The Best Performing Arts Venue in Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Andrew Collins

The performing arts scene in Santa Fe blossoms in summer when the calendar fills with classical and jazz performances, Shakespeare productions at various venues, experimental theater at Santa Fe Playhouse, and nearly 80 free concerts on the Plaza…. "Too many choices!" is the biggest complaint. The rest of the year things quiet down a bit, but several notable performing-arts groups are prolific from fall through spring, including Performance Santa Fe, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe Symphony, and fantastic flamenco performances. The "Pasatiempo" section of the Santa Fe New Mexican's Friday edition, which is also distributed as a free stand-alone in newspaper stands around town, or the Santa Fe Reporter, released on Wednesday, are great sources for current happenings.

International Folk Art Market

Railyard District Fodor's Choice

Held the second full weekend in July, this three-day market (the world's largest folk art market) sprawls across Railyard Park in the Santa Fe's lively Railyard District (it moved to this new and more central location in 2023 from Museum Hill). More than 160 master folk artists from every corner of the planet—over 60 countries in total—come together to sell their work amid a festive array of huge tents, colorful banners, music, food, and delighted crowds. The feeling of fellowship and celebration here enhances the satisfaction of buying wonderful folk art—it's truly an experience you won't have anywhere else in the world. If you aren't in town during IFAM weekend, the nonprofit has a gallery shop in its headquarters near the capital at 620 Cerrillos Road.