Most people know Taos for its reputation in the visual arts, but it’s not only visual artists who flock to this area, but musicians too. The local live music scene in Taos is flourishing. This summer, the live music scene is turning up the volume with a variety of venues, collaborations, and concert series — all promising an unforgettable season for music lovers.
Venue with a View
Originally opened in 2012 as the first location of Taos Mesa Brewing, “The Mothership” has earned a reputation as the best outdoor music venue (and best brewery) in Taos. Set against the wide-open expanse of the mesa as you head northwest out of town towards to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The venue boasts sweeping views of Taos and Vallecito mountains.
Inside, patrons will find some bar seating and a view of the brewery operation itself, taking up a large portion of the sweeping indoor space. Outside, a covered patio offers ample seating and two stages, a larger amphitheater for touring acts and a smaller patio stage for intimate local sets.
This summer will feature a series of free shows, dubbed “Enchanted Evenings”. The event series was made in collaboration with The New Mexico Music Commission and Lensic360 out of Santa Fe. “Enchanted Evenings” blends local acts from around New Mexico and further afield, bringing in artists like Malian artist, Vieux Farka Touré; and local favorite, The Second Wind Endeavor.
Check out the full line-up of Enchanted Evenings free summer music series and mark your calendar.
Bringing Culture to the Music
DALEEE, a spirited revival of the beloved KTAOS Solar Center, is the brainchild of Ricky Carlini, a longtime Taos Ski Valley local, originally from Argentina. The word dale means “bring it” or “give it gas” in Spanish, and the venue is doing just that: bringing back the community-centered energy of the past with volleyball courts, live music, and family-friendly events.
Ricky first came to Taos over a decade ago through the J1 visa program. “I always felt like the mountain called me – I didn’t find the mountain,” he says. After working nearly 12 seasons at TSV and playing drums in local bands, organizing his own shows like “Latin Go” became a natural evolution. Now with DALEEE, he’s creating a space that celebrates Taos’s multicultural spirit.
“I had great memories when this place was in its heyday then – volleyball, ladies night which they used to do every Thursday.” Then he thought, “…Taos is missing this, and let’s try to do it where we focus on embracing our diverse community and cultures. I always thought that music is powerful, and it can connect people and as multicultural as Taos is, it can play a role and bringing them together.”
Event Hub
Events including volleyball, marquee concerts and one-off events happen on a weekly rotation every night of the week. Don’t miss two-stepping on Sundays, Costume Karaoke on Wednesdays, plus food and drink specials like Taco & Tequila Tuesday. There is a lot going on!
High Altitude Harmonies
Cool mountain air meets hot summer tunes at Taos Ski Valley’s summer concert series. Every Saturday afternoon, the village comes alive with live music performances set against an alpine backdrop.
Musicians set up in both the upper and lower plazas, with food and drinks available nearby. It’s the perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon of music, friends, and family with plenty of room to kick back and enjoy. For those local to Taos County, be sure to come visit TSV for Community Days, June 28th & 29th. There will be live music, entertainment, and free lift rides for locals!
Thursday Night Tradition
If you happen to find yourself in Taos on a Thursday evening this summer, head over to the Taos Plaza. Originally founded in 1796, the Plaza was once a fortified and walled village center in the late 18th century. It’s now an open space community hub.
Every Thursday night in the summer months the Town hosts ‘Taos Plaza Live’. Local bands take to the stage in the gazebo on the far end of the Plaza. Meanwhile, people lay out blankets and set up camp chairs in the shade of large cottonwoods to enjoy the show. The bricked part of the Plaza becomes an impromptu dance floor, while friends chat and lounge in the grass.
On the Main Stage
Each summer the Town of Taos hosts larger name acts on the main stage in Kit Carson Park. This summer is no exception with concerts coupled together on the weekends – you can make your own mini-festival! June hosts Alison Krauss & Union Station on Saturday the 21st and Lake Street Dive on Sunday the 22nd. See the full line-up.
FOMO
Find all upcoming shows and other fun events at our up-to-the-minute events calendar or in our mobile-friendly, interactive visitor guide.