The first full week of October is a busy time in Albuquerque. Hundreds of balloons take to the skies during the 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.

ABQ Grecian Festival

Dancers perform at the Albuquerque Grecian Festival

Photo Credit: Facebook

Oct. 4-6 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

Graphic for the Albuquerque Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show 2024

Oct. 4-6 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.

Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town

A mariachi band performs in the Old Town Gazebo during Balloon Fiesta Week.

Oct. 4-13 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.

Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival

Attendees view art at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Oct. 4-6 and 11-13 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

A flier promoting the ABQ Zine Fest on Oct. 5 at the Sanitary Tortilla Factory.

Oct. 5 at the Sanitary Tortilla Factory

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

A vendor sells jewelry to visitors at the Spring Arts Market at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Photo Credit: Jeremy Felipe/Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Oct. 5-6 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.  

Harvest Festival

Pumpkins sit on hay bales at the Harvest Festival.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Oct. 5-6 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.

Sips in the Park

A graphic promoting the Sips in the Park tasting event at Winrock Park on Oct. 5 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Oct. 5 at the Winrock Town Center

Spend an afternoon tasting local brews, fine wines and craft spirits from over 40 local makers at the Winrock Market.

Way OUT West Film Fest

Graphic promoting the Way Out West Film Fest from Oct. 11-20.

Oct. 11-20 at Various Locations

Enjoy the Southwest’s premier LGTBQ film festival. Check out 30 films being screened during the festival, and other special events.

ABQ Bruja Fest

Logo for ABQ Bruja Fest

Oct. 12 at EXPO New Mexico

Enjoy a magical day filled with vendors, workshops and performances celebrating all things witchy and mystical.

New Mexico Lowrider Fest

A graphic for the 2024 New Mexico Lowrider Fest

Oct. 12 at Civic Plaza

The New Mexico Lowrider Fest is back with local artists, vendors, lowriders, lowrider bikes, motorcycles, mariachis, music and food trucks.

Squidly Fiesta

Graphic promoting Squidly Fiesta on Oct. 13 from 12-4 pm at Squidly.

Oct. 13 at Squidly Design

Squidly is a gift shop serving up fun and quirky local art and handmade goods Downtown. Celebrate the shop’s third birthday with over 20 local vendors, a food truck, a giveaway and more.