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Annual Events and Festivals in Albuquerque

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.

National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show

Rows of Sadie's salsa at the National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show

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.

Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Festival

Bars of chocolate and cacao beans on a table at the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Festival.

April

Enjoy the Southwest’s largest gathering of chocolatiers, coffee roasters, tea houses, cake and donut bakers, candy makers and more.

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

Dancers at the Gathering of Nations Powwow

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.

Albuquerque Wine Festival

View of the Albuquerque Wine Festival. There are many people walking between white tents offering wine tastings.

May

Taste wines from New Mexico’s finest wineries. The festival includes food, live music and arts and crafts.

Festival Flamenco Alburquerque

Two flamenco dancers perform while an audience watches

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.

Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque

A mariachi group performs.

July

Immerse yourself in Mariachi tradition at this educational event featuring workshops, world-renowned performers, musicians and Ballet Folklorico dancers.

Lavender in the Village

Three buckets of lavender sit on a table at the Lavender in the Village festival

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.

Route 66 Summerfest

Route 66 Summerfest

July

Celebrate the summer at a community gathering along Route 66 with live music, local businesses, food trucks and other entertainment.

New Mexico State Fair

New Mexico State Fair

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.

New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival

New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival attendees walk around browsing booths.

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.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Fiesta

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.

New Mexico Lowrider Fest

A closeup of the interior of a lowrider car that says New Mexico.

October

Immerse yourself in the magic of lowriders at the New Mexico Lowrider Fest. Learn more about these cars and their connection to Albuquerque.

Dia de los Muertos in Old Town

Plaza Don Luis in Old Town is decorated for Dia de los Muertos

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.

River of Lights

The Spanish Gardens at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is lit up for River of Lights

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.

New Mexico Bowl

2021 New Mexico Bowl

December

One of the first bowl games of college football, the New Mexico Bowl brings top competitors to university Stadium for gridiron excitement.

Luminaria Tour

Hundreds of luminarias adorn the gazebo in Old Town at night.

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.