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.