Visit Albuquerque prohibits users from downloading images from our website.
Please use our media library for downloadable images and usage rights.One thing visitors love about Albuquerque is its four distinct seasons. With bright autumns, mild but snowy winters, fresh springs and warm, beautiful summers, there are plenty of seasonal events and activities for every time of the year. Below you’ll find a small sampling of some of the most popular annual events that take place in Albuquerque celebrating the city’s traditions, culture, cuisine and beauty. For a full list of events, visit the events calendar.
March
Taste spicy food samples and shop from over 200 booths and 1,000 products at the largest spicy foods and barbecue show in the world.
April
Enjoy the Southwest’s largest gathering of chocolatiers, coffee roasters, tea houses, cake and donut bakers, candy makers and more.
Photo Credit: Will Huston courtesy of Gathering of Nations Limited
April
Soak up the enchanting sights and sounds of Native culture in the U.S. and around the world with dance competitions that feature over 3,000 participants, the Miss Indian World Pageant, Native food and music, dances and more.
May
Taste wines from New Mexico’s finest wineries. The festival includes food, live music and arts and crafts.
June
Experience a festival that hosts more than 50 flamenco dancers and musicians from around the globe with a series of extraordinary performances and classes right here in the flamenco capital of the United States.
July
Immerse yourself in Mariachi tradition at this educational event featuring workshops, world-renowned performers, musicians and Ballet Folklorico dancers.
July
This festival in the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque celebrates agriculture and community. There are demonstrations and classes on cooking and healing with lavender, as well as arts and crafts, music antiques and more.
July
Celebrate the summer at a community gathering along Route 66 with live music, local businesses, food trucks and other entertainment.
September
Find thrills at a fair featuring a PRCA Rodeo and nationally renowned country recording stars, Native American and Spanish villages, art, agriculture, animals, food, carnival rides, exhibits and shopping.
Photo Credit: Facebook
September
The fruit of the prickly pear cactus is used in everything from syrups and jellies to candies and margaritas.This festival celebrates the fruit and the plant, with cooking demonstrations plus ideas on how to cultivate the cactus in home gardens.
October
Ignite your sense of wonder as more than 550 hot air balloons take to the big blue Albuquerque skies for the most photographed event in the world.
October
Immerse yourself in the magic of lowriders at the New Mexico Lowrider Fest. Learn more about these cars and their connection to Albuquerque.
October
Experience the celebration of Dia de los Muertos in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque. This week-long event includes free activities, decorations and ofrendas.
Photo Credit: Marble Street Studio
November-December
Enjoy the magic of millions of twinkling lights and more than 500 dazzling holiday displays at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show.
December
One of the first bowl games of college football, the New Mexico Bowl brings top competitors to university Stadium for gridiron excitement.
December
Albuquerque’s holiday traditions take on authentic flair as local storefronts, walkways and homes are lined with traditional luminarias or farolitos. Take a guided tour and experience these holiday spectacles to their fullest.
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