Organized by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), the Santa Fe Indian Market draws thousands of collectors, curators, and visitors to downtown Santa Fe. This year, the market will take place on August 16 – 17, 2025, bringing together more than 1,000 Native artists representing over 200 tribal nations. Now in its 103rd year, it remains one of the most respected Indigenous art markets in North America.
Read the 2025 Official Santa Fe Indian Market Artist Directory & Booth Guide
About the Santa Fe Indian Market
First held in 1922, the Santa Fe Indian Market began with a focus on artists from Northern New Mexico. Over the decades, it expanded in scope, now featuring work by Indigenous artists from across the United States and Canada. Today, the market remains juried, with artists selected through a competitive application process overseen by panels of experts in Indigenous arts.
The market also enjoys the support of major Santa Fe galleries and arts institutions, further enhancing its role as a significant platform for Indigenous artists to present traditional and contemporary works.
What to Do at the Santa Fe Indian Market
This annual event combines market shopping with public exhibitions, live performances, and special programs across the weekend.
Market Details
- Dates: August 16 – 17, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Historic Santa Fe Plaza, Downtown Santa Fe
- Admission: Free
2025 SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market Schedule
In addition to the outdoor market, SWAIA hosts a weekend of special events, including ticketed programs that highlight Indigenous arts, fashion, and cultural presentations. Here is the schedule of events:
- Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon
Friday, August 15, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A ticketed awards ceremony honoring the best juried artworks of the year, followed by a viewing of these pieces before the public market opens. - Best of Show Members-Only Sneak Peek
Friday, August 15, 2 to 4 p.m.
SWAIA members receive early access to the Best of Show gallery before it opens to the general public. - Best of Show General Preview
Friday, August 15, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Ticketed preview event of the award-winning works, open to all attendees. - Saturday Santa Fe Indian Market
Saturday, August 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market officially opens with booths throughout the plaza showcasing paintings, sculpture, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary art by Indigenous artists. - SWAIA Indian Market Gala & Live Auction
Saturday, August 16, 5 to 9 p.m.
A ticketed fundraising event featuring an art auction, live entertainment, and a social evening at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. - Sunday Santa Fe Indian Market
Sunday, August 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market continues throughout the day with booths across the plaza featuring paintings, sculpture, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary works by Indigenous artists. - Native American Regalia Showcase
Sunday, August 17, 9 to 11 a.m.
Artists, participants, and visitors celebrate traditional dress in a public regalia showcase. - 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Show
Sunday, August 17, 3 to 4 p.m.
An acclaimed runway event spotlighting Indigenous designers, held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Advance tickets are recommended as the Fashion Show regularly sells out.
What to Expect
Throughout the weekend, the Santa Fe Plaza fills with artist booths, live performances, and public programs. Visitors can browse traditional artworks and contemporary pieces, connecting with both established masters and emerging artists. Music and dance performances take place on the Plaza Stage from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Special programs include the Native American Regalia Showcase, scheduled for Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. on the Plaza Stage, highlighting traditional dress and artistry.
In addition to the market, SWAIA hosts an art auction, live entertainment, the Best of Show Luncheon, gala, and the highly-anticipated fashion show. Advance reservations are recommended for these programs due to high demand.
Planning Your Visit
Parking: Several public parking garages are located within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza. Due to limited street parking and periodic road closures, visitors are encouraged to use free shuttle services or local rideshare options.
Insider Tips: Arriving early means smaller crowds and more time to meet artists before their work sells out. With a full day of walking and outdoor events on the plaza, comfortable shoes and sun protection are a good idea.
Getting Ready for Market Days
The Santa Fe Indian Market remains a defining event in Santa Fe, drawing national attention to Indigenous arts and providing direct support to Native artists through sales and community engagement. With thousands of visitors expected, it helps to plan ahead.
Before heading to the plaza, review the full schedule of events and booth locations at swaia.org/santa-fe-indian-market. Tickets for special programs, including the Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon, gala, and Native Fashion Show, can also be purchased online in advance. For additional details or assistance, contact 505-983-5220.
Plan ahead, book your tickets, and make the most of Indian Market weekend in Santa Fe.
Pique your interest by reading the 2025 Official Santa Fe Indian Market Artist Directory & Booth Guide.
