Everything is just right when it comes to springtime in Santa Fe. The hotter days of summer are still a couple of months away and we’ve shaken off the chill of winter. It’s a time of year that makes you wonder why anyone would ever want to live anywhere else. For this post, we’ve compiled some events that will get you out and about so that you can enjoy the warm sunlight and cool breezes of spring in The City Different.
Canyon Road Spring Art Festival, May 12
With its charming architecture and tree-lined sidewalks, it’s always a good time to tour Canyon Road, but the Spring Art Festival marks an even better time to walk Canyon Road. The festival officially kicks off on Saturday, May 12, but on Friday evening you can see local and visiting artists showing off their work in galleries and on the street. There’s always a wide variety of work on display, with a strong showing for Southwestern themes. On Saturday, May 12, from 9 AM to 4 PM, you can watch the artists at work in the galleries, take art tours, and check out the children’s activities. There will also be silent auctions in some of the galleries, benefiting the Santa Fe Public School Music Program.
Japan Cultural Festival, May 19
The Santa Fe JIN, or Japan Intercultural Network, celebrates Japanese culture in the heart of New Mexico every year. This year’s Japan Cultural Festival will take place at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center Saturday, May 19, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. This year the theme will be Japanese festival lanterns, and visitors can enjoy street food and bento. Tickets are $5 for adults with children 12 and under admitted free. Santa Fe is a hub for world culture, and this will be the 14th year for the festival.
Eldorado Studio Tour, May 19–20
The Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association will host the 27th annual Eldorado Studio Tour on May 19 and 20, with an opening reception on May 18 at the Max Coll Community Center in Eldorado. Artist genres will include painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewelry, paper and printmaking, photography, digital art, and fiber and wearable art. Eldorado is located 12 miles southeast of Santa Fe at Exit 290 off Interstate-25. Download the studio tour and map here.
Santa Fe Century Rides, May 20
We were serious about recommending activities that will get you out and about in Santa Fe. For more than 30 years, the Santa Fe Century has organized a series of 25-, 50-, and 100-mile bike rides celebrated as the first major cycling event in the spring in the Southwest. This year’s event will take place on May 20 with all rides starting and finishing at the west parking lot of Santa Fe Community College. Cyclists can choose to ride the Century (100 mile tour), the Gran Fondo (100 mile timed ride), the Half-Century (50 mile tour), Medio Fondo (50 mile timed ride) or a 25 mile out and back ride. New this year is the Gravelito ride, a 20-mile all-dirt out and back ride. Head here for registration info.
