Free events in Santa Fe County, NM

Discover Riftbound with a beginner friendly session that teaches the fundamentals of battling in the rift. Participation is free.

Somewhere in the Rainbow transforms High Desert Cafe & Bar at The Mystic Santa Fe into a welcoming queer dance night centered on community, joy, and movement. Presented in collaboration with the Human Rights Alliance and LezGo NM, and inspired by the Queer Get Together of Santa Fe, this community gathering is free to attend with no cover and no tickets required. Expect DJ-fueled music for the dance floor and a featured Rainbow Eclipse cocktail that blends vodka, grapefruit, cranberry mint–infused simple syrup, a touch of white glitter, and a mint sprig. Alcohol-free mocktails are available, and the café offers a full dinner menu along with coffee and cocktails, including light bites, salads, pizzas, paninis, and charcuterie. Parking is available in two lots at The Mystic, with additional options at Big 5 Sporting Goods and street parking along Clark Rd. Please do not park in the Jackalope lot next door. This series takes place on the last Thursday of each month.

Two evenings of remembrance and celebration fill the historic Santa Fe Plaza as the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe and the City of Santa Fe present the fifth annual Día de los Muertos, a free community event open to everyone. Music highlights include Rob Martinez, Tíos Míos, Flor de Toloache, who are Latin GRAMMY winners, and Nosotros. Community activities include adorning the ofrenda and free glow-in-the-dark face painting. Ballet Folklorico Santa Fe, Teatro Paraguas, and Las Catrinas take the stage, followed by a screening of the film Coco on two big screens, a traditional Mexika Azteca blessing, and a glow-in-the-dark candlelight parade with the mojigangas. The festivities also feature Man Boy Brown with Raul Pacheco of GRAMMY winners Ozomatli. New this year, Route 66 turns 100 and classic cars will roll into the Plaza to mark the milestone and its early path through Santa Fe. Guests may honor someone they have lost by making a donation of any amount to add a photo, name, and short message to the digital ofrenda above the Plaza on both nights. Suggested donation levels are 20, 50, and 100 dollars, and contributions are tax-deductible. For comfort, bring a chair or blanket for the film and dress warmly, since nights in Santa Fe can be cold. There is no event parking, so plan to use downtown garages and walk.

A free, laid back commander session for casual participation.

Trick or treat along Main Street as Downtown Aztec businesses share goodies for all ages. Costumes are welcome, and the event is free and open to the public. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Aztec.

A casual gathering at CHOMP Food Hall offers free opportunities for players to practice together and coach one another. The session carries on even during salsa night.

Enjoy a free Pokémon game event with off-meta play for adults and standard play for kids. Everyone can have fun and enjoy the game.

Enjoy chess at the theater with options for every level of play. Casual games offer a chance to learn from experts at no cost, while players seeking a more serious challenge can compete in weekly rated games for cash prizes awarded at the end of the month.

Learn how to play Pokémon in a free beginner-friendly session.

Following the closure of El Farol, Tumbleroot Alegría provides the Santa Fe music community with a place to keep The Canyon Road Blues Jam going. Musicians can step onto the stage and play, and dancers have room to move on the floor. There is no cover charge, and tips are welcome. The evening centers on live blues and community.