Summer means hot temperatures and lots of fun in Albuquerque. What better way to celebrate the season than with a summer bucket list? Mark off the following items to experience the quintessential Albuquerque summer.
Attend a Zoo Music or Garden Music Concert
Exciting musical performances sprout at the ABQ BioPark Zoo and Botanic Garden over the summer. Listen to live music from local and national bands while exploring the zoo or botanic garden.
Stop by a Summerfest
For more live music, head to the Route 66 Summerfest or Westside Summerfest. These neighborhood festivals feature music, shopping, food and more fun for the whole family.
Indulge in a Cool Treat
Beat the summer heat with a cool treat. From fun and unique ice cream shops to paleta bars and slush stores, you’re sure to find a way to chill out on a hot summer afternoon.
Shop at a Growers’ Market
Find everything from fresh farm food to locally handcrafted art at Albuquerque’s growers’ markets. Stop by the Downtown Growers’ Market on Saturday mornings in downtown Albuquerque, shop the Rail Yards Market on Sunday at a unique venue or spend your Wednesday evening in Uptown at the Winrock Park Market.
Enjoy a Drink and Meal on a Patio
Relax in the fresh air with a refreshing drink on a patio to accompany a delicious meal. A shady patio is the perfect place to celebrate the summer.
Cheer on a Local Team
Check out a local sports team and cheer them on this summer. The Albuquerque Isotopes, the city's minor league baseball team, plays games through September. Soccer team New Mexico United has matches scheduled until the end of October. Both teams offer an electric experience and fun theme nights fans can participate in.
Dine at a New Mexican Restaurant
Bring the heat this summer with a visit to one of the many New Mexican restaurants in the city. Chile is a staple in New Mexican cooking, and you can order red or green chile to top New Mexican dishes. Get your dish smothered if you really want to feel the spice.
Visit Old Town
The Old Town neighborhood is the heart of the city, and where it was originally founded in 1706. Enjoy live music in the Plaza on the weekends while you browse local shops and galleries. You’ll also find tours that dive into Old Town’s history, food scene and more, and there are multiple museums to visit in Museum Row.
For More Bucket List Fun
Download the Albuquerque Bucket List. This fun and interactive pass includes quintessential Albuquerque experiences that can be enjoyed year-round. Check off as many as you can!
