FEBRUARY
6th Annual NM Italian Film Festival, February 19-26
The festival brings together seven days of Italian movies, special film events, an opening gala and a final dinner. The films feature the stars and directors of contemporary Italian films as well as some Italian film classics.
www.italianfilmfestival.org
USA Track and Field Indoor Championships, February 25-26
Approximately 400 athletes will be competing for a total prize purse of $130,000 and U.S. athletes will be competing for the title of National Champion and will have the opportunity to qualify for Team USA events.
Albuquerque Convention Center, www.itsatrip.org/track
MARCH
24th Annual Fiery Foods and Barbeque Show, March 2-4
Over 200 booths filled with more than 1,000 products related to chili peppers. Sample spicy foods, plus find great books, clothing and decorator items.
Sandia Resort and Casino, www.fieryfoodsshow.com
2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship 2nd/3rd Rounds, March 15-17
The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship returns to Albuquerque for the first time in seven years when the University of New Mexico hosts 2nd- and 3rd-round action in March of 2012.
UNM Arena The Pit/Bob King Court, www.ncaa.com/mbbtickets
The Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest, March 23-25
Experience two days of the very best, and most delicious, chocolatiers, candy makers, coffee roasters, bakeries, cafes, restaurants and more from throughout New Mexico. Come for the food, but stay for the cooking demos, tea and coffee seminars and live entertainment.
Albuquerque Convention Center, www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com
Women and Creativity Celebration 2012, March 1-31
This event fills the month of March with over 50 art exhibits, performances, workshops, and discussions focused on creativity in every form.
Various locations, www.womenandcreativity.org
APRIL
Founders Day Fiesta, April 21
Each year thousands gather in Old Town to celebrate the birthday of Albuquerque. Honoring the first families and their ancestors, the event that fills the square, patios, courtyards and streets of Old Town pays homage to the five eras that define New Mexico history.
Old Town Plaza, www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/events/founders-day-fiesta
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, April 26-28
Experience Native American dancing and singing competitions with over 3,000 participants, the Indian Traders Market with aisles of shopping, native foods and music, and the crowning of Miss Indian World.
UNM Arena (The Pit), www.gatheringofnations.com
33rd Annual American Indian Week: Pueblo Days, April 21-29
Week-long celebration of dance and other events celebrating Pueblo Indian Tribes and other American Indian heritage.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Plaza, www.indianpueblo.org
MAY
27th Annual Run for the Zoo, May 6
Run for the Zoo and walk with us too! Come out and join us for a day of fun and fitness at the largest running event in the state of New Mexico.
Albuquerque Bio Park—The Rio Grande Zoo, www.bioparksociety.org/runforthezoo
Albuquerque Wine Festival, May 26-28
Come to the famous Balloon Fiesta grounds in Albuquerque for a wine festival extraordinaire. You can browse through handcrafted art, listen to upbeat music while sampling delicious New Mexico wines and great summer foods.
Balloon Fiesta Park, www.abqwinefestival.com
Email media@itsatrip.org to request images of any of the above events.