Second Annual Officially Unofficial Guide to Santa Fe Native Market Week

/ chizhii

LAST UPDATED: 08/16/18

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)…

IMG_2996

my man & baby girl at market a couple years ago, lolzzzzz



This post is long, so here’s a few links to get to where you want…

FYIs…

  1. Cell service in Santa Fe is not very good, it has gotten better but is still subpar. I don’t care which provider you have, they are all bad (I have Verizon, no bueno.), 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 will kill your battery…plan ahead and pack a portable battery.
  2. Rain – the monsoon is in full effect (*yay!* because we need it!) so expect some rain, but don’t worry, it won’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. High elevation has a few side effects you should be aware of – thinner air means you may be more tired due to less oxygen; it also means you are more likely to get dehydrated so drink lots of water (the Institute for Altitude Medicine recommends an extra 1 to 1.5 liters/day). Also, thinner air means the sun is intense, so plan accordingly.
  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 – Friday 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.

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 Cerrillos 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 Fridays and Saturdays they have $1.50 oysters for HH.
    • Whoo’s Donuts – three words: BLUE CORN DONUTS. Also on Cerrillos, near Whole Foods. They close at 3 but are usually sold out before then, Whole Foods also carries some of their donuts.
    • Coffee Shops
      • Sky Coffee – right in the middle of the railyard by the water tower.
      • Lion & Honey – tbh, never been, but I know it exists.
      • Iconik Lúpe – north end of railyard district on your way to downtown, recently opened.
    • A short walk from the Railyard Park, all along Guadalupe are various restaurants (Tomasitas, Palomas, 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, Hard Cider Taproom.
  2. Downtown
  3. Kid Friendly
    • Railyard area: Violet Crown, Pinon Pub at Whole Foods, Cowgirl (has play area)
    • Downtown: Burger Stand, the game room at Draft Station
  4. Breakfast/lunch

Nightlife
I am using this term loosely bc half these places close by 10pm or midnight. Also, in my experience, all the bars that stay open late charge cover during market weekend (except Matador), you’ve been warned.
AND FYI, SKYLIGHT CLOSED!

  1. Railyard:
    • Boxcar – one of those restaurants that turns into a “club” at night
    • Cowgirl – restaurant that always has live music, fun to watch the tourists get down
    • Paloma – back patio has live music sometimes
  2.  Downtown:
    • Crow Bar – typical bar, has a pool table
    • Evangelos – usually has live music, cash only
    • Matador – dive bar, don’t go if you’re claustrophobic
    • Hervé Wine Bar – where Skylight used to be, good vibe, chill, only open till like 10 tho
    • Palace – restaurant that turns into a bar at night, the red lights remind me of Twin Peaks, Thursdays are karaoke
    • Tonic – I have been told there is a younger crowd here but I have yet to go *cough* I’m old *cough*
    • Casa España – private club, super swanky…they don’t always check for membership…I’m a member bc bouj x 40.
    • Gruet Winery Tasting Room – located at Hotel St Francis, mostly bubbly.
    • NM Hard Cider House – chill, has a pool table & shuffle board.
    • Santa Fe Brewing Brakeroom – chill
    • Desert Dogs – pool table, shuffle board, patio, chill.
    • Draft Station – shuffle board, patio, ping pong, foosball
  3. Other:
    • La Reina at El Rey Court – if you’re a hipster go here
    • Meow Wolf – happening at night when they have concerts (check website)
    • Buffalo Thunder Casino – they have a club that typically has events during market. Note that it is about a 20 minute drive out of town. Plan ahead, have a DD, don’t be dumb

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. SITE Santa Fe has a really cool exhibit right now called SITElines.2018: Casa tomada which focuses on contemporary art from the Americas. The exhibition features 23 artists from eight countries and ten new commissions. Free admission on Fridays and from 10am-noon on Saturdays. **I personally recommend this one**
  4. Meow Wolf is also pretty cool, but it can be crowded. Everyone lines up when they open and it’ll be packed all morning…buuuuuut if you wait until about 4 or 5pm, the crowd has cleared out and it’s much nicer. Also, if you want to go at night, check out their concert schedule…sometimes you can get tickets for less than the daytime admission, also less people and live music, winning. But be sure to verify the exhibit will be open bc it varies by show (event details on website will confirm).
  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. 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 and talks carry a cover charge and take place at multiple venues, including Violet Crown Cinema, Santa Fe Indian Center, and Hotel Santa Fe.

Sunday, August 12

  1. Indigenous Comic Con 2018 Gathering & Fundraiser @ Jean Cocteau Cinema: Indigenerds Assemble! Our event will be a gathering for Santa Fe Indigenerds (and supporters) to preview some of the great things we have planned for this year’s Comic Con. We will be showcasing a few short films as well and hope to introduce some guests. The fundraising would go toward providing tickets to young people/students to attend the Comic Con in November. COSPLAY ENCOURAGED. 7-10pm.

Tuesday, August 14

  1. Imprint Opening @ Coe Center for the Arts: Six leading printmakers, Eliza Naranjo Morse, Jamison Chās Banks (Seneca-Cayuga, Cherokee), Jason Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo Tewa), Terran Last Gun (Piikani (Blackfeet)), Dakota Mace (Diné (Navajo)), and Jacob Meders (Mechoopda/Maidu), along with Coe curators Bess Murphy and Nina Sanders (Apsáalooke) have spent the past year working collaboratively to build IMPRINT. IMPRINT brings art to the public and the public to art in widely accessible ways through the use of repurposed newspaper boxes, wheat-pasted posters around town, and free print giveaways. 5-7pm.

Wednesday, August 15

  1. Just Bead It! @ MIAC: features three Native American beaders who showcase their work and offer a short panel discussion. Artists presenting include Hollis Chitto (Choctaw – Laguna), Charlene Holy Bear (Standing Rock Lakota Sioux), and John Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). 3-4pm.
  2. IAIA Scholarship Dinner & Auction: annual Scholarship Dinner and Auction at La Fonda on the Plaza. This event raises critically needed scholarship funds that assist our students in reaching their academic and artistic goals. Guests have the chance to mingle with noted artists and IAIA students—and acquire some extraordinary art. 5-10pm.

Thursday, August 16

  1. WE ARE THE SEEDS Santa Fe (aka SEEDS): one of two art markets occurring (Thursday-Friday). Located at the Railyard Park. Check website for more details on events. 10am-6pm.
  2. Indige-Paint @ Santa Fe Indian Center: This public event is a fundraiser paint party with all Native American instructors. Well-known Native American artists will demonstrate painting techniques to anyone who attends the workshops. There will be three time slots available: 12pm-2pm, 3pm-5pm and 6pm-8pm.
  3. Meet & Greet with Brent Learned @ FaraHNHeight Gallery: Brent will be live painting and speaking about his works and techniques from 1pm-6pm. Later in the evening from 6pm-10pm, there will be music, refreshments, and special guests to delights your senses. 1-10pm.
  4. Flex Your Activism – Artist Talk @ Museum of International Folk Art: gallery talk featuring Cannupa Hanska Luger and Every One project participants. Every One, a work of art and activism about the more than 4,000 cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada. 2-4pm.
  5. Exclusive Pre-Market Show @ Hervé Wine Bar: Join us for an exclusive pre-Market show featuring Yavapai-Apache artist Matagi Sorensen. Matagi is a contemporary Native artist who creates hand fabricated and lost wax-cast jewelry. His designs are sleek and modern and draw from traditional motifs rooted in his heritage. 4-8pm.
  6. Artist Reception Party @ Malouf on the Plaza: Meet the artists and preview their Indian Market Collections. Douglas Magnus, Dian Malouf, White Buffalo, Artie Yellowhorse, Scott Diffrient, Federico, Calvin Desson, Wayne Aguilar, Larry Vasquez, Danny Stewart, Michelle Tapia, Miles, Standish, Marie Yazzie, David Rosales, Alverez Perez, Mario Chavez, Chili Rose, Bilangaanas, Brian McCurtain, Etkie, Jeff DeMent. 5-7:30pm.
  7. IAIA Museum Summer/Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception @ MoCNA: featuring DJ Celeste Worl (Tlingit). New MoCNA Exhibitions by Terrol Dew Johnson and Aranda\Lasch, Darren Vigil Gray, and Holly Wilson. 5-7pm.
  8. Soular Power & Dancing Colors Opening @ Poeh Cultural Center: features the work of Poeh Cultural Center art students who have been working with Shawn Tafoya from Santa Clara to create embroidered kilts, sashes and other traditional Pueblo dance regalia. 5:30-7:30pm.
  9. Wings 30th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner @ Hotel Santa Fe: Special guests Oren Lyons, Billy Mills, N. Scott Momaday, Roxanne Swentzell & Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk engage in a fireside chat: “Value Change for Survival.” Moderated by Wings Executive Director, Dustin Martin. 6-9pm.
  10. Indian Market Opening Party @ True West Gallery: 4th annual Indian Market opening party. Artists, sculptors & jewelers presenting new work. Music and refreshments. 4-6pm by invite, 6-9pm open to public.
  11. Seeds Picnic Dinner with the Herrera Singers @ the Railyard Park: Lay out your blanket or grab one of our picnic tables! Feast with Jambo Cafe + enjoy beautiful songs by the Herrera Singers from Cochiti Pueblo. The evening festivities will also feature a silent auction with items donated from Seeds artists and surrounding businesses. 6-9pm.
  12. Indian Market Kick Off Party @ the Convention Center: All-ages event including entertainment by LightningCloud, DJ Vanessa Bowen, and a special preview of IM: EDGE Contemporary Show. 7-9pm.
  13. Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers @ Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery: Victor’s dad from Smoke Signals has a band, they play blues type stuff. 8-11pm.

Friday, August 18

  1. We are the Seeds Santa Fe (aka Seeds): one of two art markets occurring (Thursday-Friday). Located at the Railyard Park. Check website for more details on events. 10am-6pm.
  2. Patricia Michaels Fashion Show @ True West Gallery: featuring Patricia Michaels of Project Runway fame, as she showcases her newest haute couture fashion line. 1-3pm.
  3. ACONAV Wearable Art Fashion Event @ Seeds: featuring wearable art designs by ACONAV among six rising Native fashion designers, in collaboration with Seeds artists. 2pm.
  4. Art Talk: Disrupting the Mainstream @ SITE Santa Fe: Curator and artist Tony Abeyta will moderate a panel of artists, gallery owners, and museum directors, who will discuss how these groups contribute to the Indigenous art world today.  Panelists include Melissa Cody, Cannupa Hanska Luger, John Lukavic, and Amy Scott. 2:30-4pm.
  5. Johnny Nelson Book Signing @ Poeh Cultural Center: Don’t miss illustrator Jonathan Nelson as he promotes, “First Laugh – Welcome Baby!” Come by the Poeh Cultural Center to meet the artist. We are really excited to host Jonathan and see him be recognized in this great publication.Music and refreshments will be served. Event held in conjunction with the Poeh Art Workshops from 3pm-6pm. 4-5pm.
  6. Soul of Nations Opening @ Form & Concept: Soul of Nations, a Washington, D.C. and Arizona-based nonprofit that works to uplift Indigenous communities throughout the Americas, presents this juried exhibition of Native teen artists from Southwest reservations. 5-7pm.
  7. Opening Reception: 4 Native Art Exhibitions @ Peters Project Gallery: Opening reception for Will Wilson and Calabaza & Clark. With a special Indian Market reception for Cara Romero, as well as new work by Santiago X. 5-7pm.
  8. Nocona Burgess Reception @ True West Gallery: meet acclaimed artist, Nocona Burgess, and learn about his renowned Comanche heritage and artistic process. 5-8pm.
  9. Chapter House presents: Liłith, The Flossies, Ryan Dennison @ Ghost: Chapter House makes an appearance at this year’s Indian Market in the form of heavy vibrations. Its gonna get loud, it’s gonna get fun, so invite a friend because we’re having a good time whether you like it or not. 8pm-12am.
  10. Indian Market Reggae 2018 @ Boxcar: Brotherhood Sound & Don Martin meet DJ Garronteed to bring you Indian Market Reggae 2018!!! The two selectas will buss the best new & classic reggae jams. 10pm-1:30am.
  11. Spindian Market 2018 – 90s Party @ Buffalo Thunder Casino: DJ Breakaway, DJ Garronteed, DJ Jon RA, DJ Naki. Performance by Zay_islike, Killa T + Barrac. 10pm-3:30am.

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. IAIA Student/Alumni Art Market: held at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts Portal during SWAIA – Santa Fe Indian Market weekend. 8am-5pm. **I personally recommend this one, the IAIA artists always have interesting and new art (and sometimes more affordable prices)**
  3. CNYN 223 Indenh Market Pop Up @ FaraHNHeight Gallery: Introducing: RLB FASHION: “Otherism” cut n sew collection. RLB ARTWORK: “Glyphitti” remix collection. LIVE: Mural Painting & DJ’s & Fashion Flexing. 8am-7pm.
  4. IM: EDGE Contemporary Exhibit by SWAIA @ Convention Center lobby: curated, contemporary gallery-type show and sale, featuring artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art form and exploring issues related Activism and Identity. 9am-5pm.
  5. OXDX Presents: OFF-MARKET NDN MRKT Clearance Outlet pop-up shop @ 137 W San Francisco St: basement level storefront that faces San Francisco St near the Plaza in Santa Fe. Enjoy pop up shopping by Indigenous Goddess Gang, Steven Paul Judd, Lakota Scott, Quw’utsun’made, By Neeko, and our new collab with Bobby Wilson. We’ll have A/C, and SNACKS, and MUSIC by DJ Jermatik as well as an open mic program. 10am-5pm. **I personally recommend this one bc these are my friends, lol, but seriously, gonna be good, check it out!**
  6. Native Artists in Action at Skate School: Free workshops in wood burning, screen printing, spray paint art and Skate Everything Coloring Book party. Live music, hip hop, rock and open mic! Defleshment, Outstanding Citizens Collective, Legun Coriz, DJ Béeso, Bishop Undurdog, AnTro Shemayme, MC Slader, Asliani,  K.Benally/Letsjusb, Kaos, Xamorai, Honey, Summon, MyName IsTy. The Maize Mob will be shredding the park. This all ages show is FREE for youth and $5 for adults. 12-9pm.
  7. Artist Talk: Soul of Nations @ Form & Concept: Native teen artists from the Soul of Nations group exhibition join Ernest Hill, executive director of Soul of Nations, for an interactive tour of the show. 1-2pm.
  8. OFF-MARKET Fashion Show @ Casa Espana: OXDX x Trickster Company x Beyond Buckskin are teaming together to host a collaborative fashion and shopping event in Santa Fe, NM! Be prepared for a night of fashion, music, drinks, shopping, and instagram-able decor. 5:30-8pm. **I personally recommend this one…I have been helping the OXDX team plan this since this spring and it’s gonna be 🔥**
  9. Innastate with DDAT @ the Railyard water tower: Innastate is a contemporary reggae band from the high-desert of New Mexico. DDAT combines hip hop, jazz, funk and soul to their original southwestern feel and genre. 7-10pm.
  10. Native Cinema Showcase Family Night: Coco @ the Railyard park: Families are encouraged to bring chairs/blankets and arrive in time to secure a spot on the lawn. Food available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks. The movie will begin at sunset. 8-10:30pm.

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. CNYN 223 Indenh Market Pop Up @ FaraHNHeight Gallery: Introducing: RLB FASHION: “Otherism” cut n sew collection. RLB ARTWORK: “Glyphitti” remix collection. LIVE: Mural Painting & DJ’s & Fashion Flexing. 8am-7pm.
  3. IM: EDGE Contemporary Exhibit by SWAIA @ Convention Center lobby: curated, contemporary gallery-type show and sale, featuring artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art form and exploring issues related Activism and Identity. 9am-5pm.
  4. 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. **personal note: this event is loooong and if you don’t have a seat, it’s hot. so either get there early, or show up right at the end to get a quick look at all the designs off-stage when everyone is taking pictures**
  5. OXDX Presents: OFF-MARKET NDN MRKT Clearance Outlet pop-up shop @ 137 W San Francisco St: basement level storefront that faces San Francisco St near the Plaza in Santa Fe. Enjoy pop up shopping by Indigenous Goddess Gang, Steven Paul Judd, Lakota Scott, Quw’utsun’made, By Neeko, and our new collab with Bobby Wilson. We’ll have A/C, and SNACKS, and MUSIC by DJ Jermatik as well as an open mic program. 10am-6pm. **I personally recommend this one bc these are my friends, lol, but seriously, gonna be good, check it out!**
  6. 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. 2-3pm. **I personally recommending this one but make sure to get tickets ASAP bc it always sells out**
  7. SWAIA Fashion Show After Party @ Casa Espana: Join us for the SWAIA Fashion Show after party at the swanky new club Casa Espana located by El Dorado Hotel. Wear your fashion finest and help SWAIA celebrate the close of Indian Market 2018. Cocktail and mingle with models, designers, artists and Indian Market guests. Featuring DJ Breakaway. 8-11:45pm.

If you see a mistake – please let me know!

ENJOY 🙂

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