Santa Fe’s Indian Market – 5 Answers to Some of Your Questions

Indian-Market1In Santa Fe, we’re counting down the days to Indian Market. It’s always the biggest event in town. While the market itself only takes place on August 20 to 23, the events surrounding and leading up to it are beyond numerous.

If you don’t keep a list of how and what and where, you’re going to miss some of the most interesting events associated with Indian Market. More than 175,000 people show up for Indian Market. Be one of the few who knows how to find their way to the high points.

Here are a few important tips to remember:

1.  If you’ve been to Indian Market once before, don’t assume “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” The artists change from year to year, and contrary to popular belief, so does Native American art. Every Market is different, and if you miss this one, you might miss a couple of new young artists who are taking the Market by storm.

2. It’s worth the hassle. By this I mean that although it’s crowded, although parking is tricky, although you might have a hard time finding a place to stay, still plan to be here for at least one day of Indian Market. It’s an experience like no other, and the reason it’s a bit of a hassle is that it is totally worth it. Don’t stay home simply because you’ve heard from some naysayer that it’s hard to navigate. This is the biggest and best known event for both Native artists and collectors. So, let me say it again – It’s worth the hassle.indian market 2

3. Yes, in fact, there are two markets. In addition to the SWAIA Indian Market which occurs primarily downtown around the Plaza, there is the Indigenous Fine Art Market at the Railyard. SWAIA’s booths are open August 22 and 23 (7 – 5 on Saturday and 8 – 5 on Sunday). IFAM adds a day by having their booths open on August 20, 21 and 22. Thursday and Friday IFAM markets are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday market is from 10 – 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss either one if you can swing it.

4. Is there anything else to do besides shop at the Markets?  Yes! There is a kick-off party on Thursday evening from 8 – 10:30 p.m. at the Convention Center. There’s a Native Haute Couture Fashion Show on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cathedral Park. There’s a Youth Art Show at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion on Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m. And there are dozens of other events. Galleries all over town will be holding special events. See either event website (links in paragraph 3 above) or follow this blog to see what special events are occurring around town. Indian Market is a crazy but fun event.

5. Once I get there, where do I park? Ah, the everlasting Santa Fe question. Luckily, the City of Santa Fe bus service along with the Railrunner are here to help you out. Check here for more information on where you can find a shuttle. City buses will run free on the days of Indian Market, so if you want, you can park elsewhere and catch a city bus.

I’ll write a few more posts about Indian Market here. And if you have questions, feel free to contact me at bunnyterry1@gmail.com with specifics. I’m not an expert, but I love Santa Fe. And I love Indian Market. See you there!

 

Bunny Terry 505.504.1101

20 Vereda Serena Santa Fe, NM 87508