9 Must-See August Events in Santa Fe: Art, Music, Rodeos & More
Even as summer's long days wind down, Santa Fe—The City Different—keeps the excitement alive with its renowned art and music festivals. Discover premier events blending culture, community, and adventure before the season ends.
Santa Fe Bandstand
Grammy Award winners Larry Mitchell and Robert Mirabal headline August 16 at Santa Fe Bandstand. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Bandstand)
Santa Fe summer nights come alive with free music at the Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza, a beloved summer festival fostering community spirit among locals and visitors alike. Dance on the plaza floor to rock, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and more—nearly every evening, plus noontime concerts. The 2016 season runs through August 26. Pack a picnic blanket for family fun.
HIPICO Santa Fe
HIPICO Santa Fe, a world-class equestrian facility just six miles from downtown. (Photo courtesy of HIPICO Santa Fe)
Experience elite hunter/jumper competitions infused with Southwestern charm at HIPICO Santa Fe. August features four A-rated events: Santa Fe Fiesta, Grand Prix de Santa Fe, Bienvenidos Week, and Turquoise Trail. Enjoy The Art of the Horse fine art show (Wednesdays through Sundays), farm-to-table dining, and shopping for jewelry, art, and equine gear. Catch the Wild Horses Music Festival on August 7 with Nosotros—$5 entry, free parking. The Fall Series continues through September 25 with free admission.
Summer Festival and Wild West Adventures
Explore frontier life at the Summer Festival and Wild West Adventures. (Photo courtesy of Rancho de las Golondrinas)
Step into the Wild West on August 6-7 at El Rancho de las Golondrinas' Summer Festival and Wild West Adventures. Meet lawmen, outlaws, and mountain men; savor 1800s food, tastings, and chuckwagon biscuits.
Objects of Santa Fe
View and purchase global objects from contemporary to historic. (Photo courtesy of Objects of Santa Fe)
Objects of Santa Fe showcases 70+ exhibitors at El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe (August 12-14), featuring paintings, sculpture, furniture, books, fashion, jewelry, textiles, and tribal, folk, American Indian, African, and Asian art.
Zia Regional Rodeo
Team roping highlights at the New Mexico Gay Rodeo. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association's Zia Regional Rodeo—the state's second-largest LGBT event—runs August 13-14 at Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds. Enjoy calf and team roping, barrel racing, pole bending, bull riding, and steer riding. Tickets and details at www.nmgra.org.
Whitehawk Antique Indian and Ethnographic Art Shows
Over 100 dealers at the Whitehawk Ethnographic Show. (Photo courtesy of Whitehawk Ethnographic Show)
A 38-year Santa Fe tradition, The Whitehawk Antique Indian and Ethnographic Art Shows (August 12-15) feature 100+ dealers with rare finds. Passionate experts share insights. Details and tickets at the website.
95th Santa Fe Indian Market
The best of Native art at the 95th Santa Fe Indian Market. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
The world's premier intertribal fine art market, the Santa Fe Indian Market (August 20-21), draws 1,000+ top Native artists. Explore baskets, pottery, carvings, rugs, and paintings. View the event calendar for citywide festivities.
Indigenous Fine Art Market (IFAM)
Indigenous Fine Art Market, August 18-20. (Photo courtesy of IFAM)
Celebrate Native art and culture at the juried Indigenous Fine Art Market (IFAM) (August 18-20), with art, music, and literary programs highlighting contemporary Native life.
Santa Fe Opera
Experience all five operas in one week at Santa Fe Opera. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Opera)
The 2016 Santa Fe Opera season offers five romantic operas August 8-13: La Fanciulla del West, Romeo et Juliette, Don Giovanni, Capriccio, and Vanessa. See the full schedule.
Santa Fe's August brims with markets, concerts, rodeos, equestrian events, and opera. Plan your getaway with our 2016 Santa Fe travel guide and explore deals and specials.
