Spring is here, bringing with it longer, warmer days and the return of beloved annual events. From a celebration of indigenous culture with Native people from across North America to a Native fashion week, intimate tours of an iconic artist’s home and studio, and a burro race, adventures are popping up blossoming everywhere. You don’t want to miss a single one!
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow
Experience vibrant Native culture during the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow at the Tingley Coliseum at EXPO New Mexico in Albuquerque. The largest powwow in North America, brings nearly 800 tribes from around the country and Canada for a two-day festival. Dancers, singers and drummers compete in an array of categories., A regalia parade of Native horses and riders pays tribute to the horse culture of many tribes. The Indian Traders Market is a treasure trove of Indigenous arts and crafts.
Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27
SWAIA Native Fashion Week
Indigenous designers elevate fashion with innovation and creativity that is showcased on runways by models from Native North America during the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts’ Native Fashion Week (SWAIA). The stylish four-day event brings Native fashion artists and models together with the fashion industry and people who love fashion.
Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5
Burros on the Run
Celebrate the heritage of the American burro at the annual Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race in the village of Cerrillos. Don’t have a burro? You’ll still have a barrel of fun cheering for your favorite four-legged racer from the sidelines. This race originated in Colorado to promote the burro’s role in American mining communities. Racers, and their humans, take their mark on Main Street and then travel the trails of the Cerrillos Hills State Park on two race courses—a 3-mile route or a 6-mile route.
Saturday, May 4. 10 a.m.
Art in the Park
While the pack burros are racing to win, area artists will gather for the annual Art in the Park show, in the Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center. Buy Cerrillos turquoise jewelry, metal art, woodwork, and many other treasures handcrafted by artists all along the Turquoise Trail, gathered in one scenic setting.
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An Artful Tour
Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic paintings are magnificent to see at the celebrated Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. But you can venture farther into the fascinating life of this venerated American artist with an intimate75-minute tour of her historic home and studio in Abiquiú, 52 miles north of Santa Fe. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through her humble adobe home and studio, room by room, sharing stories about O’Keeffe’s life and work. Advance reservations are highly suggested.
A Passion for Preservation
Leonora Francis Curtin belonged to a remarkable family, three generations of women who were passionate about preserving New Mexico’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. Curtin’s grandmother, Eva Scott Fényes, and mother, Leonora Scott Muse Curtin, joined Curtin in establishing The Acequia Madre House, which was a cultural institution in Santa Fe. Curtin and her mother bought a historic ranch property in 1932. In 1946, Curtin and her Finnish husband, Yrjö Alfred (Y.A.) Paloheimo, began transforming the property into El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the acclaimed living history museum that preserves the cultural traditions of New Mexico. Curtin is the namesake of the museum’s 35-acre Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve, which protects the natural spring for the area’s diversity of plants and wildlife. Open for private tours until June 5, when the museum opens it to general admission.
golondrinas.org/plan-your-visit/leonoracurtinwetlandpreserve/
Puppy Time
Guests staying at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort get to spend time snuggling and playing with adorable furry friends in the Puppy Patch. Research shows that playing with animals can boost your health and reduce anxiety and stress. If you can’t help falling in love with these little pooches, you’re in luck. They’re all available to adopt from a local animal shelter that partnered with the resort to provide them.
Into the Wild West
A day trip on the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (N.M. 14) leads to the Old West, where the streets of historic mining towns reminiscent of yesteryear are lined with shops, galleries and more. Dramatic red rock formations, rolling hills and occasional sculptures make this drive connecting Santa Fe and Albuquerque a visual feast. Grab a burger at The Mine Shaft Tavern, a renowned restaurant and saloon in the former mining town of Madrid. The tavern’s 18th Annual Crawdaddy Blues Fest is a great time to visit for Cajun food and foot-stomping live blues.
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, gates open at noon.
Arias and Overtures
Music will fill the air when the Santa Fe Opera launches its 67th Festival Season on June 28 with Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The season runs through August 24, and includes performances of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni;” Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier;” Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love;”and the world premiere of “The Righteous,” by composer Gregory Spears and U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy K. Smith. Plan to purchase tickets early because they sell out.
santafeopera.org/
Upcoming Events
The sky will dance with a rainbow of colors during the annual Kite Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. Watch professional stunt kite fliers demo amazing aerial moves. Compete in kite-flying contests. Or simply have fun flying your kite solo. Bring your own kite, or purchase one onsite.
Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marvel at the wide world of fiber art and meet fiber artists during the annual Heart of New Mexico: Fiber and Art Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. Artists sell their woven, wet felted, crocheted and knitted works of wearable art, and demo their process for making them. Say hello to the animals that provide yarn for everything from cashmere to rugs. Food and live music round out the festival.
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
wildlifewest.org/
20 Years of Native Treasures
Browse stunning treasures of art handcrafted by more than 170 Native artists selected by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture at the 20th annual Native Treasures Art Market on Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and other fun events.
Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
santafenmtrue.com/events/native-treasures-art-market-and-auction
Family Fun at the Museum
Family fun is a specialty of the Santa Fe Children's Museum, which offers engaging and educational activities for kids, and their families. Thursdays are packed with gardening and nature-themed activities in the morning, during the Seeds & Sprouts program. Next up, visit the museum’s pets as they eat lunch during the Animal Meet & Greet program. On Science Saturday, kids conduct experiments and projects with Mr. Science. Check the museum’s calendar for more exciting events.
Find more Santa Fe County events here: santafenmtrue.com/events
