Events & Festivals in Albuquerque

Kick off the new year with festive events around the city, including the popular 'First Day Hikes' in the Sandia Mountains and family-friendly activities at the Albuquerque Museum or BioPark. Many restaurants offer special menus. The atmosphere is cheerful and relaxed, perfect for starting resolutions with local flair.

Cheer on the University of New Mexico Lobos in NCAA Division I sports. The Pit is legendary for its raucous basketball atmosphere, while football games draw crowds to University Stadium. A key part of local sports culture.

A family-friendly Easter event featuring an egg hunt (with separate areas for different age groups), visits with the Easter Bunny, spring-themed crafts, and live animal encounters. Set within the beautiful botanic garden, which is blooming with spring flowers.

A profound religious and cultural tradition where thousands make a pilgrimage on foot to the historic Santuario de Chimayó, believed to have healing earth. Many walk from Albuquerque (over 90 miles) or join the procession for the final miles. A deeply spiritual experience.

The world's largest powwow, attracting over 700 tribes from the U.S. and Canada. A dynamic celebration of Native American culture with competitive dance and drum contests, a huge Indian Traders Market with authentic arts/crafts, and the Miss Indian World pageant. A powerful and respectful cultural immersion.

Minor league baseball fun with the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Isotopes Park is a fantastic family-friendly venue with quirky promotions, great views of the mountains, and affordable entertainment. A great way to spend a summer evening.

Celebrates New Mexico's growing wine industry at a scenic vineyard. Sample wines from dozens of state wineries, enjoy live music, browse arts and crafts vendors, and savor local food. A relaxed, upscale event perfect for a spring afternoon.

A energetic weekly farmers market featuring local produce, herbs, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and artisan crafts. Focuses on sustainability and supporting regional agriculture. Live music and a friendly community vibe make it a Saturday morning staple.

A free, volunteer-run celebration of folk music, dance, and storytelling. Features multiple stages with continuous performances, instrument workshops, dance instruction, a jam tent for musicians, and a kids' area. Emphasizes participation and community in a beautiful park setting.

A free, three-day music festival held in the heart of downtown Albuquerque. Showcases a diverse lineup of local and regional bands across multiple genres on outdoor stages. Includes food trucks, beer gardens, and a lively street festival atmosphere.

New Mexico's largest pop culture convention, celebrating comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming. Features celebrity guests, artist alleys, panels, cosplay competitions, and a massive exhibit floor with collectibles. A energetic gathering for fans of all ages.

A multi-day festival celebrating the convergence of film and music. Screens independent films, hosts filmmaker panels, and features live music performances and parties. Highlights New Mexico's growing film industry and local talent in a collaborative environment.

Albuquerque's major Fourth of July celebration, featuring a spectacular fireworks show launched from the top of the Sandia Mountains. Best viewing is from various parks across the city, with many hosting their own picnics and live music beforehand. A stunning, city-wide display.

A multi-week celebration of jazz featuring nationally acclaimed artists and local talent. Concerts are held in intimate venues like the Outpost Performance Space and the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, offering a range of styles from classic to avant-garde.

A large community festival on Albuquerque's west side featuring live music on multiple stages, a carnival with rides and games, a car show, arts and crafts vendors, and a wide variety of food options. A classic summer fair atmosphere.

A massive annual fair celebrating New Mexico's agricultural and cultural heritage. Features carnival rides, live music concerts, rodeo events, livestock competitions, creative arts exhibits, and endless fair food. A quintessential end-of-summer celebration with something for everyone.

A spicy tribute to New Mexico's iconic crop. Features chile roasting demonstrations, cooking contests, vendor booths selling everything from ristras to hot sauce, live music, and plenty of food samples. The air is filled with the irresistible aroma of roasting green chile.

A celebrated world music festival presenting artists from across the globe. Features concerts on multiple stages, a free family day with workshops and performances, and a lively international marketplace. A unique cultural journey through sound.

The world's largest hot air balloon festival, featuring over 500 balloons from around the globe. Highlights include mass ascensions at dawn, special shape rodeo, night glow events with balloons lit like lanterns, and competitive flying events. A breathtaking spectacle of color against the Sandia Mountains.

A season of touring Broadway productions and major performing arts events at the University of New Mexico's premier venue. Features shows like 'Hamilton,' 'Wicked,' and 'The Lion King,' bringing top-tier theater to the Southwest.

New Mexico's largest walk-through light show, transforming the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden into a magical winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, animated displays, and themed tunnels. Includes holiday music, model train displays, and visits with Santa. A beloved family tradition for over two decades.

A beautiful and respectful community celebration honoring deceased loved ones. Features traditional ofrendas (altars) on display, candlelight processions, mariachi music, Aztec dance performances, sugar skull decorating, and face painting. The historic plaza is transformed with marigolds and candlelight.

A self-guided driving or walking tour through neighborhoods famous for their elaborate luminaria (paper bag lanterns) and farolito displays. Thousands of candles light up pathways, creating a magical, serene holiday atmosphere. Some historic areas like Old Town also host carolers and hot chocolate.

A special holiday-season event where balloons inflate on the ground after dark, their burners lighting them up like giant holiday ornaments in sync to music. A shorter, more intimate version of the Balloon Fiesta's Night Glow, with a festive holiday theme.

A festive evening where shops in historic Old Town stay open late, offering holiday discounts and treats. Carolers, live music, and luminaria fill the streets. The perfect way to find unique gifts in a magical, old-world setting.