The World’s Largest Native American Art Market
Santa Fe
Indian MARKET
Event Information
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Santa Fe Indian Market (SFIM) is the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art market in the world. Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), #SFIM25 will take place August 16–17 in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Now in its 103rd year, SFIM brings together over 1,000 Native artists representing more than 200 Tribal Nations from across the U.S. and Canada. Experience a dynamic weekend of fine art, fashion, film, performances, and community celebration, all grounded in tradition and culture.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned collector, SFIM offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect directly with Native artists and purchase work that is handmade, authentic, and deeply meaningful.
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Here’s what to know as you plan your SFIM experience:
Dates: August 16–17, 2025
Location: Historic Downtown Santa Fe Plaza
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Admission: Free and open to the public for the outdoor marketAdditional Programming:
SWAIA offers a range of ticketed events throughout Indian Market weekend, including Best of Show, fashion shows, the SWAIA Gala, and more. Advance registration is recommended.Parking & Transit: Public parking garages are available within walking distance. Consider using the free shuttles or local rideshare services due to potential road closures and limited street access.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and meet artists before inventory sells out. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are highly recommended for a full day on the Plaza.
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Explore our 2025 Artist Directory to preview the work of this year’s exhibitors.
From textiles and jewelry to sculpture and painting, the Directory highlights participating artists across all categories and includes booth numbers, bios, and images of their work.2025 UPDATE COMING SOON
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Stay up to date with the latest announcements, award winners, and official Market updates.
COMING SOON
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We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our 2025 Sponsors, who make this event possible.
Title Sponsor: Van Mabee
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
More sponsors will be listed soon
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Visit our Sponsorship page and check out our SFIM 2025 Sponsorship Information.
Santa Fe Indian Market
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Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Santa Fe Plaza -
Now in its 103rd year, the Santa Fe Indian Market (SFIM) is the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art market in the world. Each August, more than 1,000 Native artists from over 200 Tribal Nations transform the streets of Santa Fe into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and culture.
Visitors can explore original works in a wide range of mediums—jewelry, pottery, textiles, painting, sculpture, and more—while meeting the artists who make them. SFIM also features live performances, food vendors, cultural demonstrations, and family programming.
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The outdoor market is free and open to the public.
Tickets for associated events (fashion shows, gala, screenings) can be purchased separately.
Best of Show
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Friday, August 15, 2025
BEST OF SHOW CEREMONY & LUNCHEON
11:30 AM – 2:00 PMMEMBER’S-ONLY SNEAK PEEK
2:00 – 4:00 PMGENERAL PREVIEW
4:00 – 6:00 PMLocation: Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St.
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SWAIA’s Best of Show Ceremony is one of the most anticipated events of Indian Market week. Artists across all juried categories are recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and creativity, with the highest honor—Best of Show—awarded to a single outstanding work.
The evening offers an exclusive preview of juried works, thoughtful remarks from SWAIA leadership and featured artists, and a vibrant press atmosphere capturing the spirit of the occasion. This is an intimate, heartfelt event celebrating artistic excellence and cultural expression.
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BEST OF SHOW CEREMONY & LUNCHEON
Seating is limited. Sponsorship packages and individual tickets available.Check back soon!
MEMBER’S-ONLY SNEAK PEEK
Memberships available. Once tickets are released, a notification will be sent via email.GENERAL PREVIEW
Check Back Soon!
the swaia Gala
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Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time & Location TBA
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An evening of elegance, philanthropy, and celebration, The SWAIA Gala brings together collectors, supporters, and artists in support of SWAIA’s year-round programming.
Guests enjoy a curated experience, live entertainment, a paddle raise auction, and an intimate atmosphere for connecting with the artists and visionaries shaping the future of Native arts.
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Seating is limited. Sponsorship packages and individual tickets available.
Check back soon!
Native Fashion Show
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Sunday, August 17, 2025
Time & Location TBA
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Celebrating Native talent at the intersection of fashion art and design. The Santa Fe Indian Market Native Fashion Show is a stunning finale to the weekend’s festivities.
Expect bold silhouettes, contemporary storytelling, and unapologetic expression as models walk the runway in works that blend tradition and innovation. This show offers a glimpse into the future of fashion—led by Native visionaries.
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General Admission and VIP seating available.
Check back soon!
Native American Regalia Showcase
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Sunday, August 17, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Santa Fe Plaza Main Stage -
A beloved tradition of Indian Market, the Native American Regalia Showcase invites participants of all ages to share the beauty and significance of their traditional clothing, dance regalia, and family heirlooms.
Each participant is honored for their contribution to preserving Native identity through dress and adornment.
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This outdoor event is free and open to the public.
SWAIA Is where the world meets top Native artists.
Each year, Santa Fe Indian Market brings together more than 1,000 of the most celebrated and emerging Indigenous artists from over 200 Tribal Nations. Held each August in downtown Santa Fe and produced by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), Indian Market is the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art event in the world—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors for a weekend of fine art, fashion, film, and cultural exchange.
A cornerstone of the weekend is the Best of Show program, which honors outstanding achievement in juried categories ranging from pottery and jewelry to textiles, painting, and sculpture.
The top prize—Best of Show—is proudly sponsored by Mark Sublette of Medicine Man Gallery.
pLAN YOUR TRIP
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
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Please visit our Media Inquiries page for more details, including how to request press credentials.
A brief History of the SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET
The story of Santa Fe Indian Market traces back to a larger cultural movement to introduce Native art to broader audiences. At the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego (commonly known as the San Diego World’s Fair), Pueblo potters like Maria and Julian Martinez participated in high-profile demonstrations that modeled what would become early institutional approaches to Indigenous art presentation—structured, curated environments designed by anthropologists and cultural organizations.
In 1922, the Museum of New Mexico and the School of American Research (now the School for Advanced Research) organized the first Southwest Indian Art Fair and Industrial Arts and Crafts Exposition in Santa Fe. These early fairs helped elevate public interest in Native arts, but artists had limited control. Work was submitted by traders, judged by non-Native experts, and sold without direct artist involvement. Pricing and interpretation were handled externally, with Native artists themselves largely absent from the conversation.
That changed in 1931, when the final Indian Fair was held under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. For the first time, Native artists were invited to sell their work directly to the public—marking a pivotal shift toward artist agency. This moment predated the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934, a landmark federal policy that supported tribal self-governance and greater economic self-determination, including the right to form tribal businesses and manage creative production. While the IRA laid important legal groundwork, Indian Market had already modeled what a Native artist-led marketplace could look like—visionary in both concept and execution.
The legacy of those early decades continues today. What began as a curated exhibition has become a dynamic, artist-centered marketplace that positions Native artists not as subjects of interpretation, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators.
Indian Market continues to lead—not just as a historic institution, but as a living model for the future of the fine art world.
faq
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The Santa Fe Indian Market is an annual event showcasing Native American art, culture, and heritage. It features works from Native artists across North America.
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The event is held on the third week of every August in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Specific dates can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the current year's schedule.
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Tickets can be purchased online through our official website, when available.
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Yes, the market includes a variety of activities such as live performances, fashion shows, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the artists.
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Absolutely! The Santa Fe Indian Market is a family-friendly event with activities and exhibits that are enjoyable and enriching for all ages.
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Yes, visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists, allowing for personal connections and understanding of the artwork's cultural significance.
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The market features a wide range of art forms including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and more, all created by Native American artists.
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Check out our Altitude Tips from the SWAIA Team to help you prepare for your visit.
Please Note: This information is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations. Always call 911 in case of a medical emergency. -
Applications have closed for 2025, please check back for 2026 application period announcements.
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The application period for the SFIM25 runway closed April 11th, 2025.
Designers interested in participating in future fashion events can view our official application form.
The application process includes submitting previous work, design concepts, and information about your cultural and artistic background. -
Consider becoming a member or making a donation.