Taos Plaza Live always kicks off in May, one of the first real heralds of summer in Taos. Bringing music and community fun to the heart of town, the 2019 season gets rolling May 30. Concerts are once again on Thursdays during the summer, every week through August 22. So put on your dancing shoes, get the kids, some carry-out, the blanket from the trunk of the car, and come out to listen to some of your favorite artists in Taos.
Live Taos partner, local radio station KNCE 93.5, is proud to be a media sponsor of TPL, and you will see us there throughout the summer!
These free music events on Taos Plaza are hosted by the Taos Chamber of Commerce, and happen every Thursday, running May 30 – August 22. All the events are 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The bands are mostly local and regional — expect to hear rock, country, folk, bluegrass, blues, swing, and ranchero music (sometimes all in the same night).
Taos County Chamber of Commerce Membership Representative Lindsey Rowlison- Elliott says: “We always aim to get a variety of diverse acts that represent musical tastes of Taos. We have amazing artists in Taos, and Taos Plaza Live is our opportunity to share them with the community.”
Dining & Drinking
The plaza is in the center of town and offers access to many local restaurants and bars. If you would like some libations before the music, you can enjoy some half-priced cocktails during happy hour (5pm-7pm) right around the corner at The Alley Cantina. Or if you prefer to enjoy libations during the performances, get to The Gorge Bar & Grill early and ask to be seated on the balcony.
A new favorite local place for some pre-event nibbles, wine, and beer is PärCht, which is underneath The Gorge (you can read our opening review of PärCht here). Food options located directly on the plaza are a bit limited, so if you would like to get the most out of the night be sure to eat before or plan on eating afterwards. There is often a hot dog vendor located on the plaza, usually on the north side of the gazebo.
Seating
Please bring your own chairs, or there will be chairs for sale at Taos Plaza Live.
Dancing at Taos Plaza Live!
Taos Plaza Live is one of the best events for dancing in Taos. The large flat brick area in front of the stage is left open for dancers. An added bonus is that you are bound to see some fantastic examples of ‘eclectic Taos dancers’ showing off their unique moves.
If you are itching to continue dancing after the music ends at 8, make sure to check out our Taos events calendar to find your next dancing destination!
Weather
Summer evenings in Taos are typically some of the loveliest anywhere, but you should pay attention to the forecast. Evening showers are common near the end of the season, but are almost always very brief. The show will go on, so bring a poncho if it looks like rain and wait it out. It’ll be worth it.
One of the highlights of the 2015 season was during the Bones of Romeo show. It started pouring in the middle of their set, but instead of shutting it down everyone piled into the gazebo for a rowdy and intimate conclusion to the night. Taos never lets the rain ruin a good time!
We’ll see you out there, Taos.