2013 Summer Festivals in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Summer in Santa Fe is when the city’s reputation as a center of art is at its peak—with one-of-a-kind art markets, an unrivaled opera season, music, new museum exhibitions, and a myriad of special events. Summer weather is warm and inviting, yet deliciously cool in the evenings making al fresco dining a must. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors—whether you are hiking in the mountains, playing golf, fly fishing, or strolling charming, historic streets.

Santa Fe Summer’s Major Events:

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, July 12-14: This event offers captivating art, colorful costumes, exotic music, and unusual flavors. Moreover, attending the market is more than just fun—it supports families and communities in developing countries, keeps traditional arts alive, and spreads good will. Artists are chosen for the quality of their work by a careful jury selection process. Many are from places around the world facing poverty, war, and unrest. Sponsors help pay the way for those who cannot afford the trip to Santa Fe. The handmade items they bring for sale include jewelry, beadwork, carving, textiles, and many imaginative items that Americans seldom see. The market takes place outdoors on Museum Hill and includes music, dancing, and food. This event played a major role in Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City in Folk Art.  Article and Photos

Art Santa Fe, July 11-14: This contemporary market is an international fine art fair representing dozens of galleries and hundreds of artists from across the globe. The salon-booth format, artist styled VIP lounge, opening night Vernissage, prestigious ART Santa Fe presents lecture series and numerous cultural and educational events make the annual fair a comprehensive art experience and a must see for collectors and art browsers alike. Held at the Santa Fe Convention Center.

Santa Fe Spanish Market - Artists' Mass and Procession

Spanish Market, July 27-28: When Spanish settlers came to Santa Fe more than 400 years ago, they brought their art and craft traditions with them. Over the centuries, these traditions were taught to new generations and were a source of pride and connection to their culture. Today, these arts still flourish. Many express faith and religion, while others embellish everyday items. Artists must be from New Mexico or southern Colorado and must go through a strict jury process to show and sell their work at the market. They must also use traditional themes, materials, and methods. The result is a rich and creative variety found nowhere else in the world. Artists and their families man their booths outdoors on the Santa Fe Plaza and love to share their culture as well as their art. There are demonstrations, food, and music and the atmosphere is like a street party. A very popular section of the market showcases young and aspiring artists. Article and Photos

There is also a Contemporary Hispanic Market held on nearby Lincoln Street during the same weekend as Spanish Market. Many of New Mexico’s most respected Hispanic artists show and sell artwork of all kinds. The two simultaneous markets make for a memorable weekend of culturally inspired art. 

Early morning on Saturday is the best shopping at the Indian Market

Indian Market, August 12-18: Indian Market is an immersive experience in Native American art. It is the largest, most prestigious Native American art market in the world and the largest cultural event in the Southwest. More than 1,000 Native artists from all over the United States and Canada show and sell their work. The excitement begins a week before the market begins as artists arrive in town. There are special gallery shows, museum exhibitions, concerts, demonstrations, and the city is abuzz with energy. The preview party draws collectors from around the world the night before the market. The market itself is Saturday and Sunday, takes place outdoors and is centered on the Santa Fe Plaza. The jury process that allows artists into the market and awards prizes is very competitive and only the best are chosen, making the array of art on display just dazzling. There is jewelry, pottery, carving, painting, weaving, and much more. One of the most popular events is the costume competition on Sunday morning. The beautiful, traditional garments in the competition can take years to make. The Indian Market’s popularity encourages many people to secure lodging reservations in advance.  Article and Photos

Santa Fe Opera, June 28-August 24: Even someone who has never heard an opera would find it hard to resist the Santa Fe Opera. First, there’s the spectacular outdoor theater set dramatically in the foothills north of the city. Then there are the user-friendly screens in front of every seat that translate the foreign language lyrics. And finally, there’s the incomparable music, lavish productions, and world-famous stars. All in all, an evening at the Santa Fe Opera is an unforgettable experience. This summer’s season brings a mix of opera favorites, less performed works, and a world premiere. The season opener, The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein by Offenbach is generating opera buzz because of renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Graham’s role as the lead character, an aging countess with a yen for a much younger man. The Marriage of Figaro is ever popular because of its entertaining story of love and deception and its transcendent music by Mozart. La Donna del Lago, The Lady of the Lake, is a romantic masterpiece by Rossini that is rarely performed, partly because the lead role is so difficult. Joyce DiDonnato, who has earned rave reviews for this role in Europe, will sing it in Santa Fe. La Traviata, Verdi’s tragic tale of love between a Parisian courtesan and an aristocrat, is tender and touching, starring Brenda Rae and Michael Fabiano. The world premiere of Oscar by Theodore Morrison is a much anticipated opera event. It tells the story of writer Oscar Wilde, who will be played by dramatic countertenor, David Daniels. Tailgate dinners before performance in the Santa Fe Opera parking lot with its spectacular mountain views are a tradition and range from sandwiches to catered affairs. Besides the season, there are opera apprentice concerts and occasional performances by the stars during their stays in Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, July 14-August 19: This internationally known festival fills the summer air with music. Soloists and well-known chamber groups from all over the world gather to collaborate, rehearse, and perform. Some are established musicians, while others are exciting, emerging artists. Concerts over the six-week schedule range from the classics to new, modern works, and even jazz. New compositions commissioned by the festival give musicians an opportunity to work directly with composers. Many of the performances are in the intimate, acoustically rich Saint Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art and others are held in the meticulously renovated Art Deco movie theater that is now the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts. The festival is a real part of the community during its season, offering students the opportunity to learn from the pros in master classes. One feature beloved by locals and visitors alike is the fact that many rehearsals are open and free to the public.

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography