Can’t miss events during the Taos Summertime
Summertime in Taos is all about paying respect to traditions, jubilant celebrations and roaring fun in the New Mexico sun. But with so much going on, how can you possibly choose which events to enjoy? Here are our top picks for the must-do events this season. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
1. Movies on the Green — Now through Aug. 16
Get the family together and enjoy Taos’ beautiful spring and summer nights under star-filled skies with movies and entertainment at Kit Carson Park. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at dusk — but come early for pre-show entertainment. This season, guests will enjoy “Toy Story,” “Tangled,” “Frozen,” and even the new “Ghostbusters” flick, among others. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic, then pick up a few sweet essentials at the concessions stand. A Kids Zone, which includes a Bounce House and Velcro Wall, rounds out the evening’s amusement. See the full schedule at taos.org/events/movies-on-the-green/.
2. Taos Plaza Live — Now through Aug. 31
Enjoy a wide variety of local and regional bands at this free music event every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Historic Taos Plaza. Bring your own chairs, blanket and picnics for a night of sounds that range from rock, country and folk to bluegrass, blues, swing and ranchero. See the full music lineup here: http://taos.org/events/taos-plaza-live/.
3. Fourth of July at Taos Ski Valley — July 4
After the famous Arroyo Seco parade, climb to cooler temperatures along Hwy. 150 north to Taos Ski Valley. From 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bavarian Lodge, enjoy a chair lift parade, live music, food, libations, the annual Rubber Duck Race, a KidZone play area and live music from “Out of Nowhere.” For a complete list of events on the Fourth of July in Taos, visit taos.org/events/celebrate-4th-july-taos.
4. The Pow Wow — July 7-9
Members of Indian tribes throughout the country gather in Taos to compete in traditional dance competitions during The Pow Wow. Crafts booths and food vendors ring the pow wow circle during the three-day event, which is celebrating its 32nd year. With only a handful of pow wow’s in the United States, it’s a must-see celebration of Native American culture. For more information, visit www.taospueblopowwow.com.
5. Las Fiestas de Taos — July 21-23
As they have for centuries, the people of Taos celebrate the Feast of St. Anne and St. James. The annual event, popularly referred to as “The Taos Fiestas,” allows the local population to put aside their labor for two days and bask in the leisure of the holy days. The Fiestas encompass a roster of activities: A Fiestas Queen is selected from among the local beauties, and musical and dance performances are scheduled on the Plaza every hour. A commemorative Mass and procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church officially opens the event on Friday evening. Two parades are staged – one on Saturday and another on Sunday, and of course plenty of food, drink and curios are available at vendor booths circling Historic Taos Plaza. For more information, visit fiestasdetaos.com.
6. Dwight Yoakum in concert — July 29
Get your tickets now to see country legend Dwight Yoakam at Kit Carson Park. Yoakum has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and is a multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He’ll be joined by The Mavericks and The Last Bandoleros. Tickets are $52 for adults; children 12 and under are just $9. Learn more at taos.org/events/dwight-yoakam-mavericks-last-bandoleros.
photo credit: Doc Badger (Flickr)
