Calendar of Events
“Santa Fe Reads” at St. John's College
We look forward to celebrating Banned Books Week with St. John’s College. SJC is inviting every high school student in the Santa Fe area to choose a classic paperback to take home for free during Santa Fe Reads, a community celebration of books, ideas, and intellectual curiosity taking place at the BookMark, on the SJC campus. The weekend will also place special emphasis on one of New Mexico’s most celebrated—and frequently challenged—works of literature: Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima. On October 3 at 4:00 p.m., SJC will host a community tribute to Anaya and his landmark novel, featuring SJC President J. Walter Sterling; author, editor, and SFILF co-founder Carmella Padilla, who wrote the afterword to the latest edition of Bless Me, Ultima; broadcast journalist and content creator Jeremy Jojola; and New Mexico elected officials and community leaders. 1160 Camino De Cruz Blanca, Santa Fe.
Hampton Sides
Join us at the Lensic Performing Arts Center for An Evening with Hampton Sides, presented in association with Collected Works, as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the publication of his Kit Carson historical epic Blood and Thunder.
2027 Author Announcement
Join us for a free community reception at TOKo Santa Fe, where we will announce the full 2027 lineup before it is released to the press. We will also answer any questions you might have about the 2027 Festival.
Community Book Event
Join us for a community book event with author and peace builder Aziz Abu Sarah—moderated by Ambassador Deborah Jones—about his critically acclaimed book The Future Is Peace, which explores how shared grief can become a foundation for dialogue and healing rather than hatred. Presented by Tomorrow’s Women, in partnership with Collected Works Bookstore, Global Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Public Library.
New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) Conference
SFILF will have a booth at the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) conference. If you’re near Las Cruces and the Convention Center, please stop by!
Celebrating Rudolfo Anaya in Santa Rosa
We are proud to partner with New Mexico Rural Library Initiative (NMRLI) and Moise Memorial Library, in Santa Rosa, for a celebration of the life and legacy of Rudolfo Anaya. The event will feature several readings of Anaya’s work by local authors and SFILF’s donation of more than 100 Anaya books to the library and NMRLI. The prominent and beloved Chicano author had deep ties to Santa Rosa and Puerto de Luna, New Mexico. A longtime patron of the Moise Memorial Library, Anaya described the impact that access to books had on him as a young person: “A library is also a place where love begins.” The author’s desk, typewriter, and other personal items are on permanent display in this library.
A Word with Writers: Andrew Sean Greer in Conversation with Emily Zipps
A Word with Writers: Andrew Sean Greer in Conversation with Emily Zipps
School For Advanced Research Literary Days
In collaboration with the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, SAR presents two literary days. Walk where writers once walked and hear their words on a guided literary tour. Listen to readings by emerging writers from the Institute of American Indian Arts Creative Writing program.
Speaker Series: A Book Talk in the Garden
In collaboration with the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, join us for an exclusive experience at Santa Fe Botanical Garden with nationally acclaimed author and naturalist Priyanka Kumar. We will bring together literature, nature, and conversation in one of Santa Fe’s most beautiful settings.
A Wonder Walk
Commonweal Conservancy is hosting an intimate gathering of Santa Fe Literary Festival participants with the goal of strengthening and deepening our individual and collective appreciation of northern New Mexico’s unique high-desert environment. During our wonder walk with Rebecca, we’ll take time to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse ourselves in the beauty and spirit of one of Santa Fe’s most scenic, historic, and beloved wildland resources.
Writing on the Rails
In partnership with the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, join us for the second annual Writing on the Rails on the evening of Thursday, May 14. Last year’s event was a sold-out hit, and this year promises to be just as amazing. This year’s mini writing retreat will be co-hosted by Albuquerque’s inaugural poet laureate, Hakim Bellamy, and Logan Phillips, a poet and cultural worker based in Tucson, Arizona, fresh off the release of his new book, Reckon.
Free Community Event: Scott Simon in Conversation with Hampton Sides and Anne Goodwin Sides
Meet the beloved host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday as he discusses his new release, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
Free Community Event: Rick Barot and Laura Paskus in Conversation with Jill O’Bryan
Join artist Jill O’Bryan in conversation with poet Rick Barot and author Laura Paskus about the unique ways in which art, nature, and poetry intersect
Free Community Event: Alison Bechdel Reception
Meet the award-winning graphic novelist while touring Robert Giard’s exhibition Particular Voices: Portraits of LGBTQ+ Writers & Artists, 1985–2002
DH Lawrence in Taos with Garrett Peck
This full-day excursion, led in conjunction with the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, explores the Lawrences’ time in Taos. Led by author, historian, and tour guide Garrett Peck, we visit the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, the D. H. Lawrence Ranch, and more. A picnic lunch is included.
Film Series: No Straight Lines
Influenced by Alison Bechdel, No Straight Lines highlights how personal storytelling can expand visibility, identity, and cultural understanding
Film Series: Groundhog Day
The imaginative original story by Danny Rubin and screenplay he co-wrote with Harold Ramis uses humor to explore meaning, choice, and personal evolution
Film Series: Woman Walks Ahead
Featuring the actress DezBaa', Woman Walks Ahead depicts a determined artist who travels west and forms an unexpected connection with Lakota leader Sitting Bull
Free Community Event: Library Stories: Books on the Backroads
Special film screening to celebrate National Library Week 2026, followed by Q&A with film directors Mary Lance and Ben Daitz, along with Aspen Coriz-Romero and Shel Neymark of the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative.
Film Series: Border South
Grounded in the work of Jason De León, Border South shifts the lens from politics to people—and the universal search for safety and belonging
Film Series: Are you There God, It’s Me Margaret
Rooted in the fearless honesty of Judy Blume, the film captures the tender chaos of growing up while navigating friendship and identity
Erik Larson in Conversation with Hampton Sides
Erik Larson in Conversation with Hampton Sides