WHAT'S NEW IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

The Spin Laundry Lounge, a combination fitness center and laundry facility, will be one of the amenities available. At the entry to the site, off Central Avenue, visitors will be greeted by a coffee shop that doubles as the hotel’s front desk, across from the entrance to the brand-new building that will house a cocktail lounge and three local food vendors all sharing an upscale, family-friendly dining area that overlooks the classic 1960s swimming pool. Seven “micro-retail” storefronts, similar to the popular ones at the El Vado Motel, will also be part of the project. These will house small local businesses such as flower shops, souvenir shops, hair salons, and clothing and home goods boutiques. The main building is slated for a February 2023 opening—including all guest rooms and suites, as well as the coffee shop/front desk, flower shop and retail tenants. The new construction, consisting of the cocktail lounge, food pods, event space and another handful of retail spaces, will be open in early April 2023.

Culinary News

Explore Albuquerque's Speakeasy Boom 

There’s a new nightlife scene in Albuquerque, and it comes with secret passwords and hidden entryways. That’s right, speakeasies are alive and well in the city. Pull open a bakery “shelf” to step inside ’20s-themed speakeasy Teddy Roe’s behind M’tucci’s Bar Roma; tap a golden banana to enter Hotel ZAZZ’s newly open hidden vinyl and cocktail bar Z-Lounge off the hotel lobby; drop the code word in El Rey Liquors to get into the secret freezer entrance into Founders Speakeasy; or make a reservation at Vernon’s Speakeasy to get the password to soften the bouncer and receive an escort behind the hidden bookcase. There are so many hidden discoveries to explore!

Los Poblanos Opens Town and Ranch in Downtown Albuquerque 

Head to this new throw-back cocktail bar and upscale shopping destination to experience a taste of celebrated organic farm and inn Los Poblanos without leaving downtown Albuquerque. Located in the original 1940s Heaston’s Town and Ranch Tractor Supplies building where Los Poblanos’ soaps and oil-based lavender products are made, Town and Ranch is a melding of heritage and modern craftsmanship. Visitors can sample a selection of classic and signature cocktails made with Los Poblanos new botanical spirits gin line inspired by the historic farm in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. Alongside the tasting room, the shop at Town and Ranch offers a curated selection of edible provisions, apothecary products starring Los Poblanos lavender, handcrafted gifts or a bottle of Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits gin, available exclusively on the property.

Golden Crown Panaderia's Cookie ATM Offers After-Hours Treats on Demand 

Shining like a fluorescent oasis in the night, the new "cookie ATM" at the nationally famous Golden Crown Panaderia offers an ingenious way to snag some biscochitos, New Mexico green chile bread or pumpkin empanadas, any time, day or night, 24/7/365. Throughout the day, Golden Crown bakers load the custom designed touch-screen machine with freshly baked goods accessible whether the bakery is open or closed. According to bakery owner Chris Morales, half the challenge of designing the machine was ensuring the biscochitos don’t break when dropped behind the delivery door.

New Pacific Rim Food Park Brings Together Asian- and Women-Owned Eateries

Love local food trucks? Head to the Northeast Heights for a one-stop culinary tour assembled by Judy Chiang, owner of Rising Star Chinese Eatery, complete with grassy areas, shade sails, picnic tables and global food favorites. Motivated by a desire to strengthen the local minority-owned restaurant industry post-COVID, Chiang formed a collaboration between Grace United Methodist Church (which owns an empty lot near the restaurant) and created a permanent home for five food trucks, all Asian- or woman-owned, with plans to host more mobile eateries, farmers markets and community events in the future. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Pacific Rim offers diners a diverse choice of dishes from Vietnam, Japan, South America, California and beyond.

Enter the Mouse Hole, a Small (But Mighty) Cheese Shop in Downtown ABQ

Offering over 40 award-winning international cheeses alongside artisan products from New Mexico—think local bread, wine, jams, mustards, pickles and crackers—the Mouse Hole is the newest venture from the team behind fresh local eatery La Finca Bowls. Be sure to try the all-local cheese board featuring three New Mexico-made cheeses and an assortment of local condiments and breads. (Even the cheese boards themselves are local, handmade by 505 Resin Works!)

Delicious New Openings in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill Neighborhood

Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood is on the rise. The Historic Lobo Theater has reopened as a lounge and event space and has been joined by a slew of new destination eateries and bars. Visitors to the area can now enjoy a sip at upscale casual wine bar Public House ABQ, dive into vegan burgers and loaded fries at popular food truck Lucky Goose’s new brick and mortar (complete with colorful art made by pigs—literally), enjoy locally sourced food and a curated wine list at Central Bodega, bring a large group for cocktails and small plates at Gather and sister gastropub 3128 Social House, sample local liquors at 505 Spirits, and enjoy modern comfort food at Butter. Book a room at the colorful Hotel ZAZZ and enjoy a stay in Nob Hill to experience all the goodness the revitalized neighborhood has to offer.

Attractions & Facilities

Explora

Explora Adult Nights return in 2023 and are a popular request of members and visitors alike who want to enjoy the innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque (without the kids). Each adults-only evening features a unique theme with related activities—from performances and guest lectures to art and science installations to hands-on science experiments with surprising materials. Guests also enjoy live music and popular local food. Monthly Adult Nights will be held January, March, May, July, September and November 2023. In addition to Adult Nights, 2023 brings the Science of Spirits to Explora, inviting visitors 21 and over to explore activities and exhibits in a whole new way with the return of a unique series of events: Science of Wine (February), Science of Beer (August) and Science of Spirits (October). Take your tastebuds through a journey of some of New Mexico's favorite adult beverages while learning about the brewing and distilling processes, tasting notes and pairings, and science activities that you wouldn't expect! Visit all three or just pick your favorite; these events sell out fast, so be sure to follow Explora on social media to see when tickets go on sale. 

X Studio at Explora Opens to Bring STEAM to ABQ Teens

X Studio, which opened in January, is Explora's new 8,000-square-foot teen center offering the latest tools, technologies, makerspaces, workshops and mentors to bridge teens with the most creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) professional fields of their interests. Presenting a vast menu of options with free membership – from animation, music and film production, 3D printing and cosplay to welding, woodshop, podcasts, video game development and so much more—X Studio aims to make sure every teen's talent and ambition is invigorated. The center will also feature a teen lounge for gaming, socialization, learning mindfulness, getting homework help or simple relaxation.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Adds New Exhibits

An innovative, hands-on experience that explores New Mexico's unique natural history. Experience its origins, dinosaurs and ancient seacoasts. Walk through a “live” volcano! Meet the 30-ton, 110-foot long seismosaurus, the world’s largest dinosaur, along with exploring the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s temporary exhibits:

• "Chocolate: The Exhibition" (through March 12). This traveling exhibition engages the senses and traces the evolution of chocolate from a small, bitter seed found deep in the rainforest to the continent-spanning delicacy it is today. Learn about the biology of the cacao tree, check out depictions of Mayan vessels that would have held a cacao-derived spicy drink, and even barter using cacao seeds at a recreated Aztec marketplace. Visit museum website for ticket purchasing options.
• "Roving With Perseverance Roadshow" (through June 5). NASA's "Roving with Perseverance Roadshow" brings full-sized models of the Mars Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter to museums around the country.
• "Nikon's Small World Exhibit" (March 28-April 30). This exhibit is the world’s preeminent photographic competition for images taken through the microscope. Each year, the "Small World Exhibit" travels throughout North America at selected museums and centers for science.

Artists Circle Gallery at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

"Clay Line of the Red Willow People: A Showcase of Three Taos Pueblo Artists" (Jan. 20-May 22). This exhibition at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center affords the opportunity to see Taos Pueblo at its finest through the eyes of three talented artists who were born and raised in this community. Taos Pueblo is and has been a thriving Native community, before contact and earlier. Located in Northern New Mexico, the Pueblo is designated as a World Heritage Site for being the longest continually inhabited community in the United States. The three artists are Angie Yazzie, micaceous potter; Brian Taaffe, painter; and Deborah Lujan, photographer. Each of these artists bring their perspective of how they are grounded in the beauty of their surroundings through their art.

Upcoming Exhibits at 516 ARTS

• "Artists as Knowledge Carriers" (Feb. 4-May 6). This exhibition features the work of art professors in higher education – including New Mexico State University (NMSU), University of New Mexico (UNM), Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) – who are guiding emerging artists into the future. Their role is essential in cultivating critical and informed intellects in the realms of contemporary art and global culture. Highlighting the artistic production of these mentors reveals their unique visions, rigor, and dedication to their craft. The exhibition is curated by Rachelle B. Pablo (Diné) of 516 ARTS, in consultation with Mexico-City based Leslie Moody Castro.
• "12 New Mexico Artists to Know Now" (June 3-Sept. 2). 516 ARTS will host Southwest Contemporary’s annual "12 New Mexico Artists to Know Now," which provides a compelling snapshot of the state of contemporary arts across New Mexico. Whether these artists are at the peak of their craft, building upon cultural legacies, pushing the boundaries of their media, using materials in surprising ways or responding to timely issues, they show us the unique vision of artists propelling creative work forward across this state. Artists are selected by a jury. Based in Santa Fe, Southwest Contemporary publishes curated and critical perspectives on contemporary arts and culture throughout the Southwest.

New Businesses in Historic Old Town Albuquerque

One of the most-visited attractions in Albuquerque, the city’s oldest neighborhood continues to evolve while preserving its historic Southwest charm. Take a walking tour around Old Town, explore the more than 150 locally owned and operated businesses, and check out some fresh updates! Popular Southwest boutique Luna & Luz has relocated across the Plaza to a ground-floor adobe building complete with a kiva fireplace and more cleverly curated local goods than ever. Taking over the former Luna & Luz space in Plaza Don Luis is Enchanted Collective and Collective Coffee, part gift boutique, part pop-up headquarters for local vendors and part coffee shop. In more coffee news, a small-scale distiller and coffee roaster from Church Street Cafe owner Marie Coleman is slated to set up shop in Old Town directly east of Visit Albuquerque's Visitor Information Center.

Acoma Pueblo Reopens Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum

The Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum is open each weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and offers a video Pueblo tour in the Ts'iKinuma K'aiya (Story Telling Room/Theatre), a gift shop where Acoma artists appear onsite showcasing their unique artwork (pottery, jewelry, textiles and more), and the Yaak’a Café, offering a diverse menu of Acoma traditional foods as well as contemporary American dishes prepared by tribal members. Currently, walking Pueblo guided tours are not being offered on top of the village mesa, but Operations Manager Melvin E. Juanico anticipates a return to the pueblo guided tours in spring 2023.

Discover the Pueblo of Jemez

Traditional dances are held throughout the year at Jemez, many of which are open to the public. The public is welcome to share in certain events, particularly the Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles Feast Day de Los Persingula on Aug. 2 (Pecos Feast of St. Persingula), and the San Diego Feast Day on Nov. 12. Additional events open to the public occur at various times throughout the year and into the Christmas Holidays. Information regarding these events can be obtained at the Walatowa Welcome Center at the Pueblo of Jemez. The Walatowa Visitor Center features the free Walatowa History Museum, trekking along the Red Rocks Trails (a 1.5-mile self-guided hike, permit required), and a curated gift shop featuring Jemez pottery, sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, embroidered woven cloths and local foods.

Development

New Flights to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport

The Albuquerque International Sunport is expanding its reach to a wide variety of national destinations in 2023. Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop flights between Kansas City and Albuquerque on April 11, and is increasing the number of daily flights to Houston (Hobby), Las Vegas, Phoenix and Southern California (including Los Angeles and San Diego).

West Central Route 66 Visitor Center @ Nine Mile Hill

Part Route 66 museum, part event hub with panoramic views of Albuquerque, and part community business accelerator, the new West Central Route 66 Visitors Center will open to the public in early 2023. According to Luis Hernandez Jr., Executive Director of the West Central Community Development Group, the visitor center is the culmination of a decades-long collaboration between the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and West Central community leaders to create a gateway to Albuquerque that will serve as a welcoming space for travelers and locals alike to celebrate what makes the city so special. There’s a lot to check out here, including cultural events and artisan markets in the outdoor amphitheater and marketplace, weekend car shows honoring the state's vibrant lowrider car culture, a taproom, a gift shop, interactive New Mexico Music Hall of Fame exhibits, 4,500 square feet of event space, and affordable drop-in office space for nonprofits and local small businesses.

Downtown Storefront Activation Grant Program Inspires Downtown ABQ Renaissance

Albuquerque’s Downtown Storefront Activation Grant Program, the effective economic recovery program working to increase the vibrancy of downtown Albuquerque, saw the first round of grant awardees launch successful openings or renovations in 2022. Recipients included gift boutique Flyby Provisions, Blue Door Pâtisserie, artisan cheese shop The Mouse Hole, Echoes Brewing Company, Dry Heat Comedy Club, Flamenco Works and more. “There are so many creative people living and visiting downtown Albuquerque, and it is exciting to join them in reinvigorating this historic area,” says Gina Riccobono, owner of Flyby Provisions. “I lived in Downtown for many years, and it’s so good to be a part of the area’s resurgence and growth—from participating in the ABQ Artwalk and collaborating with local artists and makers to connecting with the diverse community of people coming to Downtown to immerse themselves in the thriving Albuquerque art scene.” 2023 will see another round of new restaurants and businesses in the area, including several new eateries from restaurateur Erin Wade of Vinaigrette.

Anniversaries

Experience 2023's Annular Solar Eclipse at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

The countdown to the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is underway, with a very special astronomical twist in 2023. The world-renowned event is scheduled to occur Oct. 7-15, 2023—perfectly timed with 2023’s Annular Solar Eclipse. The eclipse will take place during the tail end of the Mass Ascension on Saturday, Oct. 14. Albuquerque will be in the eclipse’s direct path, making for prime viewing conditions.

World Balloon Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2023

World Balloon, the first ballooning company in New Mexico, is celebrating 50 years of professional ballooning in 2023. Started by Sid Cutter in 1973, the company is now owned by retired Albuquerque Police Commander Murray Conrad, Julie Conrad and Jim Kosinski. World Balloon is easily recognizable by the red, white and blue stars and stripes balloons.