Summer is another word for fun in the sun, and that’s exactly what awaits you in sunny Santa Fe County. After kayaking on a mountain lake or whitewater river rafting the mighty Rio Grande, visit a serene spa for an outdoor soak in healing waters and a blissful massage. Treat your ears to a symphony of sounds during a summer festival of concerts performed by a world-renowned chorale group. Then shop for one-of-a-kind treasures as you meet the artists at a dazzling array of summer markets. Make time to celebrate the wines of New Mexico, the country’s oldest wine-growing region, at a long-running wine festival. For a trip you’ll always treasure, head to magical Santa Fe County. It’s the place to be for sizzling summertime fun.
Making Waves
With its wondrous double-drop waterfall, Nambé Falls & Lake Recreation Area is a cool summer escape, located about a half-hour’s drive north of Santa Fe. After hiking one of two short trails to the dramatic falls, rent a kayak onsite or bring your paddleboard and paddle your way around the serene lake, surrounded by the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Pack a picnic to enjoy in a shaded area with tables.
Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area is a summer oasis for water fun. Located about a half hour north of the falls, the area offers plenty of recreational activities, including boating and rafting as well as fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Or you could simply sit and gaze at the captivating beauty of the water.
Spend a day in the spray on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure along the mighty Rio Grande, the longest river in the Land of Enchantment. Whether you’re seeking a half-day family float trip or challenging whitewater runs, you’ll find premier river rafting adventures in northern New Mexico.
Tranquility Time
Reconnect with body, mind and spirit in the sanctuary of a world-class spa. Choose from an array of tantalizing treatments like the rejuvenating jasmine honeysuckle massage followed by a crystal bowl sound bath meditation at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. At Ten Thousand Waves, transform yourself with a full body deep stone massage, then take a relaxing soak in the outdoor Grand Bath, a giant tile pool with a cold plunge. Let your worries float away with a custom-tailored massage followed by a soothing soak in healing spring-fed waters at Ojo Santa Fe Spa & Resort. After a visit to one of our acclaimed Santa Fe County spas, you’ll be positively glowing.
Celestial Sounds
Glorious music will fill the air when the artists of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale perform three new concert programs in the group’s 42nd Annual Summer Festival. One of the largest choral events in the country, the Summer Festival this year features Songs of the Americas, Out of This World and The Great Romantics. Founded in 1982 and composed of 24 of the finest voices in the country, the Desert Chorale is one of America’s most renowned professional chamber choirs. The singers’ heavenly, harmonious sounds will make your spirits soar.
July 14 through August 3, 2024
Magnificent Artisan Markets
The International Folk Art Market turns 20 this year, and returns for the second consecutive year to its new home, the Santa Fe Railyard Park. With more than 150 artists from 60 countries, the market takes visitors on a virtual odyssey around the globe. Chat with the artists as you shop their one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, clothing, textiles, ceramics, paintings, sculpture and dozens of other treasures. The world's largest folk art market also offers live world music, dance and food. There’s no other place like it on the planet.
Thursday, July 11 through Sunday July 14, 2024
Discover the living tradition of regional artwork that dates back four centuries during the 72nd Annual Traditional Spanish Market on the Santa Fe Plaza. Hundreds of area Hispanic artists sell their unique and beautiful devotional art, jewelry, weaving, tin work, and other traditional Spanish Colonial arts and crafts. The weekend also includes art demonstrations, live music, dancing and delicious regional fare. The world’s largest Contemporary Hispanic Market takes place simultaneously, featuring diverse work by New Mexico Hispanic artists.
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2024
The SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Santa Fe Indian Market is the world's largest juried Native arts show and Santa Fe County’s biggest event of the year. More than 1,000 artists gather on the Santa Fe Plaza to sell their exquisite handcrafted jewelry, pottery, basketry, textiles and other work. Music, dances, and Native food are all part of this lively weekend market.
Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024
Glorious Grapes
What better place to celebrate regional wine than in New Mexico, the country’s first wine-making region? And this year, the state’s longest-running wine festival marks its 30th year at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the Southwest’s premiere living history museum. Pull out all the stops, or corks, at this lively affair, where you can meet New Mexico winemakers, sample their wines and enjoy fabulous food, live music, dancing and unique arts and crafts.
Saturday July 6 and Sunday, July 7, 2024 ; noon to 6 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Santa Fe County Adventure Photo Contest
The Santa Fe County Community Development Department: Tourism & Marketing Division is encouraging residents and visitors alike to find their "Santa Fe County Adventure" this Spring.
Visit, take photos, and enter to win!
An adventure is waiting to be discovered in Santa Fe County from our world-class spas to our great outdoors to our flavorful and unique cuisine, there’s an experience to be had and we want to see yours!
Visit places around Santa Fe County and post the photo with your location on Instagram with the hashtag #santafecountycontest and tag our Instagram handle @santafecountynmtrue and be entered to win gift cards and attraction passes! With weekly giveaways, as well as a final grand prize package, you’ll have multiple opportunities to win.
Contest is open between May 20 through June 28, 2024. Photos submitted after the closing date will not be entered.
Posted photos must be set to public to ensure entries can be seen. Winners will be chosen at random, with several small prizes from individual businesses and a grand prize package. You must use both our hashtag #santafecountycontest and our handle @santafecountynmtrue to be entered to win.
Zozo’s Birthday Bash
Zozobra turns 100 this year and his birthday bash will be one fiery affair. Tickets are already on sale for The 100th Burning of Zozobra. Burn away your gloom as the 50-foot tall menacing marionette blazes into ash amid the roar of the crowd at Fort Marcy Park. Be there!
Friday, August 30, 2024; gates open at 4 p.m.
Mariachi Live!
The magical evening of the Mariachi Extravaganza has become a beloved annual event that fills the Santa Fe Opera with the joyous sounds and sights of blazing trumpets, rhythmic stamping feet and colorful swirling dresses. Renowned award-winning mariachi artists join rising stars for a passionate performance of traditional, contemporary and classical mariachi. The stunning colors of the opera venue’s sunset views enhance the brilliance of the evening.
Saturday, August 31, 2024; 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
To explore more Santa Fe County events, visit: santafenmtrue.com/events.
Get ready for summer fun in Santa Fe County! We're looking forward to seeing you. Visit SantaFeNMtrue.com and be sure to follow us on social media.