FIFTY YEARS AGO, Santa Fe’s Traditional Spanish Market had grown enough to claim its own two days on the Plaza. The showcase of artworks in woodcarving, textiles, painting, furniture, pottery, and other mediums has marked the end of July ever since. After a Covid-related hiatus in 2020 and last year’s downsized market, the Spanish Colonial Arts Society is looking forward to putting on a big old-fashioned bash July 30 and 31.

The market’s 100-plus artists are the crema de la crema of craftspeople and artisans working in Hispanic traditions. Getting their artwork into a booth is a tough process. Artists must jury into each category with three recently completed works—though 25-year veterans of the market and honorees who have received lifetime achievement awards are exempt. Favorite categories include tinwork, bultos, colcha embroidery, and retablos, while a newer slot, Innovations Within the Tradition, recognizes that the classics must evolve. The Spanish Colonial Arts Society gave us a few pointers on what else to look out for this year.

More, more, more: “Last year we were the first ones out the door after Covid cases declined,” says Jennifer Berkley, the market’s executive director. “Obviously this year’s going to be bigger and better.”

Look out for the young ones: “Among our eight new artists are a couple who started in Youth Market and have juried into Spanish Market as adults. It’s so special to see artists we have been able to watch from the start,” says curator Jana Gottshalk.

Catch it early: The Friday-night preview is “where people can celebrate and reconnect with the art and each other. Everyone feels a real spark in the air,” says Berkley.

Las Cruces hosts some of our favorite things at the Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Festival. Photograph by Unsplash/Spencer Davis.

Garden Sounds & Zoo Nights, Albuquerque BioPark
July 7 & 21, July 15 & 29

Surround yourself with flora or fauna during summer nights of live music at the BioPark’s zoo and botanic garden. Performers include the Lost Bayou Ramblers (Zoo Nights) and Nosotros (Garden Sounds). 

Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Festival, Las Cruces
July 16

There’s more than this tasty trifecta to sample from 5 to 11 p.m. Get down to mariachi music, play lawn games, and watch live lucha libre wrestlers compete. Don’t forget to stop at the salsa bar.

Connie Mack World Series, Farmington
July 21–30

It falls a few weeks after Independence Day, but is there anything more American than watching 12 talented teams, ages 16–18, compete for a national amateur baseball title? 

Route 66 Summerfest, Albuquerque
July 23

On a mile-long swath of Central Avenue, enjoy multiple stages, food trucks, kids’ activities, and shopping opportunities. From rancheras to hip-hop, sung in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, headliners Las Cafeteras create a multicultural soundscape.

Sample New Mexico-made wines from vintners throughout the state at the Santa Fe Wine Festival. Photograph courtesy of El Rancho de las Golondrinas/Richard Gonzolez.

Tradition, Schmadition

On Fourth of July weekend, try these out-of-the-box events.

Santa Fe Wine Festival, El Rancho de las Golondrinas
July 2–3

International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally, Ratón
July 2–4

THINGS TO DO

For more things to do, visit our Event Calendar