A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ART from around the world takes over the Santa Fe Railyard during the 20th annual International Folk Art Market (IFAM) July 11–14. Featuring more than 160 artists, including 41 first timers, from 51 countries, the market includes a community celebration and concert, opening-night preview party, night market, and speaker series. Each day, visitors can find one-of-a-kind treasures and travel thousands of miles in just a few steps. “You are greeted with this sense of wonder,” says Stacey Edgar, executive director of IFAM. “The Railyard is transformed into a global market that brings the world together.”
Take your time. For a deeper appreciation of the artistry on display, Edgar recommends exploring each booth, enjoying the global entertainment, and sampling the food. “Visit one of our lecture series talks to learn more about the people and processes behind handmade folk art,” she says.
Celebrate the newbies and the OGs. For its 20th anniversary, the market plans an Innovation Tent, showcasing young artists, and a Legacy Tent, featuring artists who have attended since the market’s beginning. “Talking with them is a great way to really understand the difference your purchase makes around the world,” Edgar says.
Find a deal. You can score some rare deals on Sunday afternoon, but delay purchasing at your own peril. “You might miss something fabulous that is scooped up while you wait,” she says. “But it is a great way to help visitors get a price break and help the artists leave with nothing left to carry home.”
Don't miss the WildThing Bullriding Championship.
Photograph courtesy of Donovan Becenti.
ROSWELL UFO FESTIVAL
July 5-7
Crash in Roswell for three days of out-of-this-world entertainment, captivating speakers, and unearthly sightings.
FIREWORKS AT ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE
July 6
Elephant Butte stretches our nation’s birthday into the weekend with an impressive fireworks display over the water, starting at 8:30 p.m.
WILDTHING BULLRIDING CHAMPIONSHIP
July 12 & 13
See the most skilled riders in the business take on massive bucking bulls at this annual rodeo, the biggest in the Southwest, at Red Rock Park, near Gallup.
ROUTE 66 SUMMERFEST
July 20
Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood hosts a block party with live music on multiple stages, food trucks, and tons of family-friendly fun.
FIESTA DE LOS NIÑOS
July 20 & 21
At El Rancho de las Golondrinas, make mini adobe homes, tortillas, and rope; meet the resident sheep and goats; and listen to live music while snacking from local food trucks.
Just off the Santa Fe Plaza, on Lincoln Avenue, the Contemporary Hispanic Market features over 135 artists.
Photograph courtesy of the Contemporary Hispanic Market.
TWO FOR ALL
A pair of art markets come together over one weekend in Santa Fe, July 27–28.
TRADITIONAL SPANISH MARKET
Artists representing 19 juried categories of traditional Spanish Colonial arts, such as tinwork, retablos, and bultos, surround the Santa Fe Plaza. In its second year of management by the Atrisco Heritage Foundation, the 72nd annual market promises tons of live entertainment, food, and performances.
CONTEMPORARY HISPANIC MARKET
Running along Lincoln Avenue just off the plaza, this concurrent market features more than 135 artists who have Spanish lineage but create contemporary works beyond traditional categories. Look for photography, jewelry, mixed media, and more.
