New Mexico, United States — Events
Santa Fe Opera Season
Every July and August since 1957 opera lovers from all over the world have converged on Santa Fe to enjoy a top class repertoire performed by outstanding talents in what is surely the world’s most stunning setting for an Opera House. The Santa Fe Opera is sited on a magnificent mesa, seven miles (11km) north of the city. The adobe theater, blending with the desert, is open-sided, affording a panoramic view of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nature and art fuse into an awesome experience for the appreciative audiences.
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Summer in Santa Fe brings the renowned Chamber Music Festival, a world-class musical feast that well lives up to its goal of providing listeners with the finest music of the ages, performed by artists in a beautiful setting. The full program, offered in two venues, includes classical, contemporary world and jazz music. As well as concerts the festival includes a youth education and outreach element, free open rehearsals, concert previews and round table discussions with composers and musicians.
Santa Fe Indian Market
Known as the ‘cultural gem of New Mexico’ the Santa Fe Indian Market is not only a memorable event, but also a place where gifted Native American artists can meet and mingle with millions of appreciative visitors and collectors from around the world. Each August for the past 80 or so years this art show has proved to be the state’s most popular annual event. The extended weekend involves about 1,100 artists selling their work from more than 600 booths in downtown Santa Fe. Also on site are ethnic food stalls and entertainment on the Plaza stage.
New Mexico State Fair
Billed as the greatest show in New Mexico, the State Fair is far more than just an agricultural show. Professional rodeo events and the showing of livestock are big drawcards, or course, but fair-goers also flock onto the 236-acre fairground in the heart of Albuquerque for everything from corn on the cob and cotton candy to carnival rides. The fun of the fair also includes arts and crafts, various animal events, concerts and a variety of free entertainment. For more information contact the New Mexico State Fair Office on (505) 265 1791.
International Balloon Fiesta
Back in 1972 Albuquerque won a bid to host the 1973 World Hot Air Ballooning Championships, and since then the floating colorful orbs have become a familiar sight in the skies over the city. Albuquerque is now the official balloon capital of the world, and the weeklong International Balloon Fiesta held in the first week of October each year draws thousands of pilots, balloons and avid spectators from the four corners of the world. The city pulls out all the stops to ensure that the Fiesta is a memorable experience in all respects.
