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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.
This acclaimed music celebration presents numerous concerts in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque during the last three weeks of September (it had been held in early summer up until 2022). Recent performers have included Stanley Clarke, Brandon Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, and Ravi Coltrane.
This outstanding festival runs mid-July through late August, with performances nearly every night at the art-filled St. Francis Auditorium, or, occasionally, the Lensic Performing Arts Center. There are also free youth-oriented concerts given on several summer mornings.
