Then, visit an outdoor origami-inspired sculpture garden and shop for unique treasures at three acclaimed art markets that are unlike anything else in the world. We’ve got a great list of don’t miss-events below. With so many amazing things to do and see this summer in Santa Fe County, you may find yourself making multiple visits.
Day Trippin' on the High Road to Taos
Traditions run deep on the High Road to Taos, which winds through dramatic mountains with sweeping views. This journey leads to Chimayó, settled by the Spanish in the 17th century. This small village of plazas and placitas, orchards and chile fields is home to El Santuarió de Chimayó, a 19th-century adobe chapel and shrine where sacred dirt is believed to possess healing powers.
Visit Ortega's Weaving Shop, where nine generations of artisans have produced fine Chimayó weavings, from blankets and vests to coats and other treasured textiles. Watch an artist at work on a loom and pick up a personalized piece to take with you. Stop for lunch at the historic Rancho de Chimayó restaurant and savor chile rellenos, carne adovada, and other regional dishes featuring New Mexico chile. Occupying a 19th-century ranch house, this culinary gem received the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious America's Classic Award.
On your return, pull in to the historic Nambé Trading Post and Museum of Western Film & Costume, one of the few trading posts left from the days of the Old West. Shop the eclectic collection of antique and contemporary Pueblo pottery, old pawn jewelry, and other unique Southwest treasures, and admire the museum’s colorful array of movie costumes and props from award- winning Westerns.
Perfect Summertime Patios
As summer sets in, patio season takes off and we have plenty of outdoor dining venues with gorgeous views. Admire the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from the popular patio at Gabriel’s Restaurant while an expert prepares guacamole at your table. A romantic fountain lends an Old World feel to the atmosphere, as diners tuck into Southwest and Old Mexico cuisine, including steaks, fajitas, and chile rellenos. If your timing’s right, watch a sunset paint the sky in glorious hues on the Southwestern-style terrace of SkyFire Restaurant at the Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection and dine on grilled chicken with mole, pistachio-crusted halibut, and other dishes inspired by the ingredients of Mexico.
On the sprawling patio of the Beer Creek Brewing Company, live music is as much an attraction as craft beer and creative pizza. The lively atmosphere of Santa Fe Brewing Co. also draws crowds, not just for the award-winning craft beer but for the live concerts of local and touring bands in an inviting setting.
Outdoor Origami
Don’t be surprised when you come across giant flying birds, butterflies, and flowers near Cerrillos on the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (Highway 14). These joyful monumental sculptures are inspired by origami and they reside in the outdoor Origami in the Garden, created by artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. Open seasonally, May through October, the three-acre garden provides a peaceful place to wander and admire these stunning works influenced by the ancient Japanese art of folding paper.
River Running
Spend a summer day in the spray with the expert guides of Santa Fe Rafting, on the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama or the mighty Rio Grande, the longest river in New Mexico. Half-day, full-day and multi-day trips offer an array of exciting adventures, from serene family floats to exhilarating rapids.
Take in breathtaking scenery on an overnight trip along the Rio Chama or spend a heart-pumping, full-day Taos Box trip that includes class III-VI rapids.
A Country Getaway
For an entrancing escape, make Rancho Jacona your high-country home away from home. Situated on a 17th-century homestead about 20 minutes away from Santa Fe, this guest ranch offers 12 casitas with viga ceilings, kiva fireplaces, colorful tiles, and other Santa Fe style elements. With a kitchen and laundry facilities as well as a secluded outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge for a few days or a longer stay.
Exciting June Events
One of the top 60 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos in the country, Rodeo de Santa Fe kicked off in 1949 and has been riding high ever since. The four-day event brings together World Champion cowgirls and cowboys to compete. Crowd favorites include bull riding, barrel racing and Mutton Bustin’ for the little ones.
Rodeo de Santa Fe grounds
June 24-June 27, 2026
A three-day celebration inspired by artist Frida Kahlo, Frida Fest is a community fundraiser that supports opportunities for New Mexican girls of color. The schedule includes lectures, films, culinary experiences, a photo display, an art auction, and so much more, in venues around the city.
Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, 2026
Motor on down to the Santa Fe Railyard for the Route 66 Centennial Railyard Rev Up and check out the classic cars, vintage trucks, lowriders and motorcycles that cruised Route 66.
The last Sunday of the month, from June to October, 2026
Santa Fe’s PRIDE 2026 Walk & Drive Parade features decked out floats, cars, trucks and motorcycles, and the Festival on the Plaza, a gathering of community organizations, nonprofits, local businesses and artists with 120 booths along with live music and food.
Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera’s 2026 festival season opens on July 3 with Puccini’s longtime festival favorite, “Madama Butterfly.” The season’s repertoire also features Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” the company premiere of Handel’s “Rodelinda” and the American premiere of “Lili Elbe.
Friday, July 3 through Saturday, August 29, 2026
Fill up with hearty hot cakes during Pancakes on the Plaza. Enjoy live music throughout the day, a cool vintage car show, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s activities and contests. This longstanding tradition brings the community together for a festive celebration of the Fourth of July.
Santa Fe Plaza
Saturday, July 4, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual 4th of July Madrid Miners baseball at 10 a.m. at Oscar Huber Memorial Baseball Park starts the celebration in the historic town of Madrid. Then, the Traditional Independence Day Parade kicks off at high noon on Main Street in this former mining town that’s now a vibrant hub of galleries, shops and cafes. After the parade, the celebration continues with live music and dancing at The Mine Shaft Tavern.
Madrid
Saturday, July 4, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas has begun its 2026 season. The Southwest’s premiere living history museum offers immersive experiences of New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings, costumed villagers, tours and activities. The museum also has a busy calendar of lively festivals, including the long-running Santa Fe Wine Festival featuring wines from across New Mexico.
Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, noon to 6 p.m.
Handcrafted devotional art, jewelry, tin work, weaving and other traditional Spanish Colonial arts and crafts fill the Santa Fe Plaza during the 72nd Annual Traditional Spanish Market. The weekend includes art demonstrations, live music, dancing and regional foods. The Contemporary Hispanic Market, which takes place simultaneously, showcases the diversity of New Mexico Hispanic art.
Saturday, July 25 through Sunday, July 26, 2026
The world’s largest folk art market brings nearly 150 folk artists from 48 countries to Santa Fe Railyard Park for the 22nd International Folk Market. Shop beautiful jewelry, textiles, ceramics, clothing and many other handcrafted treasures. Meet the artists and learn about their art forms and communities. The market includes live world music, dance and food from award-winning local restaurants.
Thursday, July 9 through Sunday July 12, 2026
Elk, mountain lions, black bears and great horned owls are just some of the residents of Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. The 122-acre refuge park and enhanced zoo provides a habitat for 25 species of native rescued wildlife. The park also hosts family-friendly festivals, including the annual Pirate Viking Summer Festival, featuring costumed pirates, Viking, mermaids and sea shanties, along with treasure hunts and themed food and drinks.
Saturday, August 22 and August 23, 2026.
Pick up Napa cabbages, peas, tomatoes and other farm-fresh produce plucked right from the fields at the farm stand at Reunity Resources, a thriving two-acre regenerative urban farm. Grab a burrito and a cup of coffee and relax at a shaded table near the stand. Enjoy the live music concerts that take place during summer.
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through October, 2026
We’re looking forward to seeing you! For more information, and to plan your next getaway, please visit SantaFeNMTrue.com and be sure to follow us on social media.
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