8 Must-Experience Santa Fe Events in August: Art, Music, Rodeo & Culture
Note: This guide spotlights iconic August events from 2017 in Santa Fe. Many are beloved annual traditions—verify current dates for upcoming visits to ensure the best experience.
Santa Fe, The City Different, earned top honors in National Geographic's Sense of Place category for its authentic preservation of history, culture, and indigenous heritage. August brings a whirlwind of vibrant events that showcase why this destination captivates visitors worldwide.
Discover eight standout experiences that highlight Santa Fe's rich artistic and cultural scene.
Santa Fe Bandstand
Santa Fe Bandstand gets everyone dancing! (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Bandstand)
Dance the night away on the Santa Fe Plaza with live music from Santa Fe Bandstand. This beloved summer series featured top local, regional, and national artists nearly every night through August 25, 2017. Voted "Best Community Event" in the Santa Fe Reporter's Reader's Poll for four consecutive years (2013-2016), it's a can't-miss tradition.
Girls Inc. Arts and Crafts Show
Indulge your senses in an arts and crafts paradise! (Photo courtesy of Girls Inc. Arts and Crafts Show)
The Girls Inc. Arts and Crafts Show, the third-largest market on Santa Fe Plaza, took place August 5-6, 2017. Browse exquisite fiber arts, jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculptures, metalwork, woodworking, photography, specialty foods, and more.
Objects of Art
From contemporary to historic, Objects of Art has it all. (Photo courtesy of Objects of Art Santa Fe)
Objects of Art lit up the Railyard District's El Museo from August 10-13, 2017. Over 70 prestigious galleries showcased paintings, sculptures, furniture, books, fashion, jewelry, textiles, folk art, American Indian, African, and Asian pieces—spanning contemporary to historic.
Zia Regional Rodeo
Barrel racing thrills at the Zia Regional Rodeo. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association)
The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association hosted the Zia Regional Rodeo, New Mexico's second-largest LGBT event, August 11-13, 2017, at Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds. Enjoy calf and team roping, barrel racing, pole bending, bull riding, and steer riding. Get tickets at www.nmgra.org.
Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show
A Santa Fe tradition for 39 years. (Photo courtesy of Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show)
The Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show, a 39-year Santa Fe staple dubbed "the granddaddy of them all" by Maine Antique Digest, kicked off with an opening party August 11, 2017 (6-9 p.m.), continuing August 12-14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Santa Fe Indian Market
Check out last year's Indian Market video!
The world-renowned Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest juried intertribal fine art market, drew over 1,000 top Native artists to the Plaza August 19-20, 2017. View the calendar for related gallery events citywide.
The Zuni Show
Zuni Olla Maidens perform the Pottery dance. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
The Keshi Foundation's 2nd Annual Zuni Show, voted a top Native art event by First American Art Magazine readers, featured 150+ Zuni jewelers, carvers, and potters free to the public at the Scottish Rite Temple, August 19-20, 2017.
We Are The Seeds
Sparrow Plainbull and Eric Plainbull prepare for dance. (Photo courtesy of We Are The Seeds)
We Are The Seeds showcased 100 diverse artists, honoring women creators, with performances by Jennifer Kreisberg, Smokestack Lightning, Honey, and Brian Frejo. This juried celebration of contemporary and traditional indigenous art ran August 17-19, 2017, at the Santa Fe Railyard.
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