Santa Fe Plaza has been the commercial, social and political center of Santa Fe for hundreds of years. Today the Plaza is surrounded by structures in the Pueblo, Spanish and Territorial styles that reflect its diverse history. These buildings include the city's original palacio, the Palace of the Governors, built between 1610 and 1612, and San Miguel Mission, a noted landmark c.1640, and one of the oldest churches in the United States. Santa Fe's Plaza continues to be a hub of community activity, and plays host to a number of events, including the popular Summer Bandstand live music series. The Plaza is also host to several special events, which are set by city ordinance:

• CommUNITY Days (May)
• Challenge New Mexico (June)
• Pancakes on the Plaza (Fourth of July)
• Spanish Market (July)
• Contemporary Hispanic Market (July)
• Girls Inc. (August) 
• Santa Fe Indian Market (August)
• Santa Fe Fiesta Labor Day (September)
• Santa Fe Fiesta (September)

A permit is required to hold events on the Plaza.