Pancakes on the Plaza - A Santa Fe 4th of July Tradition

We love Pancakes on the Plaza.

Curious what all the fuss is about? Here’s the inside scoop—and if you haven’t been yet, go ahead and block off your 4th of July morning. Trust me.

I’ve always been grateful that our founding fathers picked summer to sign the Declaration of Independence. Every season in Santa Fe has its charm, but there’s just something magical about a sunny July morning on the Plaza—blue skies, the smell of pancakes in the air, music drifting across the lawn. It’s small-town joy meets community celebration, all wrapped up in one unforgettable event

This 4th of July, consider having breakfast with thousands of your closest Santa Fe friends. 2025 will mark the 48th time we've all gotten together for Pancakes on the Plaza (okay - this will be my 12th year, with a few absences due to a pandemic and a couple of lake trips), and you should be there with us.

Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Fe with help from First National Santa Fe, this is one of my favorite local Santa Fe events.

Here's some language straight from Santafe.com, which is the absolute best place online to get the scoop on everything Santa Fe:

What is Pancakes on the Plaza?

Pancakes on the Plaza is one of Santa Fe’s most beloved annual traditions, drawing a lively crowd of nearly 20,000 people and raising close to $100,000 each year for local youth organizations. Both locals and visitors line up early for a hot-off-the-griddle breakfast, then spend the rest of the day enjoying everything from silent auctions and kids’ contests to artisan booths, live music, and a jaw-dropping vintage car show—all set against the iconic backdrop of the historic Santa Fe Plaza.

Speaking of cars—while Santa Fe has been hosting specialty car shows for over a century, it’s the  Santa Fe Vintage Car Club that’s been keeping the tradition alive since the 1980s. From sleek classics of the 1920s to what some might call “fancy” modern marvels, the lineup along Lincoln Avenue is always a showstopper. With 120 designated spots, each vehicle stays parked until 1 p.m., and trophies are handed out at 12:30 sharp.

Who Benefits from Pancakes on the Plaza?

Through the support of sponsors and volunteers, over the years the Rotary Club of Santa Fe’s Pancakes on the Plaza has benefited numerous local family-oriented nonprofits by awarding more than $750,000. In celebration of its centennial year, the Rotary Club of Santa Fe is partnering with the Santa Fe Sky Center , Communities in Schools, The Santa Fe Symphony, and Gerard's House for Grieving Children as recipients of major grants totaling $200,000.

For $12 each, or for a Family Four Pack at $40, we get to eat, listen to great music, smile, look at classic cars, laugh, buy local arts and crafts, and see friends we haven't seen in months. It's fun and a heck of a bargain. And the portions are generous.

If pancakes aren't enough of a draw, there's more. Here's another bit of info from Santafe.com:

Pancakes on the Plaza Schedule of Events

• From 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., it’s all about the pancakes, as griddles sizzle and mouths are stuffed with the best breakfast in town.
• The Santa Fe Vintage Car Club Show along Lincoln Avenue runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The juried Arts and Crafts Show along Palace and Lincoln Avenues runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Children’s activities begin at 8 a.m. and wrap up at noon.
• The Silent Auction supporting Santa Fe Rotary Club’s Centennial Partners runs from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Entertainment at the Gazebo runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re new to town and looking to connect, Pancakes on the Plaza is one of the best ways to meet true Santa Feans. The folks behind the griddles? Many of them have been showing up year after year, flipping flapjacks and building community while they do it. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who care deeply about this place—and you’ll have a blast. Pro tip: brush up on your pancake-flipping skills. There's often a bit of a performance happening back there! Here's a link to volunteering.

You know you love the 4th of July. Create a new tradition by joining us from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Santa Fe Plaza for Pancakes on the Plaza.

Tickets are $12 each or $40 for a family pack of four. For a seamless experience, I'd suggest you buy tickets in advance here. It's a great cause and some great food. See you there!