Albuquerque, NM- The fall season in Albuquerque delivers the smell of freshly roasted chile, the feeling of crisp air and many new events and festivals. With events such as wine festivals, theatrical performances, arts & crafts festivals and more, Albuquerque is sure to offer something for everyone.
August/September events:
- Albuquerque Film Festival (August 16-19). Now in its fourth year, the Albuquerque Film Festival includes one-act plays, art exhibits, music, comedy, and of course, wonderful films.
- 25th Annual New Mexico Wine Festival (September 1-3). New Mexico’s oldest wine festival offers tastings of over 20 local wineries, food, arts & crafts and live music. The festival takes place in Bernalillo, just outside of Albuquerque. Hop on the Rail Runner for safe and convenient transportation!
- Viva New Mexico Chile Festival (September 8-9). The festival will feature chile farmers loaded with fresh picked chile for sale and for sampling.
- 8th Annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta (September 15). Enjoy wine tastings, salsa dancing, and most importantly, the salsa “Dip Competition” that showcases the best salsas in the region.
- ¡Globalquerque! World Music Festival (September 21-22). Taking place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, this two-day World Music Festival features a variety of international performers as well as local performers for a celebration of cultural diversity. The event will have free family fun, dance workshops and more.
- New Mexico State Fair (September 13-23). The New Mexico State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the country. With the PRCA rodeo and country music stars, carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the fair.
- ISEA2012 Albuquerque: Machine Wilderness (September 19-24). ISEA, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is a symposium and series of events exploring the discourse of global proportions on the subject of art, technology and nature. The symposium will consist of a conference based in Albuquerque with outreach days around the region. It will also feature a regional collaboration throughout the fall of 2012, including art exhibitions, public events, performances and educational activities. View complete release.
- 10th Annual Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (September 28-October 7). Presented by Closet Cinema, this is one of the top GLBT film festivals in the Southwest. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the richness of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
- Albuquerque Hot Chocolate 15/5K (September 30). The sweetest race in Albuquerque is the Hot Chocolate 15/5K. Participants will race through Old Town and the Zoo to the finish line to enjoy some delicious chocolate treats such as hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and more while enjoying the music from the live DJ, DJ Run.
October events:
- 24th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival (Weekends of October 5-14). This huge arts and crafts festival is held in a three-story high building where visitors can enjoy and purchase the works of hundreds of the nation’s most skilled craftspeople. In addition to arts and crafts, the festival offers fun for the kids, art demonstrations and food vendors.
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 6-14). Known as the most photographed event in the world, balloonists and visitors come from all over for this nine-day festival. Events like the magical evening Balloon Glows, Special Shape balloons or the mass ascensions at dawn make for a unique experience. You won’t want to miss the Balloon Fiesta and the lifelong memories that come with it!
- Disney Presents: The Lion King (October 2-28). Take the kids to Popejoy Hall at the University of New Mexico to experience “The Lion King” as it is brought to life. See some of their favorite characters sing classic Lion King songs like the “Circle of Life” “Hakuna Matata” and more! This will be a show the whole family will enjoy.
- 6th Annual Day of the Tread (October 28). This Halloween-themed bike ride provides something for all fitness-enthusiasts. The Day of the Tread features 12-100 mile bike rides, a full or half-marathon and a 5K/10K walk or run. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and a fun wrap-up celebration featuring live music and entertainment.
November events:
- Weems International Artfest (November 9-11). New Mexico’s most prestigious international art event features over 250 artisans. The Artfest also offers activities and workshops for both kids and adults.
- 25th Annual Festival of the Cranes (November 13-18). Held a short drive south Albuquerque, this festival celebrates the return of the cranes to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Rescue. There will be over 100 lectures, workshops, tours, hikes and hands-on activities for the entire family.
- Theatre Performance: It’s a Wonderful Life (November 30-December 24). The Albuquerque Little Theatre presents this magical story of George Bailey, his squashed dreams of adventure, and how that turned into a beautiful lesson.
For a complete listing of events in Albuquerque, visit www.ItsATrip.org/events. Images are available for all listed events upon request.