El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a fun, family destination, and a valuable reminder of the area’s Native American and Spanish cultures, the settlers’ traditions, and their staunch perseverance in the face of tumultuous times. Each year, we look forward to the many events that bring this historic landmark to life. From June through October, it bustles now as much as it once did in the 1500s. This year, along with the popular annual events, there are a few fun new ones to mark on your calendars…
2017 Schedule of Events
June 3rd & 4th – Spring Festival & Fiber Arts Fair.
Authentic Wool Dyeing at Las Golondrinas.
Come see what life was like on the Camino Real, Santa Fe Trail and Spanish Trail. Learn about the people, goods and livestock that came and went on the arteries of the Southwest. Also, experience traditional ranch activities like sheep shearing, wool dyeing, spinning and weaving. Plus a fiber arts marketplace, bread baking and crafts for children!
June 17th & 18th – Herb & Lavender Festival.
Visit lavender and herb product vendors and enjoy lectures and hands-on activities on all things lavender. Visit the marketplace to shop great treasures from over 20 vendors selling handmade soaps, lotions, essential oils, art, food, plants and more!
July 1st & 2nd – 24th Annual Santa Fe Wine Festival.
Celebrate summer with handmade wines from the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association. Taste mouthwatering food, dance to live music, buy unique arts and crafts, and explore New Mexico’s history at Santa Fe’s longest running wine festival.
July 22nd & 23rd – 10th Annual Viva Mexico.
Revel in the music, culture, food and art of Mexico for two days. Re-discover our neighbor to the south as you listen to mariachis, shop in the Mercado and eat delicious food prepared by local Mexican chefs. Our shared histories and cross-cultural influences are undeniable at Viva Mexico!
Viva Mexico Performers
NEW in 2017: August 5th & 6th – Panza Llena, Corazon Contento: New Mexico Food Fest.
Explore the food history of New Mexico at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Step back in time, as you taste your way through the history of the Land of Enchantment. Experience historic methods of food preparation, learn from food historians, attend workshops, sample delicious locally-made creations and find something special from the many vendors and artisans. Make connections to New Mexico’s contemporary culinary scene and be the judge of an epic food truck war.
August 19th & 20th – Adventures in Territorial New Mexico.
From Civil War battles to Old West shootouts, experience the adventure of Territorial New Mexico! Taste some grub from the back of a chuck wagon and listen to songs of the vaqueros who once drove cattle across this vast land. Visit soldier encampments, watch the blacksmith hard at work and meet amazing ladies from these rough times.
Sept 2nd and 3rd – Fiesta de los Niños.
Immerse yourself in a weekend of interactive family activities that celebrate water! Roam around the ponds, creeks and acequias that give life to our historic site as you have fun with, and learn about, this precious resource. Also encounter animals that populate the southwest and who, like us, depend upon water. Fun for all ages! Wander the grounds and meet costumed volunteers who will tell you about “La Vida Vieja.”
September 16th & 17th – The 10th Annual Santa Fe Renaissance Fair.
Renaissance Fair – Dressing the part of Royal Attendees.
Travel back in time with Clan Tynker and the Order of Epona jousters. Go on a knight’s quest to meet Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Ride in a Spanish Galleon at our kids game area. Learn about Renaissance arts and sciences from the SCA. Shrink in size as you enter the Fairy Village and pet a unicorn. Enjoy incredible performances and music, delicious food, and arts and crafts vendors at New Mexico’s premier Renaissance Fair.
September 30 & Oct 1st – Harvest Festival. 10am-4pm
The root cellar at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas during Harvest Festival.
Ranked in the top 3 Harvest Festivals in the U.S. Autumn is a vibrant time to visit El Rancho! Taste syrup from the burro driven sorghum mill, help make cider by cranking a traditional apple press, and pick a pumpkin from our scarecrow-guarded patch. Children can stomp grapes by foot, make cornhusk dolls or roll their own delicious tortillas by hand. There’s a lot to do at this long-running and acclaimed event!
NEW: Oct 28th – Halloween Event “Spirits of New Mexico’s Past”: Meet the ghosts of history who lived and died in the land of enchantment! Step back in time and encounter a diverse assortment of characters from New Mexico’s illustrious and often little known past. Listen to their amazing stories and experience intriguing bygone events. Lit by lantern light and campfires, our wondrous historic site takes on a family-friendly but spooky Halloween atmosphere.
There’s something for everyone at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Pick your fun and plan ahead.
To book your lodging at special discounted rates, or for help with planning the ideal vacation in Santa Fe, go to SantaFeSelection.com or call (505)470-2991.
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