The upscale enclave of Santa Fe comes alive on weekends: music, plays, exhibits. The weekend of April 15 through 17 is no different. Here’s what’s up:
On Friday, April 15, American Buffalo plays El Museo Cultural at 8:00 p.m. The Obie-award winning production probes the lives of three particularly desperate men as they pursue their version of the American dream. To get there they plan the perfect heist. Friday tickets are $15.
Ever wonder what a “horror-comedy-thriller” is like? You’ll know after seeing Kaboom. The film by iconoclastic filmmaker Gregg Araki is at the Center for Contemporary Arts throughout the day. The film is sort of Twin Peakish, chronicling the story of what happens when an 18-year-old college freshman stumbles on a monstrous conspiracy in a seemingly idyllic California seaside town. Admission is $9.50.
On Saturday, April 16, the Saturday Winter Farmer’s Market suffuses the Santa Fe Railyard with the most extraordinary smells. This is no corner grocery. The market is populated by sprouts, chard, salad mixes, tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, onions, herbs and spices. Don’t go for veggies? There’s fresh apple cider, eggs, goat cheese, grass-fed meats, jams and baked goods. A Cheapflights suggestion: don’t grab breakfast at the hotel before heading here. Wait till you get to the Farmer’s market to eat.
Still hungry perhaps? Pack some of that organic food you bought at the Farmer’s Market and join the good citizens of Santa Fe in Railyard Park for an Earth Day celebration: Picnic for the Planet. The event begins at 10:00 a.m.
Fully sated, waddle over with the kids to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum at 217 Johnson Street. On Saturday they’ll be putting on a family program. Like most good museums, this one is interactive. Kids explore objects inspired by the painter, play movement games inspired by her work, create artwork of their own and then take it home. It’s all free for children 4 to 12 when they’re accompanied by an adult
Drive out to Cerrillos Hills State Park and finish off the perfect Saturday with a Moon Walk, conducted under the otherworldly light of the nearly full orb. Ranger Peter Lipscomb conducts the hike. Along the way you’ll stop to view the moon through one of the park’s telescopes. The cost of the near lunar exploration is $5.00 per vehicle.
Sunday, April 17 – you don’t want to go home empty-handed after a trip to this epicenter of southwestern art. Peruse the Artisans’ Market. It too is located at Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, at 1607 Paseo de Peralta. Craftspeople and artisans from throughout New Mexico travel here to sell their one-of-a-kind creations. Music, entertainment and food provide the backdrop.
Cap the day with a serving of Latin soul during an intimate diner concert at El Farol from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Nacha Mendez is the featured performer.
Consider booking an advance-purchase, non-refundable room at Hampton Inn Santa Fe. It’s located at 3625 Cerillos Road. A room with a king bed runs $84.15 per night, taxes and fees not included.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Gin Fizz)
