With the year-long centennial celebration of the iconic Route 66 at the heart of it all, Albuquerque’s 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent memory for both locals and visitors. National travel sites such as AFAR and Frommer’s recognize Albuquerque as one of the top destinations to travel to in 2026. Explore what’s new and happening in Albuquerque in 2026 and all the ways people are enjoying the area’s one-of-a-kind attractions, unique cuisine and exciting adventures.

1. Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in Albuquerque

A lowrider drives down Central Avenue in Albuquerque.

In Albuquerque, Route 66 dazzles with 18 miles of neon-lit magic — the longest continuous urban stretch of the Mother Road in the country. Route 66 will celebrate its centennial in 2026, with Albuquerque anchoring nationwide celebrations along Central Avenue. To explore then-and-now now historical images, learn more about the history of Route 66 and find events to celebrate the centennial, head to Route66ABQ.com.

  • Route 66 Remixed has transformed Albuquerque's Central Avenue into an art-fueled road trip across the city. Along the 18-mile stretch, travelers will discover 18 large-scale installations and augmented reality activations that reflect the stories, traditions and people that have helped shape Albuquerque. Spearheaded by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, Route 66 Remixed was created in partnership with New Mexico-based Meow Wolf and Refract Studio as well as local artists. These installations will become lasting landmarks, available year-round and inspiring tours, events and exploration long after the Centennial.
  • During the Route 66 Summerfest (July 18, 2026), celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 along a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue, from Girard Boulevard to Washington Street. This free, once-in-a-century kickoff to summer includes a parade (featuring classic cars and motorcycles), live music, local food and much more. 
  • The West Central Route 66 Visitor Center will add an exciting stop for road trippers and neon sign enthusiasts in 2026. Watch the calendar for special events at the Visitor Center throughout the year. 

2. Experience the Renovated Albuquerque International Sunport

Travelers walk in front of the Cheese & Coffee location at the Albuquerque Sunport.Photo Credit: Albuquerque International Sunport

The ongoing “Dream of Flight” project is modernizing the Albuquerque International Sunport experience with more local dining, art and amenities rolling out through 2026. Some recent developments include:

  • The Sunport launched the ABQ FlySide Pass, a free digital option that allows nontravelers to explore the terminal beyond security, no boarding pass required.
  • Travelers can now raise a glass to the spirit of Albuquerque at Burque Brews, a lively new spot celebrating the city’s vibrant beer culture and inventive cuisine.
  • The Sunport unveiled The Holding Pattern, a completely redesigned cell phone waiting lot that blends convenience, technology and comfort for those picking up passengers.
  • The Sunport’s new food hall has been completed, bringing the total number of brand-new restaurants and bars in this area to seven, including locally owned favorites Cheese & Coffee, Flavor of New Mexico, Indian Pueblo Kitchen, Rush of Prana, Steel Bender Brewyard and Teller Bar. Look for Sadie’s of New Mexico, Laguna Burger and Frank’s Famous Chicken and Waffles to join the line-up of local dining options at the Sunport in early 2026.
  • The Sunport celebrated the grand opening of three new stores, with more on the way — Globo Mercado, Nob Hill Necessities and Roadrunner Express — each reflecting Albuquerque’s unique neighborhoods and landmarks while providing a modern, traveler-friendly experience. All feature locally made products and beloved New Mexico brands.

3. Celebrate the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s 50th Anniversary

Zuni dancers perform at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center courtyard.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a range of events, including the new exhibit "Grounded in Clay," opening in March 2026. This unique traveling exhibition, featuring over 100 historic and contemporary works in clay, offers a visionary understanding of Pueblo pots as vessels that carry community-based knowledge and personal experience. Owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the IPCC provides a place to discover and learn more about Pueblo culture in New Mexico. 

The IPCC also launched Pueblo Pathways, a way for visitors to immerse themselves even further in Pueblo culture. Visitors can purchase a ticket that grants them access to a unique presentation — Pueblo social dances, artist demonstrations, flute performances or lectures. The ticket includes a meal at Indian Pueblo Kitchen, a guided museum tour and the featured presentation.

4. Tour Filming Locations in Albuquerque

Already home to the sets of several great shows and movies, the Albuquerque Film Office continues to announce new developments and filming updates.

One popular series released in 2025 was the Apple TV science fiction series “Pluribus.” Created by Vince Gilligan, many recognizable locations in Albuquerque were used as sets. Fans of the show can visit the Albuquerque International Sunport, Level 5 at Hotel Chaco, the Very Large Array, La Cumbre Brewing Company and many more stops.

Other popular Vince Gilligan series were filmed in Albuquerque. “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” are still popular. Fans can take a Breaking Bad RV Tour or visit The Breaking Bad Store. Season 4 of “Stranger Things” recently filmed in and around Albuquerque as well.

5. Find New Developments in Albuquerque’s Neighborhoods

Albuquerque’s neighborhoods are constantly innovating and growing with new, exciting developments.

The wind turbine exhibit at Tiguex Park.Photo Credit: City of Albuquerque

  • Old Town: Renovations are currently underway at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. The museum is closed until March 2026 while it gets a redesigned entrance, box office and gift shop, and the exhibition spaces get a refresh. Across the street at Tiguex Park, visitors can interact with permanent exhibits designed to promote outdoor play and science learning. Explora and the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department designed the installations that make science, technology, engineering, art and math fun for the whole family. There are nine new exhibits, including a scale of the solar system and wind turbines.
  • Downtown: The Gizmo building, located on Central Avenue between 4th and 5th streets, was purchased by a new owner in April 2025. Renovations are underway to turn the building into an art hub.

6. Enjoy New Exhibits at the ABQ BioPark

An image of a walking path at the Lebanon and Beyond Garden at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.The Lebanon and Beyond garden

A new seasonal splash pad called Tadpole Springs opened in 2025 at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium. With cattail-inspired sprayers, this feature is designed for families with young children. The space features two play areas scaled for different ages: a family zone with more dynamic arcs for older kids and a tot zone with gentler sprays for little ones. The new Lebanon and Beyond garden opened in October 2025 at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. It features Mediterranean plants like fig trees and Lebanon cedars, Lebanon-inspired architecture, and sensory and gathering spaces that can be used for education and small events.

A sign about Farm Life stands in front of a recreation of a farm house at the Heritage Farm at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.

Also at the Botanic Garden, the Heritage Farm reopened in 2025 after undergoing extensive renovations. Visitors can find expanded crop gardens, new perennial beds, a “fairy garden” with medicinal plants, and more farm animal residents including Highland cattle, miniature donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats and a flock of chickens. Guest experience additions include an outdoor education space for children.

7. Attend a Signature Event in Albuquerque

Albuquerque is full of one-of-a-kind events year-round. These are just a few of the many events you can experience in the city in 2026. To find more, visit the ABQ365 events calendar.

Dancers at the Gathering of Nations PowwowPhoto Credit: Will Huston courtesy of Gathering of Nations Limited

  • The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow - The Last Dance: After 43 incredible years of bringing together thousands of dancers, singers, artists and visitors from around the world, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow will come to a close with one final celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history and experience North America’s largest Pow Wow one last time at Albuquerque’s Tingley Coliseum, enjoying Native American culture and pride and singing and dance competitions with over 3,000 participants. 
  • Festival Flamenco Alburquerque: Experience flamenco in the Flamenco Capital of North America. This festival brings dozens of renowned flamenco dancers and musicians to Albuquerque for a series of extraordinary performances and classes. The 2026 festival takes place June 19-27.
  • Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque: Hear talented mariachi bands at the largest and most comprehensive mariachi concert and conference event in the United States from July 8-11, 2026.
  • New Mexico State Fair: The New Mexico State Fair is a celebration of New Mexican agriculture, food, art and more. Enjoy live performances, exhibits, competitions and a midway carnival from Sept. 10-20, 2026. There will also be special Route 66 activations to celebrate the centennial.
  • ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®: The weather in Albuquerque is widely considered to be the best in the world for ballooning. In addition to year-round balloon ride offerings, pilots, crews and spectators from all over the globe come to the city each fall for the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, the world's largest hot air ballooning event. The next Balloon Fiesta takes place Oct. 3-11, 2026, with a “Scenic Route” theme that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with an array of activities, events and, of course, hot air balloons that pay tribute to the Mother Road.
  • Day of the Tread: The Day of the Tread is an annual Day of the Dead and Halloween-themed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The Gravel Grinder will take place Oct. 24, 2026, with the walking and road cycling events happening on Oct. 25, 2026.

8. Dine at a New Restaurant

The interior of Kashmir Coffee Lounge in Park Square Market.Kashmir Coffee Lounge

Albuquerque has unique, award-winning cuisine that has been recognized for its creativity and blend of many cultures. No matter what you prefer, the city’s food scene will satisfy a wide range of palates. Here are a few new restaurants that opened in 2025 to check out when you visit in 2026:

  • Park Square Market: This urban food hall opened in 2025 in Uptown and features dozens of local businesses, including the new Kashmir Coffee Lounge.
  • The Homestead Cafe: Visit this cute cafe at the base of the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway that serves coffee, tea and a selection of food.
  • Tula’s Kitchen: This casual American eatery opened a second location along Interstate 25 in 2025.
  • Wolf n’ Swallow: Enjoy a glass of beer or wine along with charcuterie and other unique bites in East Downtown.
  • Native Boba Tea: Try a variety of boba and other beverages at this Native-owned boba shop in Old Town.

9. Find a Unique Stay

The exterior of the ARRIVE Albuquerque hotel.

Albuquerque continues to add new and exciting lodging options for travelers of all kinds, in addition to enhancing existing properties.

  • ARRIVE Albuquerque: The most recent addition to the city’s revitalized Route 66 properties catalog, this boutique hotel features mid-century design, local art gallery, courtyard pool and community-focused programming. The property features DWTNR Cocktail Bar & Lounge, a high/low, east/west cocktail bar, restaurant and swim club, where Americana comfort food is served alongside Pan Asian-American classics.
  • Hotel Andaluz: This hotel rolled out new restaurant and bar concepts that enhance its historic character while adding modern flair.
    • CHAR: A stylish new dining destination offering elevated cuisine with a vibrant social atmosphere.
    • G. Toti: Speakeasy-inspired bar featuring locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
  • Element by Westin Albuquerque Uptown: Opened in 2025, this eco-conscious extended-stay property expands lodging options in the Uptown corridor. Guests and the general public can enjoy a cocktail and bites to eat at Volaré, the rooftop bar.
  • Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North: In the midst of a $23 million renovation, the property's restaurant and bar will also be getting a makeover. The restaurant is called "51|51" and has a menu offering elevated southwestern cuisine. The hotel will also have a new, separate tasting area for tequila, bourbon and wine. The restaurant and bar will have a modern look with one big open concept.
  • Hacienda Motel Redevelopment: This property will soon feature a food court and live music venue, blending dining with cultural experiences.
  • Central Avenue Food Hall & Hotel: A new food hall and extended-stay hotel broke ground in the summer of 2025 along Central Avenue, bringing exciting new amenities to one of Albuquerque’s most dynamic and evolving corridors. Strategically located directly across from Presbyterian Hospital, the 96,000-square-foot project will include a 126-room Marriott Residence Inn and the Highlands Central Market, a food hall featuring 10 to 12 food vendors.
  • Hiway House Motel: Titan Development has purchased the Hiway House Motel in Nob Hill with plans to turn it into a boutique hotel. The vacant motel was originally built in 1959, and will be demolished with a new building in its place. Plans include about 100 guest rooms, a rooftop bar and meeting spaces. There are also plans to revitalize the motel's original neon sign.

10. Celebrate (Almost) 400 Years of Wine in New Mexico

Four women sip wine at Casa Rondeña during a Vino Vans tour.Casa Rondeña Winery

Albuquerque has a long-standing history with wine, dating back to 1629 when Spanish monks first brought wine-making grapes to the state. Today, the destination’s wineries make acclaimed vintages, taking advantage of grapes that benefit from the area’s high elevation and sandy soil. 

To experience some of the top wineries and wine bars in the city, download the Albuquerque Wine Trail pass, which launched in 2025. Check in at wineries around Albuquerque, earn points and win prizes.

Celebrate Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends with the perfect pairing of music and wine at the annual New Mexico Wine Festival and Harvest Wine Festival. Savor exceptional wines from award-winning vineyards and boutique wineries while soaking in the Albuquerque sun.

Visit one of the many wineries in Albuquerque. Tucked away among the ancient cottonwoods in Albuquerque's serene North Valley, Casa Rondeña Winery is a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On a guided tour, learn about New Mexico wine history and then retreat to the Tasting Room for a curated experience.

Located in Old Town Albuquerque’s Plaza Don Luis, the New Mexico Wine Studio is a one-stop shop for 100% New Mexican wine. Here, you’ll find the largest selection of New Mexican wines under one roof. You can also experience the world’s first interactive touchscreen wine table, created by New Mexico-based immersive design firm Ideum. Part tasting, part trivia, it’s a fun and engaging way to explore a curated lineup of New Mexico wines.