August Art + Music
Dear Friends,
It’s not just about adobe architecture and green chile around here! A big part of the reason Santa Fe was recently named the #1 travel destination in the United States by Travel + Leisure is due to our out-of-this-world free music scene and art-focused events. At La Fonda, music and art enhance our spirit of hospitality, that’s why we proudly support the work of Lensic360 music programming and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) annual Santa Fe Indian Market.
This year’s free summer music lineup, curated by our friends at Lensic360 has turned the Santa Fe Plaza, the Santa Fe Railyard District, Swan Park, Taos Mesa, Ghost Ranch and plenty more venues throughout the state into open-air launch pads for acoustic, electric and hard rockin’ good times! These concerts are a testament to what Lensic360 does best: blending art, community, and culture to spread positivity and good vibes. Check out Lensic 360 Radio on Spotify to enjoy their eclectic music collection from anywhere!
We closed out July with our front yard (the plaza, of course!) overflowing with reggae enthusiasts, as the son of the legendary Bob Marely, Julian Marley, brought an impressive mix of percussion, positivity and even rain to the Santa Fe bandstand. It was a great time!
And luckily, the good times keep rolling into August – this month we welcome visitors to Santa Fe as the artists of SWAIA’s 103rd Indian Market line the streets of the historic district with every color and medium you can imagine. Micaceous clays pots, paintings, metal work, beadwork, weavings, silver jewelry, oil paintings, photography, and many other art forms. The market has evolved into the largest gathering of indigenous artists in North America and best of all, access is free to all guests. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to develop near and dear relationships with so many talented artists, and each year we add amazing new art to our collection. It’s hands down my favorite time of year.
Quanah Purple Warbonnet by Nocona Burgess
This year La Fonda continues our tradition of featuring a market artist on our annual gift bag to guests. So, if you’ve booked a stay for Indian Market this year, you can look forward to a bright summer tote featuring the work of my dear friend, Comanche Nation artist, Nocona Burgess. And, Nocona graciously invites all guests to visit his booth to get the tote signed by the artist! Don’t miss the chance to discover his work and meet a truly special artist. Booth 728 at West Lincoln. I personally, as well as La Fonda own many pieces of his gorgeous work. Besides being an amazing person and artist, he comes from a famous family as he is the great great grandson of Chief Quanah Parker.
As we all know, now more than ever, we need to rally together and support the institutions that mentor so many developing artists. The Institute of American Indian Arts was, unfortunately, among the many important entities hugely impacted by the federal government funding cuts to the 2026 budget. The fiscal year 2026 budget proposal threatened to reduce IAIA’s federal allocation to zero, but the Interior Department’s appropriation bill, recently passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, earmarks $12 million for the institution. Regardless, it’s a rollercoaster, and support for students is always needed. Show your support to this iconic Santa Fe establishment serving indigenous youth by participating in their annual silent auction. Bid on unique artistic collaborations that have been created specifically for the 2025 auction. Your bid supports scholarships for the next generation of Indigenous artists and leaders. Click here to participate.
And, we can’t thank you enough for showing your love and support for La Fonda in the Santa Fe Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The Santa Fe Reporter recently announced the winners, and we are deeply honored to hold our #1 position of Best Lodging in Santa Fe for the 13th year in a row! Plus, La Fiesta Lounge took home #1 Best Hotel Bar. Join me in celebrating our best-in-class team responsible for our success.
Let’s keep up the positivity and rally for the arts!
Jenny
Jenny Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
Bring a piece of La Fonda’s legendary art collection home with you — we’re thrilled to offer museum-quality fine art prints of Gerald Cassidy’s most iconic works, featured throughout the hotel. Known for his vivid depictions of the Southwest and deep ties to Santa Fe’s artistic legacy, Cassidy’s paintings have become part of La Fonda’s soul.
PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA
Piñon Court by La Fonda is a fresh take on Southwestern hospitality—just steps from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. This newly reimagined inn blends classic New Mexico charm with modern comfort, offering thoughtfully updated guest rooms, locally inspired design, and easy access to the heart of the city. Whether you’re here for art, cuisine, or quiet retreat, Piñon Court is your perfect home base in Santa Fe.
LA PLAZUELA
Savor dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, from our signature tortilla soup to perfectly prepared prime rib. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, each bite reflects the vibrant culture and traditions of the Southwest.
LA FIESTA LOUNGE
Whether you’re unwinding after a day of exploring or kicking off a night to remember, La Fiesta Lounge offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with the flavors and sounds of the Southwest. From local bands to crowd-favorite cocktails, every moment here is designed to delight. And, locals, make sure to visit on Mondays, our locals appreciation night! Enjoy discounted food and drinks!
CYNDE ROOF FINE ART
Cynde Roof
105 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-365-2758
GEMSONG GALLERY
Discover Santa Fe’s largest collection of turquoise at Gemsong Gallery, next to Detours at La Fonda.
Gemsong recently launched the Turquoise, Mineral & Gem Museum located just blocks from the hotel. Owner, Peter Vajda is able to share his rich knowledge with the public through this highly curated space. He is an international colored gemstone expert and helped write definitions dealing with gem material use concerning Native American jewelry authenticity for State and Federal laws.
To book a tour, inquire at the gallery or call:
505.819.7227 or 505.988.5536