Events

More than 500 hot-air balloons lift off from the park each morning in mass ascensions, with a Dawn Patrol before sunrise, special-shape rodeos, and evening balloon glows. Tickets are sold through the Balloon Fiesta’s own site.

Read on Balloon Fiesta Park, 4401 Alameda Blvd NE ↗

Expo New Mexico, the fairgrounds between Central Avenue and Lomas Boulevard · September, every year

New Mexico State Fair

A PRCA rodeo, concerts, Native American and Spanish villages, art, agriculture, animals, food, carnival rides and shopping, on the WPA-built fairgrounds.

Read on Expo New Mexico, the fairgrounds between Central Avenue and Lomas Boulevard ↗

National Hispanic Cultural Center · A Saturday in September; the next is September 25, 2027

Albuquerque Folk Festival

A one-day festival of folk music on several stages, with workshops, jam sessions, dance, storytelling, kids’ activities and food and craft vendors.

Read on National Hispanic Cultural Center ↗

UNM’s Rodey Theatre and the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Journal Theatre · Nine days in June; the 40th is June 9-17, 2027

Festival Flamenco Alburquerque

Performances by international flamenco dancers and musicians and workshops from beginner to advanced, presented by the National Institute of Flamenco with UNM and the NHCC.

Read on UNM’s Rodey Theatre and the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Journal Theatre ↗

Albuquerque (venue set each year) · July, every year

Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque

Workshops, world-renowned mariachi performers, musicians and Ballet Folklorico dancers.

Read on Albuquerque (venue set each year) ↗

Albuquerque (check the show for the venue) · March, every year

National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show

Spicy food samples and more than 200 booths with over 1,000 products, billed as the largest spicy foods and barbecue show in the world.

Read on Albuquerque (check the show for the venue) ↗

Albuquerque (check the festival for the venue) · April, every year

Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Festival

The Southwest’s largest gathering of chocolatiers, coffee roasters, tea houses and bakers.

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Grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands across the city · August through September, every year

Chile roasting season

Roasters turn the new green chile harvest over open flame, in anything from a few pounds to 50-pound sacks.

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Old Town Albuquerque · October, a week-long event

Dia de los Muertos in Old Town

Free activities, decorations and ofrendas around the plaza.

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ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden · November through December

River of Lights

A walk-through holiday light show with more than 500 displays, billed as New Mexico’s largest.

Read on ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden ↗

Old Town and neighbourhoods across the city · December, with Christmas Eve the best known night

Luminaria tours and Old Town luminarias

Storefronts, walkways and homes are lined with luminarias, also called farolitos; guided tours run in December.

Read on Old Town and neighbourhoods across the city ↗