Santa Fe County is a paradise of leafy, lush, green landscapes, thanks to recent, remarkable monsoon rains. Everywhere you look, Mother Nature's splendor is beautiful to behold, whether you're hiking through alpine forests or enjoying outdoor concerts, lively festivals and dazzling art markets. If you're here for the Santa Fe Indian Market in August or The Burning of Zozobra in early September, you'll find an enticing array of outdoor fun, music concerts galore and 50th anniversary celebrations at an acclaimed living history museum.
Indigenous Art
More than 1,000 Native American artists from across the country and Canada gather on the Santa Fe Plaza with their traditionally crafted jewelry, pottery, weaving and other exquisite creations during the Santa Fe Indian Market, the biggest event in town since 1922. This year, the market celebrates it 100th anniversary with a full schedule of festive events, including Native music performances, time-honored dances and drumming, an Indigenous Fashion Show, a gala birthday party and so much more. August 19-21. Schedule Of Events
Summer Sounds
Ball Park Beats
Michael Franti & Spearhead brings high-energy, happy music to Santa Fe on the band's coast-to-coast “Follow Your Heart” tour. The concert takes place at the Fort Marcy Ball Park on Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to this family-friendly event and relax on the grassy lawn, or dance yourself dizzy with joy. Franti is a favorite in Santa Fe, and this benefit concert event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the animal shelter Española Humane.
Opera Notes
After the Santa Fe Opera festival season ends, it lends its spectacular outdoor theater to an impressive array of musical performances. This year's line-up includes Mariachi Extravaganza, a passionate evening of classical, traditional and contemporary mariachi from award-winning New Mexico artists and rising stars, on Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm. Mariachi Extravaganza 2022 The band Wilco takes the stage on Thursday, September 15 followed by Emmy Lou Harris & The Red Dirt Boys on Friday, September 23.
Music at The Bridge
Fun is always on tap at Santa Brewing Company, New Mexico’s oldest and biggest craft beer brewery. Relax in the outdoor garden at Beer Hall at HQ, a sleek, multi-story venue serving craft beers for every palate, and take in live music at the outdoor venue, The Bridge. On Tuesday August 2, Lukas Nelson & POTR perform their acclaimed blend of rock and roll soul, folk, R&B and also country, which Nelson, being the son of Willie Nelson, must have in his genes. Yonder Mountain String Band, a Colorado-based pioneering jam-grass quintet, takes the stage on Wednesday, August 31. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
(Picture: The Bridge At Santa Fe Brewing Co. )
Music in the Park
If music can soothe the wild animals, imagine how happy the rescued wildlife become during the Family Music Festivals at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. You'll feel the same way when toe-tapping tunes fill the air at this wildlife refuge park and enhanced zoo, run by the New Mexico Wildlife Association. Each festival features performances by two bands, the first at 4:30 p.m. and the second at 7:00 p.m. Family fun includes wildlife park tours, raptor shows, food and more. On Saturdays, August 13, 27 and September 3.
(Picture: Wildlife West Nature Park)
50 Years of Living History
The acclaimed living history museum El Rancho de Las Golondrinas has been sharing the history, heritage and culture of New Mexico for half a century, through costumed docents and historic buildings that depict life during the Spanish Colonial and Territorial eras. This year, in honor of its 50th anniversary, the museum has scheduled 50 events for 50 years, including these don't-miss annual festivals.
Eat, drink and be merry at the Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival, held August 6-7. An array of chefs and restaurants provide an eclectic choice of food, which you can pair with craft beer, showcasing New Mexico's diverse artisan beer makers.
Bring the whole family to Fiesta de los Niños, September 3-4, for tortilla making, tin stamping, throwback schoolhouse games and many other fun activities. Meet the resident goats, burros and churro sheep, fuel up on food truck fare and take in live entertainment.
(Picture: Traditional Hornos at El Rancho de las Golondrinas )
Goodbye, Gloom
Bid farewell to your tears and fears from the past year when “Old Man Gloom” goes up in flames at The Burning of Zozobra in Fort Marcy Park on Friday, September 2. Since 1924, when Santa Fe artist Will Shuster created the menacing marionette, crowds have turned out from near and far to cheer the demise of the 50-foot towering Zozobra. The pageantry includes musical performances and fireworks that celebrate Zozobra's end … until he rises again next year.
(Picture: The Burning of Zozobra)
Burger Wars
Who makes the best burger in New Mexico? Cast your vote and help decide that meaty question during the Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown. Chefs from across the state will vie for several “chompionship” titles, including the coveted People's Choice Award. You'll have the tough job of tasting mouthwatering, creative versions of New Mexico's most iconic burger. It all goes down on Saturday, September 10 at the Beer Hall at Santa Fe Brewing HQ, 12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. https://ediblesmackdown.com/
(Picture: Green Chile Cheese Burger at Blackbird Saloon )
Todo Local: Hiker's Heaven
When you’re ready to take a break from all the revelry, head to Dale Ball Trail for some spectacular hiking through the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The trails are close to the city and the landscape is startlingly beautiful, especially now, thanks to nature's grand greenery. Awe-inspiring panoramic views surround you as you wind your way through one of the most beautiful hiking spots in the country.
(Picture: Dale Ball Trail )
Travels with Darley
Need more reasons to visit? Emmy Award-nominated PBS television host Darley Newman can give you plenty. She just completed filming a program in Santa Fe County that will kick off the 10th anniversary season of her “Travels with Darley” show. She stopped by the KRQE News office in Albuquerque to talk about the transformative travel experiences she's been enjoying, including glamping at Kit Fox and exploring Sky Railway's themed train adventures. Watch the interview here.
(Picture: Darley Newman at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe )