Celebrating the Arts and Culture of Santa Fe

A comprehensive guide to the best in Santa Fe’s vibrant arts, music, and cultural scene.

Top Art Collectives

SITE Santa Fe

Directed by Louis Grachos, SITE Santa Fe continues to enhance its reputation as a contemporary arts museum focused on accessibility and quality. Known for its artist-centric approach, the museum is gearing up for exciting exhibitions featuring artists like Erika Wanenmacher, Dakota Mace (Diné), and Tristan Duke.

Location: 1606 Paseo de Peralta | Phone: (505) 989-1199

Santa Fe Artists Market

This nonprofit collective showcases local artists and their crafts, offering a unique shopping experience along the Railyard roadside. It’s a space not just for art sales but also for community engagement.

Location: North of the Water Tower in the West Casitas @The Railyard | Website: santafeartistsmarket.com

Meow Wolf

Having expanded to several states, the original Santa Fe location remains a cultural hotspot with its interactive installations, frequent live music, and a variety of artistic workshops.

Location: 1352 Rufina Circle | Phone: (505) 395-6369

Favorite Local Bands

The Boomroots Collective

Celebrating 15 years, this multicultural band blends rock, reggae, funk, and soul. They recently won a New Mexico Music Award for their song “What Ya Need Them For,” highlighting their commitment to growth and community connection.

Website: theboomroots.com

Mariachi Azteca of Santa Fe

With a mission rooted in traditional Mexican music, this five-member ensemble has captured audiences for 30 years while being available for various events.

Website: mariachiaztecadesantafe.com

JJ & the Hooligans

This energetic band stands out with their high-energy performances, seamlessly blending covers and originals to create an engaging atmosphere.

Website: jjandthehooligans.com

Best Bar Experiences

Cowgirl

A Santa Fe favorite for 31 years, Cowgirl offers a lively atmosphere complete with karaoke nights, a full bar, and numerous live music events, with a beautiful patio setting for outdoor enjoyment.

Location: 319 S Guadalupe St. | Phone: (505) 982-2565

Boxcar

This bar, which recently relocated, is known for its diverse food menu and vibrant events, thanks to new entertainment coordinators, making it a favorite for sports and nightlife.

Location: 133 W Water St. | Phone: (505) 988-7222

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery

Famed for its live music and family-friendly environment, Tumbleroot features an array of house-made spirits and serves as a community hub for various events.

Location: 2791 Agua Fría St. | Phone: (505) 303-3808

Outstanding Dance Companies

NDI New Mexico

With over three decades of experience, NDI New Mexico is celebrated for its dedication to dance education, training hundreds of students and providing numerous performances each year.

Location: 1140 Alto St. | Phone: (505) 983-7646

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

This ballet has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, continuing to enrich the community with classes, cultural programs, and annual performances such as the Nutcracker.

Location: 550 St. Michael’s Drive | Phone: (970) 925-7175

Belisama Irish Dance & Rhythm Sol

Incorporating traditional Irish dance and rhythm training, Belisama seeks to inspire young dancers through both structured learning and creative movement.

Location: 1225 Parkway Drive C | Phone: (505) 795-5424

Local DJs Making Waves

DJ Raashan

A top talent in Santa Fe, DJ Raashan is known for his exceptional community-driven events filled with soul, funk, and R&B, creating unforgettable experiences for attendees.

DJ Sin

With his reputation for dynamic sets and effective event management, DJ Sin is a beloved fixture in the local music scene.

DJ Optamystik

This versatile DJ seamlessly transitions between private events and high-energy dance parties, ensuring a lively experience wherever he performs.

Noteworthy Galleries

Hecho a Mano

Initially focused on Mexican prints, this gallery has broadened its focus to present works by a diverse group of artists while maintaining a community-centric approach.

Location: 129 W Palace Ave. | Phone: (505) 916-1341

Blue Rain Gallery

This prominent gallery hosts an impressive array of Native and contemporary artists, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in exceptional art.

Location: 544 S Guadalupe St. | Phone: (505) 954-9902

smoke the moon

Emerging as one of the freshest galleries on Canyon Road, smoke the moon features contemporary works by local artists and has quickly gained a reputation for its engaging exhibits.

Location: 616 ½ Canyon Road | Website: smokethemoon.com

Santa Fe’s Best Spots for Late Night Gathering

Boxcar

Renowned for its lively atmosphere and eclectic events, Boxcar is the go-to spot for late-night dining and entertainment.

Location: 133 W Water St. | Phone: (505) 988-7222

The Matador

Known for its laid-back vibe and punk rock soundtrack, The Matador is a cherished location for affordable drinks and a no-frills atmosphere.

Location: 116 W San Francisco St. (downstairs)

Evangelo’s

With a long history of hosting local bands, Evangelo’s offers a unique drinking experience and a welcoming environment for music lovers.

Location: 200 W San Francisco St. | Website: evangeloscocktaillounge.com

Engaging Lecture Series

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

This living history museum is not only known for its diverse events but also for its unique lecture series that captivates audiences with intriguing historical topics presented in an inspiring setting.

Location: 334 Los Pinos Road | Phone: (505) 471-2261

Santa Fe Institute

As a center for theoretical research, the Santa Fe Institute offers lectures that delve into complex topics across various disciplines, enriching the community’s understanding of science and culture.

Location: 1399 Hyde Park Road | Phone: (505) 984-8800

Lannan Foundation

This organization continues to provide a platform for diverse voices and critical thinking, making significant contributions to public discourse through its programming.

Location: 313 Read St. | Phone: (505) 986-8160

Celebrated Markets and Festivals

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market

Open year-round, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market expands in the summer to include an additional Southside location. This market not only offers fresh produce but also supports the local economy through countless vendors and enticing community activities.

Location: 1607 Paseo de Peralta | Phone: (505) 983-4098

SWAIA Indian Market

As one of the largest Indigenous art markets in the country, the SWAIA Indian Market attracts thousands of artists and visitors each year, showcasing a wide range of authentic artworks.

Location: 121 Sandoval St. | Phone: (505) 983-5520

International Folk Art Market

This esteemed market presents textiles and crafts from artists around the globe, featuring a vibrant array of cultures and artistry showcased in a friendly and accessible atmosphere.

Location: 620 Cerrillos Road | Phone: (505) 992-7600

Cinematic Experiences

Violet Crown Cinema

A highlight for film enthusiasts, Violet Crown Cinema offers a curated selection of independent and art films while promoting a communal watching experience with a full dining option.

Location: 1606 Alcaldesa St. | Phone: (505) 216-5678

Center for Contemporary Arts

This venue serves as a critical space for screenings of art films, documentaries, and discussions, ensuring the ongoing appreciation of global cinema in Santa Fe.

Location: 1050 Old Pecos Trail | Phone: (505) 982-1338

Jean Cocteau Cinema

Owned by George R.R. Martin, the Jean Cocteau Cinema is not just a film theater but also a cultural hub featuring a variety of live performances and events.

Location: 418 Montezuma Ave. | Phone: (505) 466-5528

Remarkable Museums

Museum of International Folk Art

This museum hosts dynamic exhibitions that celebrate folk art from around the world, focusing on the connection between the artist and their community, all while drawing large crowds.

Location: 706 Camino Lejo | Phone: (505) 476-1204

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Hailing as a tribute to one of the most iconic artists associated with New Mexico, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum showcases an extensive collection of her works alongside educational programs.

Location: 217 Johnson St. | Phone: (505) 946-1000

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas

Recognized for its interactive historical exhibits and engaging community events, this museum also hosts one of the region’s most esteemed lecture series, connecting historical narratives to present-day discussions.

Location: 334 Los Pinos Road | Phone: (505) 471-2261

Notable Nonprofit Organizations for the Arts

Lensic Performing Arts Center

The Lensic is integral to Santa Fe’s cultural landscape, hosting a variety of performances and putting on community-oriented events through its Lensic 360 initiative.

Location: 211 W San Francisco St. | Phone: (505) 988-1234

Center for Contemporary Arts

This organization continues to support experimental theater and film, fostering a unique environment for creative expression.

Location: 1050 Old Pecos Trail | Phone: (505) 982-1338

Santa Fe Desert Chorale

With a mission focused on enriching lives through choral music, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale presents an impressive summer festival that draws in enthusiasts from across the nation.

Location: 311 E Palace Ave. | Phone: (505) 988-2282

Outdoor and Performing Arts Venues

Santa Fe Railyard

This community space serves as a venue for free concerts and various events, enhancing the social fabric of Santa Fe with its lively atmosphere and local vendors.

Location: Cerrillos Road and Guadalupe St. | Phone: (505) 982-3373

Santa Fe Opera

A renowned venue for opera lovers, the Santa Fe Opera features exceptional performances year-round in a picturesque setting that blends indoor and outdoor experiences.

Location: 301 Opera Drive | Phone: (505) 986-5955

Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza

Every summer, this iconic location hosts a series of free concerts, catering to diverse musical tastes and bringing the community together.

Location: 63 Lincoln Ave. | Website: lensic360.org

Leading Theater Groups

Santa Fe Playhouse

Santa Fe Playhouse, the oldest continuously operating theater west of the Mississippi, is celebrated for its innovative productions and community involvement.

Location: 142 E DeVargas St. | Phone: (505) 988-4262

Teatro Paraguas

This bilingual theater is renowned for its emphasis on local talent and diverse productions, including children’s theater and original works.

Location: 3205 Calle Marie | Phone: (505) 424-1601

New Mexico Actors Lab

Focusing on deep artistic exploration, New Mexico Actors Lab has a rich history of engaging performances that resonate with the Santa Fe community.

Location: 1213 Parkway Drive | Phone: (505) 395-6576