2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Background Illustration for Performing Arts

The performing arts scene in Santa Fe blossoms in summer when the calendar fills with classical and jazz performances, Shakespeare productions at various venues, experimental theater at Santa Fe Playhouse, and nearly 80 free concerts on the Plaza…. "Too many choices!" is the biggest complaint. The rest of the year things quiet down a bit, but several notable performing-arts groups are prolific from fall through spring, including Performance Santa Fe, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe Symphony, and fantastic flamenco performances. The "Pasatiempo" section of the Santa Fe New Mexican's Friday edition, which is also distributed as a free stand-alone in newspaper stands around town, or the Santa Fe Reporter, released on Wednesday, are great sources for current happenings.

El Flamenco

The Plaza

Several organizations produce flamenco concerts around town, including the prestigious Entreflamenco Company, which offers dinner-and-a-show at El Flamenco just a few blocks from the Plaza.

Violet Crown Cinema

Railyard District
This state-of-the-art multiscreen cinema shows everything from blockbusters to indie and vintage movies and offers a restaurant and bar featuring craft brews and ciders, fine wine, and sophisticated food options, which you can eat in the theaters. The food and drink selection is actually so good that many people choose the Violet Crown simply to hang out—you'll frequently see locals meeting in the bar for a weekly game of cards. Reserved seating means never having to settle for a bad row and each screening room has air-conditioning, making it a great hot weather escape.