We have it all in Santa Fe. The temperate climate and diverse landscape provide exciting outdoor adventures. The vibrant local culinary scene draws foodies from all over the country. And, of course, there is so much southwestern culture to explore in and around Santa Fe, including some of the best New Mexico pueblos and yearly events.
Visit the many nearby Native American pueblos and New Mexico top events to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this part of the country. Book your stay at Inn of the Turquoise Bear, our traditional Santa Fe adobe-style estate, to start your journey.
Read briefly about our favorite spots to enrich your cultural experience during your stay. Take note of the annual feast days, a celebration of Native American heritage and Catholic saints, often featuring ceremonial dance, cultural activities, food, and arts and crafts. Check out our events calendar for an up-to-date list of upcoming festivities.
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo, one of North America’s oldest and continuously inhabited villages, is known for its iconic multi-leveled adobe buildings. For centuries, it was a major trade fair location that attracted thousands of artisans and tradespeople. Taos artists are known for their brilliant clay pottery, drums, paintings, and jewelry. Today, Taos is a national historic and world heritage site, and it is absolutely worth the trip.
TAOS ANNUAL EVENTS
- July 12-14, 2024 | Taos Pow-Wow
- September 30, 2024 | Annual Feast Day of San Geronimo
Taos is about an hour and a half from the Inn. Make the most of your excursion and take the High Road to Taos.
Taos is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Inn.
Santa Clara Pueblo
The Puye Cliff Dwellers relocated to Santa Clara Pueblo circa 1550 due to the drought in the Rio Grande Valley, and their fine artistry draws many to their pueblo today. They are widely known for signature double-necked wedding jars, black and red polished pottery, hand-molded black animal figures, willow baskets, and textiles. They also happen to own a casino and a 27-hole golf course.
SANTA CLARA ANNUAL EVENTS
- June 13, 2024 | Feast Day of St. Anthony
- August 12, 2024 | Santa Fe Clara Feast Day — with Buffalo, Harvest, or Corn Dance
Santa Clara is about 40 minutes from the Inn.
San Ildefonso Pueblo
The San Ildefonso Pueblo is renowned as a significant arts community today, with a history dating back to the late 1500s and played a part in the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in 1694. It is famous for its beautiful black-on-black matte pottery, introduced in 1904 by Maria Martinez. Visitors can purchase these works from the artists’ homes and learn more about the origin while visiting the Maria Poveka Martinez Museum and the San Ildefonso Museum.
SAN ILDEFONSO ANNUAL EVENTS
- January 23, 2024 | Feast Day with Comanche and Buffalo or Deer Dance
- September 10, 2024 | Feast Day of the Nativity with Corn Dance
San Ildefonso is about 30 minutes from the Inn.
Pojoaque Pueblo
The Pojoaque Pueblo was revived in the 1930s after war and disease nearly destroyed its people. Today, it’s thriving due to its Poeh Cultural Center and Museum, which provides exhibits of traditional and contemporary arts and a wide range of art classes for Native Americans. Additionally, it is home to one of the state’s largest resorts and casinos.
POJOAQUE ANNUAL EVENTS
- January 6, 2024 | Three Kings Day Celebration
- December 12, 2024 | Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Da
Pojoaque is 25 minutes from the Inn.
Acoma Pueblo
Established 2,000 years ago, the Acoma Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the country. The residents are located on a 370-foot high mesa, giving it the nickname “Sky City.” They are most well-known for their distinctive pottery. Visitors can take a tour led by a Pueblo resident and learn more about their history and culture at the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum.
ACOMA ANNUAL EVENTS
- September 2, 2024 | St. Esteban Feast Day
Acoma is about 2 hours from the Inn.
Nambé Pueblo
Nambé Pueblo dates back to the 1300s and is a vibrant art community today, known for its traditional jewelry, pottery and sculpture. The pueblo is situated in the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Nambé Falls Recreation Area, where visitors can see its spectacular double-drop waterfall.
NAMBÉ ANNUAL EVENTS
- January 6, 2024 | Kings Day Celebration
- July 4, 2024 | 4th of July Celebration at Nambé Falls
- October 3, 2024 | Evening Firelight Vespers
- October 4, 2024 | St. Francis de Assisi Feast Day
- December 24, 2024 | Buffalo Dance following Christmas Eve Mass
Nambé is about 30 minutes from the Inn.
Kewa Pueblo (Formerly Known As Santo Domingo Pueblo)
Near the ancient turquoise mines of Cerillos, the Kewa Pueblo people are known for their fine silver and turquoise jewelry. Visitors can purchase these pieces and other artwork directly from the artists selling from their roadside stands. Kewa is also well known for its annual Arts & Crafts Market every Labor Day Weekend.
KEWA ANNUAL EVENTS
- August 4, 2024 | Feast Day honoring its patron saint, St. Dominic, with Corn Dance
- Labor Day Weekend | Arts & Crafts Market
Kewa is about 35 minutes from the Inn.
Sandia Pueblo
Due to the deep red color of the mountains at sunset, the Spanish called this pueblo “Sandia,” which translates to “watermelon.” Today, the Sandia Pueblo is home to one of the Southwest’s largest Native American-owned stores, the Bien Mur Indian Market Center, and a buffalo preserve, casino, and recreational area called Sandia Lakes.
SANDIA ANNUAL EVENTS
- January 6, 2024 | King’s Day Celebration
- June 13, 2024 | Feast Day
Sandia is about 55 minutes from the Inn.
Zuni Pueblo
The Zuni Pueblo is the largest of New Mexico’s pueblos, with over 12,000 residents. Today, Zuni is world-renowned for its stone fetishes, inlay silver jewelry, and pottery. Visitors can learn more at A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center and are encouraged to check out the life-size murals of kachinas at Our Lady of Guadalupe mission church, which dates back to 1629.
ZUNI ANNUAL EVENTS
- Early October | Zuni Fall Festival & Arts Market
Zuni is 3 hours and 15 minutes from the Inn.
Stay At The Bear
With more than a few options for your cultural exploration, make our Santa Fe bed and breakfast your home base. Choose from one of our 11 guest rooms named after some greats in literary arts and Santa Fe culture. Start your mornings with a homemade, gourmet breakfast, fueling you with the best local ingredients and flavors and energizing you for your day’s excursion to the best New Mexico pueblos and yearly events. We’re always happy to help narrow your options and provide local tips and recommendations.
We are looking forward to hosting you soon! Check availability.
Header Photo Image Credit: © Nick Fox via canva.com
