1 Celebrate Taos’ patron saints.

A celebration of Taoseños’ unique culture and the patron saints of their city, Santa Ana and Santiago, Fiesta de Taos happens Friday through Sunday at Kit Carson Park. The events include live music from groups including the Carlos Medina Band and Simpatico, a children’s parade, and historical parade through town. Friday’s opening ceremonies and Sunday’s closing ceremonies are at 7 p.m. Find a full schedule here.

See new works by textile artist Maggie Thompson at her debut solo exhibition "Interactions." Photograph courtesy of IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts.

2 See a debut solo exhibition.

In downtown Santa Fe, the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts opens Interactions, a new exhibition highlighting the work of textile artist Maggie Thompson (Fond du Lac Ojibwe) on Friday. Thompson’s first solo exhibition, which runs through January 4, includes four new works that speak to issues like Covid-19, addiction, police violence, and blood quantum. I Can’t Breathe, which Thompson created in 2020, features face masks emblazoned with George Floyd’s last words, “I can’t breathe.” Another work, The Hospital Gown Project, is made from pieces of hospital attire beaded by folks who have experienced addiction in their families.

Celebrate 25 years of the Valles Caldera National Preserve with special lectures, art demonstrations, and more.

3 Salute 25 years of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

On July 25, 2000, the Valles Caldera was established as a national preserve. The 13 mile-wide volcanic crater near Jemez Springs is known for its sprawling emerald meadows, an abundance of wildlife—including deer, elk, bears, trout, and coyotes—and bubbling streams. This weekend, the park celebrates the anniversary with activities, special lectures, art demonstrations, and traditional dances from members of Jemez Pueblo, stargazing, and silent discos. Festivities begin Friday evening and run through Sunday night. See a full lineup of happenings here.

Over 100 artists from around the country showcase paintings, photography, jewelry, glass art, and more during the Ruidoso Art Festival. Photograph courtesy of the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce.

4 Support local artists.

High Country Artisan Fest

Artists set up and sell their works at the Enchanted Eagle Park, in Eagle Nest, during the 40th annual High Country Artisan Fest. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, the event features a wide array of mediums and price points.

Ruidoso Art Festival

More than 100 artists from around the country participate in this juried festival at the Ruidoso Convention Center on Friday through Sunday. Happening annually since 1971, art market, hosted by the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, offers high-caliber paintings, photography, glass art, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry.

Head to the Santa Fe Plaza this weekend and shop the Traditional Spanish Market.

5 Shop Spanish Market.

A showcase of Spanish Colonial arts, Traditional Spanish Market takes over the Santa Fe Plaza on Saturday and Sunday. Popping up in white tented booths, artists sell their creations directly to collectors. There are 18 categories in the market including straw appliqué, tinwork, retablos, weaving, and woodcarving, which have been practiced in New Mexico for generations. Browsing and shopping Spanish Market goods offers visitors and residents a window into the New Mexico art scene and its origins. It’s a time-machine-like experience, as they encounter pieces made in the same ways, and with the same materials, that have been used for hundreds of years. Just north of the Plaza along Lincoln Avenue, the Contemporary Hispanic Market runs concurrently with more than 130 artists drawing from their heritage and traditions.

For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.