Time for a quick getaway? Come to Santa Fe for the Fourth of July. It’s the cool place to see dazzling fireworks, stunning opera and sizzling flamenco music and dance. Bring your family and friends and experience our world famous culture, art, shopping and cuisine. And take advantage of specials available during this weekend.
Fiery Flamenco

It’s easier than ever to get here with American Eagle’s new nonstop service daily from Dallas to Santa Fe.

Here’s a look at what’s happening during the 2009 Fourth of July weekend. To further explore any of these links below, see What’s Happening on Santafe.org.

 

8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5
Maria Benitez Theater, The Lodge at Santa Fe
Take in the passionate rhythms of Spanish flamenco music and dance performers with the renowned Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company. Performances take place at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5 at the Maria Benitez Theatre in The Lodge at Santa Fe.

Opera Under the Stars

Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5
Santa Fe Opera Grand Opening
The acclaimed Santa Fe Opera opens its 53rd season on Friday, July 3 with Verdi’s “La Traviata,” starring Natalie Dessay, at 9 p.m. The opening night for Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” featuring Dmitri Pittas, is Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m.

Gala Opening Weekend

The Opera holds its Gala Opening Weekend Thursday July 2 through Sunday, July 5, offering an exciting array of festivities that include the Singapore Nights Ball, a brunch at a Santa Fe gallery, dinner at the historic Opera Ranch with opera stars, and tickets to two opening night operas.
Pancakes on the Plaza

Backstage Tours
The Santa Fe Opera also offers backstage tours at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4. Go behind the scenes for a fantastic look at the colorful details of opera production.

Opera Lover’s Package
Consider a stay at Encantado, an Auberge Resort, which offers an Opera Lover’s Package. The special includes a Taste of the Opera Dinner, and two tickets to some of the best seats in the house.

7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4
Santa Fe Plaza
Each year Santa Fe celebrates the Fourth of July with a hearty Pancake Breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Plaza, sponsored by United Way. The morning includes live entertainment from musicians and dancers, an arts and crafts fair, and a Vintage Car Show, showcasing dozens of classic cars lined up on a side street off the Plaza. This annual feast is a favorite with the locals.

Fireworks over Santa Fe

Dusk, Saturday, July 4
Gates to the annual fireworks display, staged from the Santa Fe High School, open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at dusk.

Celebrating New Mexico Wines

Noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5
El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Thanks to the Spanish missionaries, who brought grapes for sacramental wines with them to this area some 400 years ago, New Mexico is the oldest wine-making region in the country. The Santa Fe Wine Festival introduces you to some award-winning wines. More than a dozen New Mexico winemakers take part in this annual festival, held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas fron noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday July 4 and Sunday, July 5. There’s also food, live music and an arts and crafts fair.

Circus Showcase

6 p.m. Friday, July 3 and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Railyard Park Performance Green
Students of the 7th annual Women’s Circus Workshops perform astounding skills they’ve just acquired on stilts, trapeze, and aerial fabric as well as in acrobatics and clowning. The free performances take place at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3 and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4 on the Railyard Park Performance Green.

Santa Fe Bandstand

Noon and 6 p.m. Monday, July 6
Santa Fe Plaza

If you’re making it a long weekend this Fourth of July, check out the opening day of the Santa Fe Bandstand, a summer-long series of 89 free concerts held on the Santa Fe Plaza. The first performance at noon on Monday, July 6 features La Familia Vigil performing traditional northern New Mexico music. At 6 p.m. the Clan Tynker Family Circus presents juggling and magic, followed by the HooDoos performing blues rock.

Recent Happenings

Getting to Santa Fe just got easier

 

The doors of the newly created New Mexico History Museum

Coming Up This Summer

The Santa Fe Opera’s

 

The Sixth Annual Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival brings some of the finest chamber musicians performing today to Santa Fe for almost six weeks of concerts, July 19 through August 24. Featuring the music of Faure, Debussy, Caplet, Brahms, Bach, Schubert, Mozart, Youth Concerts, a Modern Masters performance, Pre-Concert talks, world premiers of Festival commissions, and a Composers Masterclass, the festival is one of the summer’s musical highlights. 505-983-2075, 888-221-9836, www.santafechambermusic.org/

Art Santa Fe International Art Fair

PhotoArts Santa Fe 2009, July 24-August 2, is a biennial conference on everything photographic in New Mexico for both the amateur and professional photographer. Santa Fe is home to an amazing number of well-known professional photographers as well as some of the best known fine-art photography galleries in the U.S. The conference features lectures, workshops, exhibits, and guided photo shoots through the area’s remarkable landscape and iconic settings. This year’s field trips include photo excursions to O’Keeffe Country, Chaco Canyon, Ranch Lands, the Jemez Mountains, the High Road to Taos, and many others. Also scheduled are manufacturers demonstrations, product displays, equipment demonstrations and sales markets, plus a symposium on alternative photography and a host of presentations on professional development. For details, a comprehensive schedule, and venues visit, www.photoartssantafe.com/

Santa Fe begins its 400th Anniversary

Summer Calendar of Events

A sampling of some of what’s going on in and around Santa Fe this summer. For complete listings take a look at www.santafe.org/Calendar

At the museums this summer. Besides the opening of the new New Mexico History Museum, there are many other fascinating exhibits this summer at Santa Fe’s many museums. At the Museum of Art, a show on American Impressionism brings fine examples from the famed Phillips Collection. The exhibition of contemporary baskets demonstrates how modern and sculptural this ancient art form can be. Opening on July 19 at the International Museum of Folk Art, Century of Masters: The NEA Heritage Fellows of New Mexico, will showcase the state’s award-winning artists. Native Couture is featured at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and there is also an exhibit of children’s picture books. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum displays rarely-shown works inspired by the artist’s travels.

June

June 24-27
The 60th annual Rodeo de Santa Fe, a PRCA sanctioned event, rated one of the top 100 rodeos in the country. www.rodeodesantafe.org

June 24
Arlen Asher Quartet, Music on the Hill, free outdoor jazz concert at St. John’s College, www.stjohnscollege.edu/events/SF/concerts.shtml

June 25-28
Grand Prix de Santa Fe Sixth Annual Charity Event, four days of horse show-jumping events with riders from around the world. Other events include dining, auction, dancing, and more to benefit New Mexico Charities. www.grandprixdesantafe.com

June 23-September 6

July

July 3-August 29
53rd Santa Fe Opera: La Traviata, starring Natalie Dessay, Don Giovanni, featuring young American baritone Lucas Meachem, a new production of The Elixir of Love, a new production of Alceste with Christine Brewer, and the world premiere of The Letter, based on W. Somerset Maugham’s 1927 stage adaptation of one of his best-known short stories. 505-986-5900, 800-280-4654, www.santafeopera.org

July 4
Pancakes on the Plaza brings hundreds of locals downtown to eat hot pancakes and benefit the United Way. Live entertainment. 505-982-2002, www.uwsfc.org

July 7
Desert Chorale, Santa Fe’s premier professional chorus, begins its summer season with Glorious Voices, Sacred Spaces at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. 505-988-1234, www.lensic.com

July 8

July 11-12
Sixth Annual Santa Fe International Folk Art Market featuring artists from around the world in the largest market of its kind. Milner Plaza at Museum Hill, 505-476-1200, www.folkartmarket.org

July 12
A Gala Evening of Stars showcases ballet luminaries from around the world, including stars of our own Aspen Santa Fe Ballet at the Lensic, 505-988-11234, www.lensic.com

July 14
New Mexico Jazz Festival begins with Cal Haine Trio on the Santa Fe Plaza. Other performances by Dave and Don Grusin Quartet, Matt Brewer Quartet, Jimmy Heath, and the Mingus Dynsaty. Tickets, 505-988-1234. www.newmexicojazzfestival.org

July 15

July 19-August 24
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Musicians from the world’s stages performing six weeks of chamber music throughout Santa Fe. 505-983-2075, 888-221-9836, www.sfcmf.org

July 22
Wagogo, free world beat/reggae concert outdoors at St. John’s College. www.stjohnscollege.edu/events/SF/concerts.shtml

July 23-26
Art Santa Fe International Art Fair returns after a record-breaking show last year with even more national and international contemporary galleries and artists from all over the globe. El Museo Cultural, 505-988-8883, www.artsantafe.com

July 24-August 2
PhotoArts Santa Fe, a biennial photography conference, includes exhibitions, excursions, demonstrations and more. www.photoartssantafe.com

July 25-26

July 28
Parsons Dance, an exciting and energetic modern dance company presented by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Lensic, 505-988-1234, www.lensic.com

August

August 1-2
Summer Festival, El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Spanish Colonial times come to life at this living history museum. 505-471-2261, www.golondrinas.org

August 7-8

August 14-16
26th Annual Antique Ethnographic Art Show. Ethnographic and tribal art from around the world. Presented by Whitehawk at the new Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 505-992-8929, www.whitehawkshows.com

August 17-19
31st Annual Invitational Antique Indian Art Show, the oldest and largest antique event of its type. Presented by Whitehawk at the new Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 505-992-8929, www.whitehawkshows.com

August 22-23
88th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market. 1,200 artists from 100 tribes sell their work during the largest show of its kind in the world. On the Santa Fe Plaza, 505-983-5220, www.swaia.org

September

September 5-7
Viva Santa Fe, the kickoff of Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary commemoration. Music, dance, entertainment, food, art, and concerts. A cultural festival beginning 16 months of Anniversary events through 2010. www.santafe400th.com

September 5-13

September 10
85th Burning of Zozobra- staged each year by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe as a fiery and exciting kick-off to the annual Fiestas de Santa Fe. Zozobra tradition is a major fund raiser and has become a great way for Santa Feans to participate in community service. www.zozobra.com

September 23-27
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, a celebration of all things culinary and epicurean. Tastings, tours, demonstrations, wine dinners, and celebrity chefs.505-438-8060, www.santafewineandchile.org

 

American Eagle Announces New Air Service Between
Santa Fe & Los Angeles

News of daily flight beginning November 19, 2009 comes as
first Eagle flight from Dallas lands in Santa Fe

Sante Fe, New Mexico, June 11, 2009 - American Eagle will begin new daily, roundtrip air service between the Santa Fe Municipal Airport and Los Angeles LAX beginning on November 19, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced. He revealed news about the flight today at the Santa Fe airport during a press conference held after the first of American Eagle’s direct service flights between Dallas and Santa Fe landed.

“I am thrilled that American Eagle is leading the way in returning commercial air service to Santa Fe with flights now to Dallas and soon to Los Angeles,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “Commercial air service is key to the economic development of the area and to growing New Mexico’s thriving tourism and film industries.

“This will be an important connection to the West Coast from Santa Fe. It’s not just about tourism and the culture of Santa Fe, it will also benefit New Mexico’s film industry. There are 8 films being shot in New Mexico today and Los Angeles is the second most requested connection after Dallas.”

Tentative Schedule for flights between Santa Fe and Los Angeles
Santa Fe, N.M., to Los Angeles (SAF-LAX)

Flight		Departs		Arrives	Days
3157		12:15 p.m.		1:30 p.m.	Daily

Los Angeles to Santa Fe, N.M. (LAX-SAF)

Flight		Departs		Arrives	Days
3156		10:15 a.m.		1:15 p.m.	Daily

The first Eagle flight from Dallas touched down at Santa Fe’s Municipal Airport with a full load of passengers. It then loaded back up with a group, including Santa Fe Mayor David Coss, and returned to Dallas.

American Eagle’s non-stop service between Dallas and Santa Fe uses the 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet. The $20 million aircraft cruises at 500+ mph and 40,000 feet. It is, “one of the newest and most modern planes in the fleet,” according to American Eagle’s Managing Director of Sales, Brian Coutts.

The Santa Fe Municipal Airport was recently upgraded to handle regional jets like the Embraer. It is not clear what aircraft will be used for the Santa Fe/Los Angeles service.

The airport is located on the southwestern edge of the city, about a 20-minute shuttle ride into historic downtown.

For climate, culture, food, art and memories that last a lifetime, make your getaway to Santa Fe. Locals love the abundance of summer activities here and you will, too. It’s the perfect time for family and friends to get together, relax, stroll through the summer markets and just have fun.

>From international art fairs to fabulous flamenco and the world’s largest Native American art market, there’s so much happening in Santa Fe this summer you’ll want to visit over and over again.

Check out our 72 Hour Itineraries for some great ideas on what to see and do during your Santa Fe visit.

Here’s a look at some of summer’s top events:

The Sixth Annual Santa Fe International Folk Art Market
July 11-12
This vibrant market brings more than 100 artists from over 40 countries to the world’s largest international folk art market, held on Museum Hill. Enjoy entertainment, artist demonstrations and foods from around the world.

The 58th Annual Spanish Market
July 25-26
This summer market celebrates New Mexico’s traditional Hispanic cultures, with hundreds of artists showing and selling their work rooted in Spanish Colonial art traditions on the Santa Fe Plaza. You’ll also enjoy music and dance as well as New Mexico food.

The 88th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market
August 22-23
The biggest art event of the summer features more than 1,200 artists from 100 tribes showing and selling their work on the Santa Fe Plaza. The largest Native American art market in the world also features entertainment, a Native clothing contest, and artist demonstrations.

The 10th Annual Thirsty Ear Festival
June 12-14
Held outdoors at the scenic Eaves Movie Ranch, this popular festival appeals to fans of roots music. This year’s line-up features national and local performers and headliners include Richie Havens, Steel Pulse and Keb’ Mo’.

Art Santa Fe
July 23-26
This prestigious contemporary art fair showcases an impressive variety of work represented by more than 55 galleries from around the world. The fair includes site-specific installations and a celebrity guest lecture.

Concerts at the Santa Fe Brewing Co.
July 11
Catch the Cowboy Junkies in concert on the patio of the Santa Fe Brewing Company.
August 7
The English Beat share billing with Big Reel Fish and the Supevillans for a great night of dancing.

Summer of Love
Through September
While you’re here, take a day trip to Taos, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of the cult classic film “Easy Rider”with a series of art, music and film events.

In July of 2005 Santa Fe was named as the United States’ first UNESCO Creative City, and this year was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. So, it’s only natural that there are many creative tours to be found here. Whether you enjoy history, architecture and art, or ghost stories, astronomy and outdoor activities, Santa Fe has the tour for you. Let one of our many tour guides lead you in the exploration of Santa Fe’s distinctive charms.

Access Santa Fe

A journey like no other. We create distinctive group activities, tours and events centered on the cultures, history, beauty and spirituality of one of the worlds truly exceptional places. We promise an unfailing commitment to quality destination management, and to experiences that will linger in your guest’s memories long after their visit.

Astronomy Adventures: Guided Night Sky Tours

Looking for nightlife in Santa Fe? Why not go on an entertaining and educational night sky tour? Take advantage of the unusually dark New Mexico skies to learn about the jewels of the celestial dome, constellations and star lore of the ancient southwest and other cultures from around the world. Come along and get re-connected to your sense of curiosity and wonder. Tours are available for groups numbering from 2-200 people. Binoculars and telescopes are provided. Weekends around new moon are most popular and tend to book up early.

Ghost Writer

Allan Pacheco is an author, tour guide, and lecturer. Allan leads history and ghost tours, and is also available for group lectures. Allan is a native Santa Fean.

High Desert Angler

Visiting fly fishers love High Desert Angler as their resource for local stream information, fishing licenses, fly fishing guide service and instruction, and high-quality gear. We have rental equipment for travelers to use if they can’t bring their own, and everything for sale from beautiful fly rods to local flies. We’re proud to be an independent retail shop and part of Santa Fe since 1986. Come say hello, play with the dogs, and we’ll tell you why we love northern New Mexico!

Santa Fe Excursions

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic personal guide committed to your memorable experience. Custom tours and itinerary planning for individuals and groups, as well as coach step-ons. Explore history, architecture, art, Native American Pueblo and Spanish cultures, archaeological sites, Taos, O’Keeffe country, walking tours and more.

Santa Fe Mad Hatters

We offer group walking tours of Santa Fe. We invite you to join us for a two hour tour of the fascinating history of the City Different, its more than four centuries of existence, during which five nations have contributed to its history. Call to reserve your special time for this wonderful and informative tour! Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, minimum 20 attendees, is fun for everyone with this original Santa Fe based mystery!

Seven Directions LLC

Customized journeys for discerning travelers. Custom designed tours for groups and individuals to New Mexico and the American Southwest. Travelers who are seeking a high degree of service accompanied by unique short and longer itineraries will be guided through the attractions, art and special architecture of Santa Fe on tours that include a unique City Safari, the rich Native culture, the Hispanic heritage, the Old West ghost towns and way of life, archaeological sites and the magic, colorful and dramatic nature.

Studio Passport Tours

For a curator or collector, one of the most enjoyable and insightful experiences has always been visiting an artist’s studio. It is there that one develops a deeper understanding of the person’s work by learning about the specific techniques and processes they utilize, and by seeing and experiencing the environment in which they create.