Start Independence Day at Pancakes on the Plaza, where you can enjoy a stack of mouthwatering pancakes while supporting the Rotary Club. This popular event has been part of Santa Fe for 46 years and not only includes delicious flapjacks, but a car show, arts and crafts booths, and kids contests. Plan to spend your day on and around the Santa Fe Plaza to get your Fourth of July off to a great start. If you want to stay downtown for the weekend, check out our lodging suggestions below.

What better (and safer) way to experience fireworks this year than heading to Santa Fe Place Mall for a display hosted by the City of Santa Fe in collaboration with the Kiwanis Club? The event starts at 4 p.m., including live music with local bands Lumbre del Sol, Una Mas y La ChaCha, and the Alex Maryol Band. DJs from Hutton Broadcasting’s Outlaw Country 107.5 and Jam’n 94.7 will be adding to the fun. You can also visit food trucks and a Santa Fe Brewing Co. beer garden. The kids will have a blast with activities like a bounce house carnival, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and face painting. You can also enter to win gift cards for retailers in the mall, which will open at noon!

Head to Los Alamos for the 2023 Fourth of July Spectacular, which takes place at Overlook Park in White Rock from 4 to 9 p.m. In addition to the much anticipated fireworks display, there will be music performances headlined by “the world’s most passionate tribute to the band Queen”: Bohemian Queen. The music kicks off at 4 p.m. with Los Alamos Community Winds, followed by the 44th Army Band ‘New Mexico’s Own,’ and Katy P and The Business. There will also be nonprofits, exhibitors, and food vendors to round out your holiday fun.

SkyFire Restaurant, located at Bishop’s Lodge, offers a lovely brunch option on Sunday, July 2, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Their lively brunch becomes even more spirited with barbecue-inspired menu options, from brisket to hot dogs, grilled corn, and hamburgers. Reserve your spot today!

How about spending active time out in nature to celebrate, like taking the family out on the river? Running the river since 1978, Los Rios River Runners has something for almost every family, with rafting and multi-sport options available, like “paddle and saddle” and “rock and raft” adventures. Expertly guided river runs are available on the Rio Grande and Chama rivers. Whether you’re looking to have a full-day, half-day, or two-day rafting experience, reserve your trip with Los Rios River Runners now.

If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to have fun indoors, how about taking the family to The Alley in DeVargas Center? It is a 12-lane bowling center with bocce, billiards, darts, shuffleboard, and an arcade. Enjoy a drink from the bar and tapas, sandwiches, or hearty entrées from the El Sabor kitchen.

Then, extend your Fourth of July weekend a bit by celebrating the opening of the seasonal Santa Fe Farmers’ Del Sur Market on Thursday, July 4, from 3 to 6 p.m. Or take in some of the best music Santa Fe has to offer, along with a few big name surprises, and free movies in the park, at the Santa Fe Summer Scene.