7 Must-See May Events in Santa Fe, New Mexico (2018 Highlights)
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As spring's warmth envelops Santa Fe, vibrant flowers bloom citywide, and the calendar brims with exciting events. With Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial kickoff to summer—approaching, now's the ideal time to plan your getaway. Discover seven standout May events in Santa Fe to elevate your 2018 vacation.
The Margarita Trail Celebrates Its Second Anniversary
Download the Santa Fe Margarita Trail App and toast Cinco de Mayo. (Photo courtesy of Joanne Fischer)
Mark Cinco de Mayo and the Santa Fe Margarita Trail's second anniversary on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Enjoy 31 signature margaritas, now enhanced by a new mobile app passport with extra rewards for stamp collectors.
The Santa Fe Margarita Trail App, available for $3.99 on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS), features an interactive map for easy navigation, progress tracking, virtual stamps, and notifications. Like the paper passport, it offers location details, recipes, and $1 discounts per margarita. New reward tiers at 10 and 15 stamps grant entry to the exclusive “Margarita Society” with special events, seminars, and tastings.
Canyon Road Spring Art Festival
Stroll Canyon Road during the Spring Art Festival, watching artists create en plein air. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Canyon Road's galleries burst to life May 11-12, 2018, with dozens of artists showcasing works and demonstrating techniques in a lively “paint out” event. Collectors can mingle at Friday night gallery openings and Saturday's outdoor demos.
Experience oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic paintings, plus sculptures in stone, bronze, wood, and glass, firsthand.
Celebrate Japanese Culture
Dive into Japanese culture at the Santa Fe Japanese Cultural Festival. (Photo courtesy Santa Fe JIN)
Echoing Japan's vibrant festivals, the Santa Fe Japanese Cultural Festival lights up the Community Convention Center on May 19, 2018, themed around Japanese Festival Lanterns. Enjoy stage performances, traditional arts demos, specialty vendors, street food, and bento boxes. Admission: $5 adults, free for kids under 12.
Eldorado Studio Tour
Explore ceramics and more at the Eldorado Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Eldorado Studio Tour)
The Eldorado Arts & Crafts Association hosts its 27th annual Studio Tour May 19-20, 2018, featuring over 60 artists in painting, ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, and beyond.
Santa Fe Century Bike Ride
Join the Santa Fe Century for epic rides along stunning routes. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Cycling enthusiasts, gear up for the Santa Fe Century on May 20, 2018—a premier event with 25-, 50-, or 100-mile routes via the Turquoise Trail (temporary 2018 reroute due to construction; starts at Santa Fe Community College West Parking Lot). Mountain bikers have a dirt route, followed by music, food, and massages.
Native Treasures Indian Art Market
Connect with top Native American artists at Native Treasures. (Photo courtesy TOURISM Santa Fe)
Santa Fe's premier museum-quality Indian art market, Native Treasures, runs May 25-27, 2018, at the Community Convention Center. Over 200 artists, juried by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, showcase exceptional works—many in the museum's permanent collection. Support artists and the museum directly.
Art in the Park
Discover local talent at the Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild show. (Photo courtesy Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild)
The Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild's juried show fills Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, 2018, at Cathedral Park. Artists from Santa Fe and surrounding villages offer diverse fine arts and crafts.
May approaches fast—order your 2018 Santa Fe Travel Guide today. Browse deals and specials citywide as you plan.
