by Maria Manuela on
1 Hang out with knights and dragons.
Unlike Renaissance fairs that happen in the middle of nowhere, the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire steps back in time in the center of Ruidoso at Wingfield Park. Open Friday through Sunday, the costumed affair transports visitors to a world where knights, jesters, and fantasy characters roam. “Our slogan is ‘come be thyself,’” says Sydnee Mowery, president of Oso Productions, which runs the event. “Every year, we get more niche vendors reaching out to us. This is a really unique ren fair where you can truly escape to another time.” A fully realized tavern features seven liquor vendors, more than 100 other vendors offer food, drinks, and arts and crafts that fit the bygone era. Four areas host constant performances by sword swallowers, magicians, ventriloquists, and more. “I really love the costumes and the performance,” Mowery says. “The community really shows out. It’s amazing to be walking around the fair and see your kids’ soccer coach in a dragon costume.” Hop on a free shuttle at the White Mountain Sports Complex to enjoy free and easy parking.
2 View Native Americana.
Identity, cultural preservation, and sovereignty are at the root of a new exhibition called Stars, Stripes, and First Americans, opening at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) on Sunday, on Santa Fe’s Museum Hill. In 10 works from the museum’s collection, the exhibition examines the relationship between Native artists and the American flag. “We wanted to acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the U.S.,” says Elisa Phelps, head of curatorial affairs at MIAC. “Thinking about how Native people have engaged with the American flag over time, we realized we had these pieces in our collection. People are surprised to see the flag incorporated in Native art, given the government’s treatment of Native peoples, but the use of the flag might have been a mark of honor for a warrior, a [survival] strategy, or a symbol of protection.”
The works in Stars, Stripes, and First Americans feature a painting by Kee Yazzi (Diné) depicting a Navajo Code Talker set against the American flag. Pieces like this show a long history of Native people being in the military. Other works in the exhibition come from the early 2000s and depict the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers or the date September 11. “These works capture a moment in time,” Phelps says. “Given September 11, it’s not surprising to see how people were reflecting on the flag and sharing this design at that time.” The exhibition is on view through March 7, 2027.
3 Embrace your inner bookworm.
In its fifth year, the Santa Fe International Literary Festival draws an impressive roster of award-winning authors to the City Different for a weekend of presentations, day trips, meditations, parties, and more. With a home base at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, the 2026 lineup includes national poet laureate Arthur Sze, bestselling author Ocean Vuong, novelist Brandon Hobson, Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Fraser, Longmire author Craig Johnson, and many more. Many events are already sold out, so find remaining tickets here.
4 Welcome spring.
The Blessing of the Fields at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces welcomes the spring planting season. A procession through the grounds is led by a religious leader carrying a carved figure of San Ysidro (the patron saint of farmers), while members of Tortugas Pueblo bless animals, crops, and the acequia, beginning with a prayer to the four directions. Children from local Catholic schools join the group, and any visitors who want to walk with the procession get free admission. Catch the blessing on Friday at 10 a.m.
5 Root for fast and furry puppers.
Prepare to squeal with joy at the Long Dog Derby at Jacks Backstage in Ruidoso on Saturday. The event awards more than $5,000 in prizes and welcomes dachshunds of all sizes—and the dogs don’t have to be fast to be winners. Awards go to best dressed, shortest, and hairiest too.
For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.