LAST UPDATED: 08/15/17 @ 5pm

Next week is the annual Santa Fe Indian Market. I love this time of year because I always have a lot of friends in town, and also because there are so many cool events happening. For those who are market regulars, you know that things don’t just happen on the weekend – it’s a full week of events, and you also know that there are a lot of events not affiliated with the official Market. But for those newbies, it can be a bit overwhelming, so I’ve put together a little market week guide & FYIs (note this is a LONG post, but hopefully you will find the info useful)…

FYIs…

1. Cell service in Santa Fe is horrible, HORRIBLE. I don’t care which provider you have, they are all bad (I have Verizon, so bad.), especially in the summer, and especially around downtown. Typically you can send a text or make a phone call, but trying to browse social media or look something up on Google Maps is almost unheard of unless you are on wifi. So plan ahead and take screen shots. Also, a portable battery is a good idea because your battery will die fast while you try to Google somewhere for lunch.
2. Rain – the monsoon is in full effect. The plus side is that the highs have been in the 70s lately, the con is rain when you want to be out and about. I just checked the weather for next week and Fri – Sun show no rain…fingers crossed. But if it does rain, just remember, it doesn’t last long.
3. Driving – between the locals who are notorious for running red lights and all the tourists who have no idea where they are going, driving here can be dangerous, so stay alert and be careful! Note: Uber and Lyft are both available in Santa Fe but availability is sometimes very limited.
4. Elevation – Santa Fe is at 7000 ft elevation. The air is thinner which means you might be sleepy due to lower levels of oxygen and the sun is more intense so wear sunscreen!
5. Nightlife – there is none. This town pretty much goes to sleep with the sun. There are a few places to go, but don’t be surprised if they are mostly empty. See below for a list of spots.
6. There are two markets this year – SEEDS and Santa Fe Indian Market. SEEDS is Thursday – Saturday at the Railyard Park, Santa Fe Indian Market is Saturday & Sunday downtown. The Railyard Park and Plaza (center of downtown) are about a mile from each other, so it is possible to walk from one to the other.

Food & Drinks…

1. Railyard District
   • Second Street Brewery – outside patio, good people watching during the Farmers’ Market, good beer, decent food, gets crowded, and can have a long wait.
   • Violet Crown – this is a movie theatre across the tracks from Second Street Brewery, but they also serve food and drinks. This is an order at the counter place so there is no wait for a table. They have a nice patio outside and a great drink selection (beer/wine).
   • Whole Foods – on Cerillos across the street from the Railyard Park. They have a killer hot bar, salad bar, etc. They also have an actual bar (Pinon Pub) with indoor and outdoor seating. You can buy food from the grocery store and eat at the bar/dining area. Also, on Friday and Saturdays they have $1.50 oysters for HH.
   • Whoo’s Donuts – three words: BLUE CORN DONUTS. Also on Cerillos, near Whole Foods. They close at 3 but are usually sold out before then, Whole Foods also carries some of their donuts.
   • A short walk from the Railyard Park, all along Guadalupe are various restaurants (Tomasitas, BoxCar, Cowgirl, Cafe Sonder, Whole Hog Cafe to name a few).
   • A little walk down Cerillos will take you to some other spots – Modern General, Shake Foundation, Vinaigarette,
2. Downtown
   • order at the counter places – The Burger Stand (personal fave) and The Burrito Company
   • Typically little or no wait – Blue Corn Cafe, Del Charro, and Los Magueyes
   • Outdoor Patio/People Watching – Draft Station, Thunderbird, Secreto Lounge at Hotel St Francis (no food service but you can bring food in)
   • Rooftop Patio to watch the sunset – La Fonda Bell Tower bar and Bar Alto at Drury Inn (both serve drinks & apps). Blue Corn Cafe & Coyote Cafe also have rooftop outdoor seating.
3. Nightlife- with the exception of Palace, all the bars are all near each other. Also, in my experience, all the bars charge cover during market weekend (except Matador), you’ve been warned.
   • Crow Bar – typical bar, has a pool table
   • Evangelos – usually has live music, cash only
   • the Underground at Evangelos – the basement of the same bar, sometimes plays hip hop, cash only
   • Matador – dive bar, don’t go if you’re claustrophobic
   • Skylight – the ONLY club in Santa Fe
   • Palace – restaurant that turns into a bar at night, the red lights remind me of Twin Peaks, Thursdays are karaoke
   • There are a few others that are a little more spread out at or near downtown – the Dragon Room, HQ, Boxcar, Billiards room at Cowgirl, Pinon Pub (at Whole Foods), hotel bars, note that most of these do not stay open until ‘last call’.

Other stuff to check out…

1. If you’re into galleries, check out Canyon Road, it’s basically ALL galleries. Check out the Teahouse for good food and coffee/tea, they have a nice outdoor dining space.
2. Museum of Contemporary Native Art (MoCNA) is free for Natives, also they are having multiple events all weekend that I did not list, more info here.
3. Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi is also free and has really cool stain glass windows. Also make sure to walk all the way to the back left to see the original structure.
4. Meow Wolf is also pretty cool, but it can be crowded, go before noon for the best experience, also buy tickets online to get in faster.
5. If you’re going to the Poeh Cultural Center or Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino, note that they are both about a 20 minute drive out of town.
6. Farmers’ Market Saturday mornings at the Railyard Park, 7am-1pm. Really good people watching 😉

Events

I’ve compiled a list of events that I am aware of with links to more info (will add more as info becomes available)

Week long events 

1. B. Yellowtail Pop-Up Shop @ ZOHI Gallery (Monday – Sunday)
2. Native Film Festivals:  The Native Cinema Showcase is co-sponsored by Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, organizers of Indian Market. The free screenings are held at the New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Ave.). There’s also an “on the road” edition of the Los Angeles-based Red Nation Film Festival. These screenings carry a cover charge and take place at multiple venues, including Violet Crown Cinema (1606 Alcadesa St.), Jean Cocteau Cinema (418 Montezuma Ave.), and ZOHI Gallery (130 Lincoln Ave.).
   • Red Nation Film Festival (Tuesday – Sunday)
   • NMAI Native Film Showcase (Tuesday – Sunday)

Tuesday, August 15

1. Douglas Miles Exhibit Preview & Artist Panel @ Poeh Cultural Center: Preview of Douglas Miles’ exhibition “Residency” – new work inspired by the streets of San Francisco as well as informed by the creative historical communities such as the Mission District and the Tenderloin. 3-5pm
2. Catch 22: Paradox on Paper: Catch 22 presents a diverse collection of Native art that has never before been exhibited together. Artists include Rose Simpson, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Jason Garcia, Jaune Quick-to-see Smith and Diego Romero, as well as select pieces by leaders of an earlier generation such as T.C. Cannon and Rick Bartow. 5-8pm
3. Santa Fe Bandstand featuring a drum group and the Levi Platero Band: The Santa Fe Bandstand is a free concert series on the Plaza. 6pm

Wednesday, August 16

1. Jason Garcia Exhibit Preview & Artist Panel @ Poeh Cultural Center: The Poeh Cultural Center will feature the Jason Garcia and his series entitled “TEWA TALES OF SUSPENSE!” a series of serigraph prints that illustrate the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. 3-5pm
2. Seeds Santa Fe Sunset Park Jam w/ DJ Brain Frejo & special guests: Seeds kick-off party at the Railyard Park. 6-9pm
3. Raye Zaragoza & Calina Lawrence live at ZOHI Gallery: Admission is free. 7-9pm

Thursday, August 17

1. WE ARE THE SEEDS (Santa Fe): Art + Culture + Fun (aka SEEDS): one of two art markets occurring (Thursday-Saturday). Located at the Railyard Park. Check website for more details on events. 9am-5pm
2. Shiprock Santa Fe Indian Market Celebration: Sonwai & Ken Williams, Jr.: Famed Hopi jeweler Verma Nequatewa will showcase her latest works alongside Arapaho/Seneca beadwork artist Ken Williams Jr. Come by the gallery to see their one-of-a-kind pieces, made special for Indian Market, as well as an incredible collaboration piece they created together. 2-4pm
3. Cara Romero Photography Indian Market Sneak Preview Party: sneak preview party–celebrating new works and a new studio for Cara Romero Photography. Located at 436 Cerrillos, Studio B, it’s a short walk from the Railyard or the Plaza. 4-7pm
4. IAIA Museum Summer/Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception @ MoCNA: Multiple exhibits opening (check link for details). Music provided by DJ Celeste Worl (Tlingit). 5-7pm
5. Opening Reception: Tony Abeyta @ Owings Gallery: Opening reception for Abeyta’s exhibition These Mythic Lands. 5-7pm 
6. Opening Reception: Douglas Miles & Jason Garcia @ Poeh Cultural Center: Celebrate the opening of the two newest exhibits, “Residency” by Douglas Miles (San Carlos Apache) and “TEWA TALES OF SUSPENSE!” by Jason Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). Live band & DJ. 6-10pm

Friday, August 18

1. WE ARE THE SEEDS (Santa Fe): Art + Culture + Fun (aka SEEDS): one of two art markets occurring (Thursday-Saturday). Located at the Railyard Park. Check website for more details on events. 9am-5pm
2. Her Empowerment – Our Legacy Fashion Event @ SEEDS: Featuring designers JG Indie by Jolonzo Goldtooth & ACONAV – A collaborative fashion event between designers and artists of SEEDS, celebrating the empowerment of women artisans and our legacy to carry on in their honor.  2pm
3. Fake Indians & False Narratives: Panel Discussion on Commodifying Culture to Sell Contemporary Art’. Eileen Braziel, Director of Peters Projects, will lead a discussion surrounding current issues on indigenous identity in the mainstream art world. 3:30-4:30pm
4. Indian Art & Indian Activism Conversation: A panel of noted Native artists will give their thoughts on art and activism, how they merge and whether American Indian art is moving into a period featuring more Native artists making pointed commentary on the world around them. 3-5pm
5. Creative Nation II, Opening Reception @ Ellsworth Gallery: group exhibition of Native American contemporary art. For its second year, Ellsworth Gallery is officially partnering with SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) to present a full-scale gallery exhibition of Native American contemporary art. 5-7pm
6. Reception: Nicholas Galanin and Patrick Dean Hubbell @ Peters Projects Gallery: Galanin’s I Think It Goes Like and Hubbell’s This Earth/Paradigm. 5-7pm
7. Opening Reception: Broken Boxes Exhibition @ Form & Concept Gallery: Onsite discussion and public engagement with Winona LaDuke of Honor the Earth and film maker Keri Pickett, creator of First Daughter and the Black Snake. Food and drink provided by Earth Defenders Kim Smith and Makai Lewis. DJ’d by 13Pieces. 5-8pm
8. ZOHI Gallery Grand Opening: Native owned and operated gallery in downtown Santa Fe featuring a multitude of Native artists. 6-10pm
9. Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers live @ Cowgirl: live blues rock. 8pm
10. Indian Market Reggae 2017 @ Palace Restaurant & Saloon: Roots, Dancehall, Ska, Soca, Dubplates, Remixes. 21+over, $5 before 11pm, $7 after. 9pm

Saturday, August 19

1. SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market: one of two markets occurring (Saturday-Sunday) and the original market, located downtown, near and on the plaza. Check out the plaza stage for various performances all weekend long. Also get a guide when you arrive to locate your favorite artists and plan your route. 7am-5pm
2. Trickster Company x OXDX Pop-Up Shop @ MoCNA: Trickster Company & Jared OXDX Yazzie will be joining forces in a pop-up shop booth located in the Front (North) Courtyard of MoCNA (Saturday – Sunday). 8am-5pm
3. WE ARE THE SEEDS (Santa Fe): Art + Culture + Fun (aka SEEDS): final day for the new SEEDS market occurring (Thursday-Saturday). Located at the Railyard Park. Check website for more details on events. 9am-4pm
4. IM: EDGE Contemporary Exhibit by SWAIA: Indian Market’s curated contemporary art exhibition. This gallery-style presentation features the work of artists pushing the boundaries of Native art. Sponsored by JoAnn and Bob Balzer. Saturday ONLY. 9am-4pm
5. The Zuni Show by the Keshi Foundation: Zuni is the largest of the pueblos in New Mexico and most of the Zunis’ income is from the sale of their artwork. This 2nd annual show expands exposure to the public, and once again artists will receive 100% of the proceeds from their sales. This is truly a fair trade event! Located at the Scottish Rite Temple just a few blocks north of the Plaza. 9am-6pm.
6. Broken Boxes Artist Celebration @ Form & Concept Gallery:Music.BBQ.Skateboarding.Live Paint.Party. Live collective painting with participating exhibition artists including Douglas Miles, Nani Chacon, Micah Wesley, Yatika Starr Fields, Rose B. Simpson, Frank Buffalo Hyde, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Freyr A. Marie, Cloudface, Kim Smith, Demian DinéYazhi’ and more. Live cut paper demonstration by Ian Kuali’i. 2-5pm
7. 4th Annual Indian Market Haute Couture Fashion Show: The Haute Couture Fashion Show highlights Native designers who push the creative exploration of original and unique fashion inspired by their diverse backgrounds. The show is an innovated expression of fashion, design and art. SEATS SOLD OUT, standing room only. 3-4:30pm
8. Chapter House presents: The Flossies, Weedrat, Liłith, + more: featuring some of Chapter House’s favorite bands in one place. For one evening only, you can witness a mixture of live music and live skateboarding from indigenous skate team Maize Skateboards. $5 gets you through the door, all ages are welcome. 5:30pm
9. Native POP! At Pop Gallery Showcase: showcase of Native American Pop art from some of the most talented Native Artists from across the country. 6-10pm
10. Spindian Market @ Skylight: This year SM is taking you back to the 90s!! Djs will be spin the flyest jams on two floors and on the patio at Santa Fe’s flyest dance club, Skylight Santa Fe. 6pm
11. ZOHI Gallery Music Mixer/Fashion Show/Sacred Cypher: Featuring Bethany Yellowtail (Apsaalooke – Crow & Tsetsehestahese & So’taeo’o – Northern Cheyenne), Justin Louis with Section 35 (Maskwacîs Cree / Nehiyaw), ThunderVoiceEagle (Diné – Navajo), and many more! Music Mixer: 7pm, Fashion Show: 8pm, Sacred Cypher: 9pm
12. Native Guitar Tour: Roots.Rock.Reggae @ Palace Restaurant & Saloon: 3rd annual event featuring Levi Platero – Tohajiilee, NM (Navajo); Innastate – Santa Fe, NM; Jir Project – Cochiti Pueblo, NM; Raye Zaragoza – Los Angeles, CA; Randall Warren – Austin, TX; DJ Nutsako spinning roots, rock. $12. 8pm

Sunday, August 20

1. SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market: on of two markets occurring (Saturday-Sunday) and the original market, located downtown, near and on the plaza. Check out the plaza stage for various performances all weekend long. Also get a guide when you arrive to locate your favorite artists and plan your route. 8am-5pm
2. Trickster Company x OXDX Pop-Up Shop @ MoCNA: Trickster Company & Jared OXDX Yazzie will be joining forces in a pop-up shop booth located in the Front (North) Courtyard of MoCNA (Saturday – Sunday). 8am-5pm
3. SWAIA Native American Clothing Contest: The contest includes categories for traditional and contemporary Native fashions; featuring children and adult participants with award prizes in a variety of categories. on the Plaza, arrive EARLY for a seat. 9am-12pm
4. The Zuni Show by the Keshi Foundation: Zuni is the largest of the pueblos in New Mexico and most of the Zunis’ income is from the sale of their artwork. This 2nd annual show expands exposure to the public, and once again artists will receive 100% of the proceeds from their sales. This is truly a fair trade event! Located at the Scottish Rite Temple just a few blocks north of the Plaza. 9am-4pm.

If you see a mistake – please let me know!

ENJOY 🙂