It's the third weekend of August and for thousands of Indian artists and their patrons, that means only one thing. Another Santa Fe Indian Market.

The annual event, sponsored by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, is the largest showcase of Native art in the world. More than 1,200 artists representing about 100 tribes will display their works in downtown Santa Fe, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors to the New Mexico capital.

But there's more to be found than just pottery, jewelry, sculptures, paintings and other crafts. From fashion to film, the weekend is about celebrating Native culture in its many forms. Here's a rundown of some the events taking place.

FASHION
The Pueblo Opera Program of the Santa Fe Opera helps introduce Pueblo kids the opera. To raise money for the program, a slew of young Native designers is hosting "Red Hot for POP," an annual event that Santa Fe New Mexican critic Phaedra Haywood says is "usually the edgiest" in town.

Brothers Eddie and Michael Spears, fresh from their roles in TNT's "Into the West," will be among the celebrity models this year [Eddie | Michael]. They'll be sporting fashions from designers like Virgil Ortiz [Web Site] of Cochiti Pueblo, who has worked with Donna Karan.

The show takes place tonight, August 18, at the La Posada Hotel on 330 E. Palace Ave. Past guests have included Gov. Bill Richardson.
• Santa Fe Opera | More Info

Another big fashion event is the annual Institute of American Indian Arts show, featuring works of IAIA's alumni. This year, a special group of seven indigenous designers from South Africa will be joining four Native designers. The "Tribal Fusions" show takes place Friday, August 19, at 10:30am in the La Fonda Ballroom at the La Fonda Hotel.
• Institute of American Indian Arts

Finally, Southwestern Association for Indian Arts sponsors its own show and contest on Sunday, August 21, the final day of the market. The show is heavy on traditional Native clothing although some contemporary works are shown. The stage is located right on the plaza.

FILM
Forget Sundance, the only place to see Native films is the Native Cinema Showcase. Brought to you by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the festival has been running strong for five years and has featured some of the top names in Native film.

This year is no different. Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho) will be screening two works, including "Edge of America," his portrayal of a famous Navajo girls' high school basketball team. Legendary activist and poet John Trudell (Santee Sioux) will attend a screening and discussion of "Trudell," a film directed by Heather Rae (Cherokee). And for those into old school, actor and media mogul Gary Farmer is going to discuss his role in "Powwow Highway" the 1989 film that is considered by many to be a classic.

All of the screenings will be held at the Center for Contemporary Arts at 1050 Old Pecos Trail.
• Native Cinema Showcase 2005

MUSIC
For many, Native Roots & Rhythms is the music event of the weekend. Now in its 11th year, the festival lines up some of the biggest names in the Native music business.

The show this year features three 2005 Native American Music Award winners. There's Jim Boyd (Spokane) [Web Site], a singer/songwriter whose music appeared in "Smoke Signals." Litefoot (Cherokee) is also on the bill with his unique brand of hip-hop. Finally, Randy Wood (Cree), the leader of the Northern Cree Drum group from Canada, will showcase his singing.

The festival also includes performances by four young Native up-and-comers, including Lil' Dre (Navajo), a 14-year-old rapper. Two Maori groups from New Zealand -- Matou and Ardijah -- add an international flavor to the night.

The show takes place Saturday, August 20, at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheater on the grounds of the Santa Fe Indian School. The Seminole Tribe of Florida [Web Site] is the sponsor.
• Native Roots & Rhythms

Relevant Links:
Southwestern Association for Indian Arts - http://www.swaia.org/index_d.php