Experience Santa Fe's Enchanting Summer Music Scene: Top Festivals and Live Performances
While music resonates through Santa Fe's 400-year-old streets year-round, summer stands out as the premier season for live performances at iconic venues, concert series, and dining spots—or to discover entirely new musical experiences. It's when laughter blends with guitar strings on Canyon Road patios and drumbeats echo off historic Plaza buildings. Summer is when Santa Fe's music truly blooms.
Music in the Hills: Santa Fe Opera
The stunning views and performances at Santa Fe Opera are unforgettable. (Photo courtesy of Ken Howard for Santa Fe Opera)
Since its founding in 1957, the Santa Fe Opera has championed music, drama, and technical innovation through timeless classics, neglected revivals, and bold premieres. The 2016 festival season features five captivating love stories spanning three centuries—comic, tragic, contemplative, and adventurous, highlighting women seizing their destinies.
The acoustically superb open-air amphitheater provides an unparalleled summer setting. This year's productions include La Fanciulla del West, Don Giovanni, Roméo et Juliette, Capriccio, and Vanessa.
Santa Fe Opera presents “La Fanciulla del West” on July 1 (video courtesy of Santa Fe Opera)
Before the show, embrace Santa Fe-style opera culture: three hours pre-curtain, the parking lot becomes a tailgate dinner party with epic sunsets. Opt for onsite dining like the tailgate picnic—view menus here.
Dance the Night Away at Santa Fe Bandstand
Santa Fe Bandstand, a beloved summer tradition in The City Different. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Bandstand)
Over 60 free performances light up Santa Fe's historic Plaza from July 5 to August 26 as part of the Santa Fe Bandstand. Enjoy local, regional, and national acts across all genres—perfect for dancing, so pack your shoes.
Recently awarded Tripadvisor’s prestigious “Certificate of Excellence”: view reviews.
One of the World's Top Music Festivals: Santa Fe Chamber Music
Experience Flux Quartet’s 2016 festival performance on August 5 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival)
In its 44th season, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival is a summer essential, featuring masters like Bach, Dvořák, and Mendelssohn from July 17 to August 22.
Top artists include pianist Marc Neikrug, clarinetist Todd Levy, and ensembles like the Flux Quartet premiering 20th-century works.
The Hills Are Alive: Music on the Hill
Jenny Bird, hailed as "the most passionate performer in the new folk genre." (Photo courtesy of Jenny Bird)
Free Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. through July 27 (no July 6) at St. John’s College: Music on the Hill™ offers blues, soul, folk, and jazz. Bring picnics or buy from vendors; lawn seating—blankets/chairs recommended. Full lineup and parking.
And All That Jazz: New Mexico Jazz Festival
Featuring local and world-renowned jazz masters. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico Jazz Festival)
Jazz fans: Catch the New Mexico Jazz Festival in July. Highlights include The Pedrito Martinez Group at Music on the Hill (July 20, free).
Santa Fe Bandstand: John Maestas (6 p.m., July 26) with funk/soul/jazz; Ginkgoa (7:15 p.m.).
Lensic Performing Arts Center: Dave Holland Trio (July 24), Charles Lloyd New Quartet (July 29), Dr. Lonnie Smith’s “Evolution” (July 30), Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton (July 31).
Santa Fe's summer music scene thrives with diverse offerings. Explore deals and specials and order the 2016 Santa Fe travel guide.
