8 Compelling Reasons to Start Your Summer Vacation in Santa Fe
[blog_cta type="guide" text="Order 2016 Santa Fe Guide" date="2016-05-03"]
Planning your summer getaway? With school out soon, ideal weather, and longer days, it's prime time for travel. Santa Fe, New Mexico—The City Different—delivers unique festivities and events. Here are eight standout reasons to love June here; uncover even more on your visit!
Two Weekends of Family-Friendly Fun at El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Herbs and lavender shine at the festival on June 18th and 19th. (Photo courtesy of Rancho de las Golondrinas)
Visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas, an outdoor living history museum exploring New Mexico life from past to present. Two weekends deliver engaging, educational family experiences. The Spring Festival on June 4th and 5th features sheep shearing, wool dyeing, weaving, a fiber arts marketplace, wagon rides, bread baking, and kids' crafts.
The Herb and Lavender Festival on June 18th and 19th includes herb garden tours, lavender and herb vendors, cultivation lectures, and hands-on activities.
Captivate Your Creative Mind at CURRENTS
You'll marvel at video, lighting, and installations at CURRENTS! (Photo courtesy of CURRENTS)
Santa Fe buzzes with contemporary art excitement during the two-week CURRENTS International New Media Festival at El Museo Cultural. Since 2002, it has showcased cutting-edge video installations, new media, performance art, live music, artist talks, panels, workshops, and free outdoor events. Runs June 10th through 26th.
ARTfeast: A Feast for the Senses
ARTfeast Edible Art Tour patrons enjoy dinner at the Scottish Rite Temple. (Courtesy of Artfeast)
The ARTfeast Edible Art Tour (EAT) celebrates Santa Fe's culinary and artistic vibrancy. Over 20 galleries open evenings from 5-8 pm—Friday on Canyon Road, Saturday downtown and Plaza—with tastings from top restaurants. June 10th and 11th. Buy tickets here.
38th Annual Challenge New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival
You’ll even find a lemonade stand at the Arts and Crafts Festival! (Photo courtesy of Challenge New Mexico)
The 38th Annual Challenge New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival occurs June 11th and 12th on Historic Santa Fe Plaza. Juried works from 150+ national and local artists support therapeutic recreation for the disabled via booth fee proceeds.
Celebrate Photographic Arts with PhotoSummer
Photo courtesy of Christine Collins for Photosummer
In its second year, PhotoSummer promotes historical and contemporary photography through exhibitions, talks, and workshops across 10 Santa Fe venues all summer. Don't miss THE FENCE, an outdoor exhibit of 40 international photographers on 'community.' Runs July 9th–September 30th, 2016, in Railyard Park, featuring New Mexico artists. View the full PhotoSummer 2016 Guide.
FANTASE Fest Lights Up DeVargas Park
The evening features local bands on two stages, food trucks, skate jam, performances, and more. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
At downtown's DeVargas Park, FANTASE Fest gathers thousands for innovative art, performance, food, music, and community. This new media light festival transforms Santa Fe on June 18th.
Rodeo de Santa Fe
Rodeo participants line up in the arena. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Rodeo de Santa Fe starts with the Rodeo Parade on June 18th downtown at 11 a.m. Action continues June 22nd–25th at Rodeo Grounds: barrel racing, roping, and kids' Mutton Bustin'.
Santa Fe Pride
Immerse in rainbow colors and celebrate Santa Fe pride. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Santa Fe proudly welcomes all. Join Santa Fe Pride on June 25th: parade from the Capitol to the Plaza, booths, entertainment until 6 p.m., headlined by Fantine.
Ready for Santa Fe this summer? Order your 2016 Santa Fe travel guide and check deals and specials.
