The first full week of October is a busy time in Albuquerque. Hundreds of balloons take to the skies during the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Across the city, countless other events are happening during this magical time of the year. Here is a list of some of the fun, exciting events you can attend when you’re not out at Balloon Fiesta Park. To find more events, visit our events calendar.
Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town
Oct. 2-12 in the Historic Old Town Plaza
Historic Old Town will have live music daily during Balloon Fiesta Week. Stop by the Gazebo in the plaza to see local cultural performances.
ABQ Grecian Festival
Photo Credit: Facebook
Oct. 3-5 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church
Immerse yourself in authentic Greek culture at the Grecian Festival. Enjoy delicious Greek food, eye-catching dances, shopping and more.
Albuquerque Fall Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
Oct. 3-5 at EXPO New Mexico
Stop by the Albuquerque Fall Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show to shop from 70 dealers selling mineral specimens, slabs, jewelry, beads and more.
Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival
Photo Credit: Facebook
Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 at Sandia Resort & Casino
Browse arts and crafts from 200 of the nation’s top artisans and craftsmen at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival.
ABQ Zine Fest
Oct. 4 at the Special Collections Library
ABQ Zine Fest is the oldest organized zine event in the state. Come enjoy this friendly, creative environment for zinesters.
Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival
Photo Credit: Jeremy Felipe/Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Oct. 4-5 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Shop the work from over 50 artists and vendors at the only authentic, all-Native American art show during Balloon Fiesta.
Balloons & Brews
Oct. 4-12 at Steel Bender Brewyard
Steel Bender Brewyard will be open early during Balloon Fiesta for people to enjoy beer, beermosas, breakfast burritos and hot air balloons on the patio.
Harvest Festival
Photo Credit: Facebook
Oct. 4-5 the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Fall in love with autumn at the Harvest Festival. Explore a variety of landscapes in the garden, listen to live music, enjoy festival treats and local brews, and celebrate the season.
Way OUT West Film Fest
Oct. 10-19 at Various Locations
Enjoy the Southwest’s premier LGTBQ film festival. Check out dozens of films being screened during the festival, and other special events.
ABQ Bruja Fest
Oct. 11-12 at EXPO New Mexico
Enjoy a magical day filled with vendors, workshops and performances celebrating all things witchy and mystical.
