Fourth of July may be our nation’s birthday celebration, but in Santa Fe, it isn’t just fireworks that come to mind, and that’s a good thing considering the fire danger in our area. A local tradition for 46 years now, the annual Pancakes On The Plaza brings together all the things we love about the holiday – art, music, and cars – along with that most delicious of breakfast treats, to create an event like no other. Pancakes on the Plaza this year falls on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What is Pancakes on the Plaza?
One of Santa Fe’s most favorite annual events, Pancakes on the Plaza regularly draws an enthusiastic pedestrian crowd of approximately 20,000, raising around $500,000 for area youth organizations. Both locals and tourists alike tuck into a delicious, hot-off-the-griddle breakfast to start their day, then stick around for everything from silent auctions, kids contests, arts and crafts booths, to live music and vintage cars, all on the historic Plaza.
Though records suggest the very first specialty car show in Santa Fe took place more than 100 years ago, it is the Santa Fe Vintage Car Club has been carrying on the tradition since the 1980s. Here you will find not only vintage cars dating back as far as the 1920s, but “fancy” cars, as well. Lining up along Lincoln Avenue, 120 slots are designated for this event, and all vehicles are required to stay in place until 1 p.m. Trophies are awarded at 12:30 p.m.
Who Benefits from Pancakes on the Plaza?
Through the support of sponsors and volunteers, over the years the Rotary Club of Santa Fe’s Pancakes on the Plaza has benefited numerous local family-oriented nonprofits by awarding more than $750,000. In celebration of its centennial year, the Rotary Club of Santa Fe is partnering with the Santa Fe Children’s Museum and ¡YouthWorks! as recipients of two major grants totalling $500,000.
Pancakes on the Plaza Schedule of Events
- From 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., it’s all about the pancakes, as griddles sizzle and mouths are stuffed with the best breakfast in town.
- The Santa Fe Vintage Car Club Show along Lincoln Avenue runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The juried Arts and Crafts Show along Palace and Lincoln Avenues runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Children’s activities begin at 8 a.m. and wrap up at noon.
- The Silent Auction supporting Santa Fe Rotary Club’s Centennial Partners runs from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Entertainment at the Gazebo runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Volunteers Are Always Needed
As with most nonprofits, none of this could be accomplished without volunteers. They are truly the life blood of any nonprofit event. Pancakes on the Plaza is no exception. To find out more about volunteering, including duties, shifts, and check in, visit the volunteering page on the website.
Tickets are $12 per person or $40 for a bundle of four and can be purchased in advance online and at participating banks and credit unions. For more information, visit the website, or call 505-470-0534.
Here are more things you should know about Pancakes on the Plaza.
Get more ideas for celebrating the Fourth of July weekend here.
This article was posted by David Salcido
