Discover 6 Must-See October Events in Santa Fe
[blog_cta type="guide" text="Order My 2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide" date="October_Events"]
October in Santa Fe, The City Different, invites you to savor the crisp autumn air, stunning mountain vistas, and a vibrant lineup of cultural and outdoor experiences. Join us as we highlight six standout events that capture the essence of fall in this unique destination.
Enjoy Spectacular Fall Foliage From Your Seat
Leaf-peeping season arrives as summer fades. (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)
Santa Fe residents and visitors eagerly anticipate the golden aspens transforming the Santa Fe National Forest each fall—a must-see spectacle. During the first week of October, Ski Santa Fe operates the Super Chief Quad chairlift from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (date="2017-09-05").
Expect live music, a cornhole challenge, kids' treasure hunt, and a new 18-hole disc golf course amid the foliage. Catch performances on the La Casa Lodge deck. Check the event calendar for details (date="2017-09-05").
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Unique balloon shapes delight crowds at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. (Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe)
For over four decades, the first week of October draws global visitors to New Mexico's iconic ballooning celebration. Just a short drive or train ride from Santa Fe, witness the morning glow and mass ascension of 500+ balloons. Head back to Santa Fe for dining, museums, shopping, and relaxation. The 2017 event runs October 7–17.
Secure tickets by calling (855) 725-1824 or online (date="2017-09-05"). General admission is available at the gate.
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
Santa Fe resident and actress Ali MacGraw introduces a film at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of SFIFF)
Santa Fe's premier film event showcases over 100 films, events, screenings, parties, and workshops across venues like Violet Crown, Jean Cocteau Cinema, Lensic Performing Arts Center, CCA, and The Screen. The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival runs October 18–22, 2017 (date="2017-09-05").
Historic Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out
Sculptor Mike McKee showcases his stone works. (Photo courtesy of Visit Canyon Road)
The Annual Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out revives the century-old tradition of plein air painting. One of the nation's largest artist demonstrations features hundreds of creators and thousands of enthusiasts. Enjoy free public events October 14–15, 2017, plus Friday evening gallery receptions (date="2017-09-05").
ReView Santa Fe International Photography Festival
Image detail by Mila Teshaieva. (Photo courtesy of ReView Santa Fe)
The world's premier juried photography portfolio review, ReView Santa Fe Photo Festival, offers workshops, artist talks, exhibitions, and receptions with global reviewers and the ReView 100 Photographers (date="2017-09-05").
Studio Tours
Stroll studios amid fall-colored cottonwoods. (Photo courtesy of Galisteo Studio Tour)
Use Santa Fe as your base to explore nearby studio tours in Galisteo, El Rito, and Abiquiú (October 1–15, 2017). The Galisteo Studio Tour features photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and more amid ancient cottonwoods (date="2017-09-05"). The El Rito Studio Tour highlights blacksmithing, fiber arts, and pottery (date="2017-09-05"). In Abiquiú, visit 70+ artist studios in Georgia O’Keeffe's inspiring landscape.
Learn more about Northern New Mexico tours on our website (date="2017-09-05").
Plan your October Santa Fe getaway amid fall colors, festivals, and art. Pair the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta with a visit north. Download the Santa Fe Travel Guide and explore Deals and Specials (date="2017-09-05").
