Raton is a strong supporter of the arts as shown by the various local foundations and businesses that provide grants and donations for the performing arts, visual arts, and humanities programs in the local schools, recreation programs, arts council, and theaters.

The community is fortunate to be home to two theaters and several art galleries and to have active art and drama classes in the local school district. Several fine artists and crafts artisans, professional actors, musicians, and other performing artists as well as published authors live in Raton and add to the creative flavor of the city.

Theaters
The historic Shuler Theater, located in the historic district of downtown Raton, is a 1914 Opera House that has near perfect acoustics, and is still used today for many live performances throughout the year. The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts provides the community with a recurring professional summer repertory theater featuring the Kaleidoscope Players from June through August. The Raton Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. presents its annual performing arts season in this fine old theater, which consists of a variety of music and drama from small groups like the men's trio, Romanza, to the large broadway-style productions, "Gentlemen prefer Blondes."

El Raton Theater, located in the same block as the Shuler, continues to provide the community with first-run movies and live simulcast performances from the Metropolitan Opera. The theater, which is privately owned, also supports the arts in Raton by providing an "open mike" on the evening of the second Wednesday of every month. On Wednesday afternoons the theater is filled with families watching wholesome movies that are free to the public from the "Kids First" organization.

Art Galleries
The Old Pass Gallery is home to the Raton Arts and Humanities Council, Inc. Inside this former Wells Fargo building, located next to the BNSF depot on historic First Street, the RAHC holds a variety of art shows and exhibits displaying art from local and regional artists. Other galleries in Raton include the Little Bear Gallery, the First Street Gallery, and the De Colores Gallery inside the Main Street Galeria in downtown Raton. Fine art is also on display for sale at the Enchanted Grounds Expresso Shop and Cafe.