Santa Fe Summer Scene 2025: Free Music, Movies, and Outdoor Fun in the City Different 🌄🎶

Some towns do fireworks. Some towns do rodeos. Santa Fe cranks up the amps, rolls out the movie screen, and throws a summer-long party instead.

From late May through August, the Santa Fe Summer Scene takes over the city with more than 50 free concerts and outdoor films—no ticket, wristband, or secret handshake required. Just show up (or better yet, reserve ahead to be safe), find your spot, and let the good vibes do the rest.

I’ve been to plenty of these events over the years, and I’ve yet to walk away thinking, “Well, that was a mistake.” One night you’re dancing to Latin funk under the Plaza’s historic cottonwoods; the next, you’re watching E.T. phone home—tamale in one hand, craft beer in the other. It’s part concert, part community hangout, part “Why doesn’t every town do this?”

Santa Fe Summer Scene 2025 kicks off this week—here’s what you need to know.

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🎭What is the Santa Fe Summer Scene?

Once known as Santa Fe Bandstand or Dancing on the Plaza, this beloved series has grown into New Mexico’s largest free outdoor entertainment series, thanks to Lensic 360, the City of Santa Fe, and Tourism Santa Fe.

It now includes live concerts, outdoor movies, family-friendly programming, and plenty of dancing—some planned, some spontaneous, and all very Santa Fe.

All events are free, but some require free ticket reservations. Don’t assume you can just wander in—more on that below.

📍Where It All Happens

There are five primary venues, each with its own vibe. Double-check the location before you go—your seating and footwear choices will thank you.

• Santa Fe Railyard Plaza – The main concert venue; paved plaza near galleries, food, and breweries
• Santa Fe Railyard Park – Grassy performance lawn used for movies and select shows
• Santa Fe Plaza – Historic downtown venue with a paved area in front of the stage, but surrounded by shaded grassy spots
• Reunity Resources Farm – A laid-back farm setting with dirt paths, grassy nooks, and a slower pace
• SWAN Park – Wide, grassy, and south-of-town; ideal for families and roomy setups

🎬Free Movie Nights (Railyard Park, 7 p.m.)

All films begin at 7:00 p.m. on the Santa Fe Railyard Park performance lawn. Bring a blanket, a snack, and maybe a hoodie—Santa Fe evenings cool off fast.

• May 31 – Wicked
• June 7 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
• June 14 – The Fantastic Mr. Fox
• June 28 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Pride Movie Night)
• July 19 – The Wild Robot
• August 2 – Inside Out 2
• August 16 – A Complete Unknown (Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet)

🎶2025 Concert Lineup: Latin Beats, Funky Grooves, and Outdoor Vibes

With 48 free concerts lined up, you’ll probably end up discovering a new favorite band by accident—somewhere between grabbing tacos and wondering why your foot’s been tapping for the last 10 minutes. And yes—dancing is not just allowed, it’s practically expected.

June

• June 5 – Ozomatli (30th Anniversary Celebration, includes OzoKidz set): Grammy-winning genre-benders celebrating 30 years with a family-friendly twist, blending Latin, hip-hop, and global funk. Here’s a link to some of Ozomatli’s music.
• June 6 – Nosotros (Doble Quinceañera): Santa Fe’s own Latin music powerhouse celebrates 30 years with salsa, cumbia, and serious crowd energy. This local favorite never fails to get people dancing. Here’s a link to some music from Nosotros.
• June 7 – Joe West’s Musical Medicine Show: A quirky blend of storytelling, Americana, and theatrical fun. Think small-town New Mexico meets vaudeville, with songs that are equal parts funny and heartfelt.
• June 12 – Shinyribs with JJ & The Hooligans: Led by former Gourds frontman Kevin Russell, Shinyribs serves up soulful swamp pop and Texas twang with a healthy dose of strut. JJ & The Hooligans kick things off with high-spirited funk.
• June 13 – Meow Wolf Monster Battle: Coco & Breezy: Part costume spectacle, part dance party, this is Meow Wolf doing what Meow Wolf does: color, chaos, and creativity. Coco & Breezy bring the beats.
• June 19 – Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (includes Creole for Kidz): Grammy-winning zydeco that brings Louisiana soul to Santa Fe. Come early for “Creole for Kidz,” and stay for the accordion-fueled dancing.
• June 20 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Bringing their swing revival magic back to the stage, these guys deliver polished horns, retro style, and toe-tapping joy. You’ll want to dust off your dance shoes for this one. Here’s a link to some of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s music.
• June 21 – Juneteenth Celebration: Natasha Diggs: International DJ and vinyl queen Natasha Diggs headlines this night of celebration, culture, and community. Expect soul, funk, and plenty of grooves.
• June 26 – Southern Avenue with Free Range Buddhas: A Memphis band blending blues, gospel, and modern soul, Southern Avenue brings both grit and grace. Free Range Buddhas add some indie-rock depth to the evening.
• June 27 – Tank and the Bangas: Genre-defying and endlessly energetic, Tank and the Bangas mix spoken word, funk, and pure performance art. If you’ve never seen them live, now’s your chance.
• June 28 – Team Everything: In Season: A feel-good DJ night at Reunity Resources, blending fresh beats, community spirit, and just enough weirdness to remind you you’re in Santa Fe.

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July

• July 1 – MarchFourth with Partizani Brass Band: Not your average marching band. Add in funk, stilt walkers, and a wall of brass, and you’ve got a roving circus of sound and rhythm.
• July 7 – Lone Piñon with Carlos Medina Conjunta: Two Northern New Mexico powerhouses—expect fiddles, accordions, and more than a few moments of musical nostalgia.
• July 9 – Red Baraat: Bhangra drums, booming horns, and hip-hop beats crash together in a joyful storm that’s hard to sit still for.
• July 10 – La Doña with Como Agua: La Doña brings genre-bending reggaetón and Latin pop with a message; Como Agua adds a bilingual, indie flow from the borderlands.
• July 11 – Vieux Farka Touré with Seanchaí: Known for his hypnotic desert blues and blistering guitar work, Vieux Farka Touré delivers the kind of sound that makes you stop mid-conversation and just listen. I caught him live a few years ago—he didn’t disappoint. Seanchaí kicks things off with a global fusion set that blends Irish traditions with world rhythms. I’ll definitely be at this one. Here’s a link to some of Vieux Farka Touré’s music.
• July 12 – Vandoliers: Alt-country with a punk streak, straight out of Dallas. Loud, rowdy, and just twangy enough.
• July 14 – The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Alex Maryol: Classic Texas blues-rock from the T-Birds, with local guitar hero Alex Maryol getting things rolling. Here’s a link to some music from The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
• July 15 – Low Cut Connie with Glitz Biarritz: High-energy, piano-pounding rock from Low Cut Connie, paired with Glitz Biarritz’s sparkling glam-pop opening set.
• July 17 – Lumbre Del Sol with Sorela: A hometown celebration of Chicano rock and New Mexican harmonies—generations coming together on one stage.
• July 18 – Bully with Lily Pinto: Grunge pop and alt-rock with teeth. Bully brings the bite; Lily Pinto opens with melodic indie charm.
• July 19 – Sonia De Los Santos: A bilingual performer who turns Latin American music into an all-ages dance-along. Kids will love it—and adults will, too.
• July 21 – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band with Westin McDowell: This trio turns roots blues into a hand-slapping, washboard-scraping spectacle. Local opener Westin McDowell adds folk grit.
• July 22 – Julian Marley with Vibestrong: Yes, that Marley. Julian carries the reggae tradition forward with a message of peace and an unmistakable groove.
• July 25 – The Family Stone with Reverend Karol King Kong: Funk legends (with some original members) still doing it right. Karol King Kong brings the gospel-tinged soul to start things off. Want to refresh your memory on some Sly and the Family Stone classics? Here’s a link to the band’s music.
• July 26 – David Berkeley: Thoughtful lyrics, gentle melodies, and a voice that feels like Santa Fe at dusk.
• July 28 – Boris McCutcheon and The Salt Licks with Stephanie Hatfield: Alt-country with dusty boots and desert soul. Boris tells the stories, Stephanie brings the fire.
• July 29 – KT Tunstall with Kai Warrior: The Scottish singer-songwriter known for “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and killer live looping. Kai Warrior warms up with earthy, folk-pop vibes. Here’s a link to KT’s music.
• July 31 – Dogs in a Pile with Foggy Memory Boys: One part jam band, one part bluegrass, both parts groove. Come for the noodling, stay for the foot-stomping.

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August

• August 1 – Santa Fe Salutes: Ladies of the ’80s: A homegrown supergroup pays tribute to the powerhouse women of ’80s music. Expect a little Pat Benatar, a little Annie Lennox, and a lot of hair-flipping sing-alongs.
• August 2 – Girls Inc. Stronger Together Fest: An all-day celebration focused on empowerment, creativity, and community—brought to life by young performers, inspiring speakers, and plenty of energy.
• August 4 – Felix y Los Gatos with Nueva Luna: Expect squeezebox swagger and offbeat fun from Felix y Los Gatos, one of New Mexico’s quirkiest genre-blenders. Nueva Luna sets the tone with classic Tejano rhythms and harmonies.
• August 5 – Al Hurricane Jr. with Severo y Grupo Fuego: The legacy of New Mexico music lives on through Al Hurricane Jr.’s ranchera roots and Severo’s cumbia-fueled rhythms. Classic, danceable, and full of heart.
• August 7 – Thee Sinseers & The Altons: Retro soul and doo-wop meet East L.A. swagger. If velvet harmonies and slow grooves are your thing, this is your night.
• August 8 – Big Daddy Kane with His Live Band: One of hip-hop’s original kings brings his signature flow to Santa Fe—offering a chance to catch one of hip-hop’s foundational voices, backed by a full band. Here’s a link to some of Big Daddy Kane’s music.
• August 9 – Junior Toots with The Boomroots: Roots reggae with a family tree. Junior Toots (yes, son of that Toots) teams up with Santa Fe’s Boomroots for a night of laid-back grooves and island rhythm.
• August 11 – Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes with Charley Overbey: Roots-rock veteran Chuck Prophet dips into Latin rhythms with a new twist. Charley Overbey brings dusty outlaw country with plenty of edge.
• August 12 – Levi Platero with Cary Morin: Two guitar masters—Levi’s bluesy power and Cary’s intricate fingerstyle—take turns showing us how it’s done.
• August 15 – IndigenousWays Festival: Robert Mirabal, Innastate, G Precious, Def-i & Radmilla Cody: A dynamic celebration of Indigenous music, culture, and community—with artists spanning traditional, contemporary, and hip-hop sounds.
• August 16 – Hot Buttered Rum: West Coast bluegrass with a jam-band edge—acoustic, upbeat, and always ready to take the scenic route.
• August 18 – ABBAquerque with The Deadbeat Club: Santa Fe’s ABBA tribute band brings the disco ball sparkle. Expect dancing queens, glitter, and at least one chorus you’ll be humming for days. Want to brush up on your ABBA lyrics? Here’s a link to some of their music.
• August 19 – The English Beat with Kenep: Ska, reggae, and new wave nostalgia from one of the UK’s original two-tone bands. Kenep kicks things off with worldly rhythm and big energy. Here’s a link to some of The English Beat’s music.
• August 21 – Cuarenta y Cinco with Micky Cruz: Two crowd favorites bring the heat with high-energy norteño, cumbia, and ranchera hits. Bring your dance shoes—or at least your dance sandals.
• August 22 – New Breed Brass Band with Trombone Shorty, Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers: New Orleans brass meets Santa Fe summer. Horns, funk, and full-throttle fun from some of the best in the game.
• August 23 – A Hawk and A Hacksaw: Santa Fe-based duo blending Eastern European folk and cinematic atmosphere with accordion, violin, and unexpected twists.
• August 25 – Detroit Lightning with Big Suitcase: A Grateful Dead tribute that taps into the real spirit of the jam—long grooves, rich harmonies, and that classic feeling of getting blissfully lost mid-song.
• August 26 – Pokey LaFarge with Chicken Sedan: Pokey brings his old-school Americana with a wink and a groove. Chicken Sedan opens with local rockabilly twang and a few curveballs. Don’t be surprised if a few swing dancers show up for this one. Here’s a link to some of Pokey LaFarge’s music.
• August 28 – The Blue Ventures with Nohe y Sus Santos: Two New Mexico favorites close out the season with bilingual dance music that’s hard to sit through—and that’s kind of the point.

🎟️ Note: Some concerts require free ticket reservations, especially for high-demand shows. Reserve yours in advance at Lensic360.org.

🧺What to Bring (And What to Expect)

All events are free, but some ask that you reserve a ticket in advance through the Lensic 360 website. It’s a quick process and helps organizers plan for the crowd. While most shows are casual walk-up affairs, reserving ahead gives you peace of mind—especially for popular bands or movie nights.

Here’s what to pack:

• Lawn chair or blanket – Some venues are grassy (like Railyard Park and SWAN), others are paved (like the Plaza and Railyard Plaza). Best to know before you go.
• Layers – It may be summer, but once the sun goes down, Santa Fe nights can cool off fast.
• Water bottle – High desert = dry air. Hydration helps.
• Sunscreen and a hat – Especially if you’re arriving early to grab a good spot.
• Cash/card – Nearby food and drink options vary by venue and night.
• Dancing shoes – Particularly for Plaza salsa nights. You’ll fit right in.

What to expect?
A relaxed crowd, great music, beautiful sunsets, and the occasional spontaneous dance party under the cottonwoods. Not a bad way to spend a summer night.

🅿️Parking Tips

Santa Fe Summer Scene events are spread across five venues, and where you park depends on where the music (or movie) is happening.

🎬 Railyard Park Performance Lawn
If you’re heading to a movie night, this is your spot—the grassy area perfect for blankets and lawn chairs. But don’t confuse it with…

🎶 Railyard Plaza
This venue hosts many of the concerts and has more of a plaza feel (translation: lots of pavement). It’s close to the park, but not the same place—so check the event listing before packing your favorite picnic blanket and expecting grass.

Both Railyard venues are part of the North Railyard, which offers reasonably good parking by Santa Fe standards. There’s a 3-level underground garage near REI (400 spaces) and another 500 surface spots scattered around. I usually park on a nearby street and enjoy the 10-minute stroll—it’s Santa Fe, not Manhattan.

🕍 Santa Fe Plaza
This one’s downtown, about 1.5 miles from the Railyard. It’s surrounded by landmarks like the La Fonda Hotel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Parking near the Plaza can be a bit more competitive, especially on weekends. There are a few public garages and plenty of metered spots, but they’re scattered—give yourself extra time to cruise.

🌾 Reunity Resources Farm & SWAN Park
These two are more relaxed and spacious, with easier parking. Reunity has on-site parking in a farm setting, and SWAN Park has lots of open space, often with overflow options.

Bonus Tips
You’ll be outside for all events, so plan accordingly. Most folks bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Food and drink options are usually nearby—but this is Santa Fe, and some spots close early, especially on weeknights. Don’t count on a late-night green chile cheeseburger after the credits roll.

For directions, maps, or last-minute changes, check out the Santa Fe Summer Scene website and The Railyard website.

🛏️Where to Stay

Coming in from out of town? There are plenty of options near the Santa Fe Plaza and Railyard venues.
Check hotel availability in downtown Santa Fe to be close to the action.

See You Out There?

So there you have it: 48 free concerts, 7 outdoor movies, and no excuses to stay home. I’ll definitely be at the Vieux Farka Touré show, probably catching Detroit Lightning for some college-era flashbacks, and maybe even reliving a few ska memories with The English Beat. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

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Thought for the Week

Trappist monk, writer, and spiritual thinker Thomas Merton spent much of his life helping people wake up—not with coffee, but with clarity. He wrote or contributed to over 70 books on contemplation, solitude, and the deeper questions of what it means to live a meaningful life. Merton wasn’t interested in performance or pretense. He cut through the noise and asked the kind of questions we usually avoid when we’re too busy refreshing our inbox.

One of Merton’s thought provoking questions is good food for thought for many of us:

“Why do we have to spend our lives striving to be something we would never want to be, if we only knew what we wanted? Why do we waste our time doing things which, if we only stopped to think about them, are just the opposite of what we were made for?”

So here’s your permission slip: get outside, listen to some live music, dance if you feel like it, and do a little more of what you were made for.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”  
— Thomas Merton

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Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Mark (The New Mexico Travel Guy)

Mark Aspelin, The New Mexico Travel Guy (www.newmexicotravelguy.com), is a travel writer, conservation biologist, project manager, and author of two books. He’s visited over 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states—just enough to land in the Travelers’ Century Club and make choosing a favorite place nearly impossible. He’s currently on a questionable mission to visit every town in New Mexico (there are over 500) and write a story about each one, with plans to wrap it up sometime before his early to mid 100s. Mark balances his writing with conservation and project work from his home base in the East Mountains near Albuquerque, New Mexico.