Experience the Perfect Santa Fe Summer: Essential July Events Guide
Planning your summer getaway? Santa Fe offers an exceptional lineup of cultural events this July. Integrate these signature festivals and performances into your itinerary for an unforgettable vacation. The excitement extends throughout the summer season.
Santa Fe Opera: Romance Under the Stars
Sunsets at the Santa Fe Opera are breathtaking. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Discover the magic of the Santa Fe Opera: world-renowned voices from mezzos, tenors, sopranos, basses, and counter-tenors grace the stage. Enjoy a backstage tour or savor treats at the preview buffet. Take in the stunning mountain panorama as the sun sets on a perfect summer evening. This premier performing arts venue delivers an opening night experience like no other.
This season features 37 performances of five operas from July 1 to August 27, showcasing powerful love stories from around the world.
Sample New Mexico Wines at the Santa Fe Wine Festival
Sample delicious New Mexico wines, buy directly from the vintners and enjoy food, music and arts & crafts. (Photo courtesy of Rancho de las Golondrinas)
New Mexico, the nation's oldest wine-growing region, boasts a rich viticultural history predating statehood. Santa Fe itself is home to notable vineyards and wineries.
The 23rd annual Santa Fe Wine Festival, held July 2-3 at Rancho de las Golondrinas, invites you to taste offerings from vintners statewide. Expect artisanal foods, live music, arts, crafts, and more for a full day of enjoyment.
Santa Fe Bandstand: Dance Under the Stars
Lone Piñon opens Santa Fe Bandstand on July 5 on the Santa Fe plaza. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Johnson)
From July 5 to August 26, the Santa Fe Bandstand brings free live music to the historic Plaza. Savor pizza from Rooftop Pizzeria overlooking the action or drinks at the Draft Station. Food trucks also join select nights for convenient dining.
Santa Fe Art Trifecta: A World-Class Arts Celebration
For 10 days in July, the Santa Fe Art Trifecta unites three leading organizations: Art Santa Fe, the International Folk Art Market, and SITE Santa Fe.
- Art Santa Fe
Peruse the best in contemporary art at ART Santa Fe. (Photo courtesy of ART Santa Fe)
In its 16th year, ART Santa Fe (July 7-10) showcases global galleries and artists amid Santa Fe's cultural heritage. Named one of USA Today 10Best's Best Art Festivals.
- Santa Fe International Folk Art Market
Watching artists create is one of the many highlights of this market. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe International Folk Art Market)
July 8-10 on Museum Hill, nearly 200 artists from 60 countries present handmade works at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Shop ethically—90% of proceeds support artists—while enjoying global cuisine and music. Voted Best Art Festival by USA Today 10Best readers.
- SITE Santa Fe
Paolo Soleri Theater, c. 1975, (Courtesy of the Institute of American Indian Arts Archives, Santa Fe)
SITE Santa Fe opens much wider than a line, the second SITElines biennial, on July 16 (through January 8, 2017). Featuring 35 artists from 16 countries, with opening events July 14-16.
PhotoSummer: Celebrate Photography
“Audience, Issey Miyake” by Dina Litovsky 2014
The second annual PhotoSummer highlights New Mexico's photography legacy across 10 venues. Highlights include THE FENCE (July 9-September 30), juried international works on community themes; “Accidental Photography” (July 1-24); and “Dispossessed” (through August 26). Learn more.
Music on the Hill: Jazz in the Mountains
Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic lunch to make the evening enjoyable. (Photo courtesy of Music on the Hill)
St. John’s College Music on the Hill (July 15-27) offers free jazz concerts. Use the free shuttle from Museum Hill, bring a picnic, or enjoy Walter Burke Catering starting at 5:45 pm.
¡Qué Viva México! Cultural Festival
“Danza de los Viejitos” is always a crowd favorite at the VIVA Mexico celebration. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
July 16-17 at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, celebrate Mexican music, art, and cuisine. Ride the free Blue Bus from Santa Fe Place Mall. ¡Qué Viva!
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Well known musicians appear each season in concerts. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival)
In its 44th season, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival (July 17-August 22) features masters like Brahms, Handel, and Mozart at St. Francis Auditorium and Lensic Performing Arts Center, including noon concerts.
Spanish Market: Traditional Arts
Santa Fe's Spanish Market pays tribute to traditional Spanish Colonial arts and culture. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
July 25-31 on the Plaza, the Spanish Market showcases 250 artists in woodcarving, tinwork, retablos, pottery, and more from Spanish Colonial traditions.
Contemporary Hispanic Market: Modern Expressions
Contemporary Hispanic Market artist, David Santiago. (Photo courtesy of Contemporary Hispanic Market)
July 30-31 on Lincoln Avenue, the Contemporary Hispanic Market features innovative works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, and beyond.
Santa Fe blends culture, history, and adventure. Plan now with the free 2016 Santa Fe travel guide and explore deals and specials.
