New & Happening in Albuquerque, 2026

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – With the year-long centennial celebration of the iconic Route 66 at the heart of it all, Albuquerque’s 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent memory for both locals and visitors. With a scenic location at the base of the Sandia Mountains, the destination boasts sunny blue skies more than 310 days a year, plus one-of-a-kind sites and experiences year-round. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque's unique multicultural history and heritage — a mix of Native American, Spanish, Latino, and more — add to the appeal.

Explore what’s new and happening in Albuquerque in 2026 and all the ways people are enjoying the area’s award-winning breweries, eclectic restaurants, mountain and river adventures, wide-open spaces, and guided tours.

Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in 2026

In Albuquerque, Route 66 dazzles with 18 miles of neon-lit magic — the longest continuous urban stretch of the Mother Road in the country. Route 66 will celebrate its centennial in 2026, with Albuquerque anchoring nationwide celebrations along Central Avenue.

  • To kick off the celebrations, Visit Albuquerque launched Route66ABQ.com, a dedicated website featuring narratives that highlight Route 66's cultural impact, Then & Now historical images, and a comprehensive events calendar so visitors can stay up to date on the centennial events throughout the year.
  • Route 66 Remixed transforms Albuquerque's Central Avenue into an art-fueled road trip across the city. Along the 18-mile stretch, travelers will discover 18 large-scale installations and augmented reality activations that reflect the stories, traditions, and people that have helped shape Albuquerque. Spearheaded by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, Route 66 Remixed was created in partnership with New Mexico-based Meow Wolf and Refract Studio, as well as local artists. These installations will become lasting landmarks, available year-round and inspiring tours, events, and exploration long after the Centennial.
  • During the Route 66 Summerfest (July 19, 2026), celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 along a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue, from Girard Boulevard to Washington Street. This free, once-in-a-century kickoff to summer includes a parade, (featuring classic cars and motorcycles), live music, local food and much more.
  • Currently under construction, the Route 66 Visitors Center will add an exciting stop for road trippers and neon sign enthusiasts in 2026. A collaborative effort between the County, the City of Albuquerque and local stakeholders, the new 21,000-square-foot attraction will include a museum, a taproom, office space, and an outdoor amphitheater. 

Indigenous Culture and Celebrations

Due to its central location, Albuquerque is the perfect starting point from which to explore New Mexico’s Native American heritage — the state is home to 23 Native American tribes, including 19 Pueblos.

  • The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow 2026 - The Last Dance (April 24-25, 2026): After 43 incredible years of bringing together thousands of dancers, singers, artists, and visitors from around the world, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow will come to a close with one final celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history and experience North America’s largest Pow Wow one last time at Albuquerque’s Tingley Coliseum, enjoying Native American culture and pride and singing and dance competitions with over 3,000 participants. Don’t miss the Indian Traders’ Market, traditional Horse & Rider Parade, Stage 49 contemporary music stage, street fair, food court, Teepee Village, and the crowning of Miss Indian World.
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a range of events, including the new exhibit Grounded in Clay, opening in March 2026. This unique traveling exhibition, featuring over 100 historic and contemporary works in clay, offers a visionary understanding of Pueblo pots as vessels that carry community-based knowledge and personal experience. Owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, IPCC provides a place to discover and learn more about Pueblo culture.
  • IPCC’s on-site restaurant, the Indian Pueblo Kitchen (IPK), officially opened its second location in September 2025 at the Albuquerque International Sunport, marking a significant milestone as one of only a few Native American-owned businesses with a presence in a U.S. airport. This highly anticipated opening completes the Sunport’s new food hall — part of its Dream of Flight terminal renovation — bringing the total number of brand-new restaurants in this area to seven. Local favorites Sadie’s of New Mexico and Steel Bender Brewyard will round out the Sunport’s local dining catalog in early 2026.

The Albuquerque Rail Trail

By connecting many of Albuquerque’s popular entertainment districts, cultural attractions and busy convention corridor, the Albuquerque Rail Trail will transform the way residents and visitors experience the city.

  • The pedestrian- and bike-friendly trail will feature colorful art installations, storytelling through historical markers, and inviting public spaces with bike racks, benches and shady spots to relax. In addition, small plazas along the trail will be programmed with music, local food vendors, and community events.
  • Linking the Downtown, Wells Park, Sawmill, Barelas and Old Town neighborhoods, the 7-mile loop will provide an easy and safe way for people to access the city’s key cultural attractions without using a vehicle. Major stops along the trail will include the Historic Rail Yards, the Albuquerque Convention Center, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, historic Old Town, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and the ABQ BioPark’s Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Zoo and Tingley Beach.
  • Construction began on the first section of the Rail Trail in 2025, and the City of Albuquerque estimates the entire trail will be open by the end of 2028. For more information about the trail’s plans and progress, visit abqrailtrail.org.

Culinary Adventures

Flavor lives in every corner of the city and shows up in time-honored traditions, family recipes, chef-driven creations and tasty events and festivals. It’s not just about getting a table; it’s about experiencing Albuquerque’s food firsthand. Good to know: in late 2025, the MICHELIN Guide expanded to the Southwest, including New Mexico, showcasing the distinct cuisine styles that are representative of the cultures throughout the Southwest.

  • Ride between stops at local craft breweries on the ABQ Bike & Brew Tour with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals, including VIP tours of each brewery with the city’s master brewers.
  • Sample authentic Native cuisine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen within the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, with pre-contact menu influences.
  • Buen Provecho, an acclaimed Costa Rican eatery, is opening a second location in January 2026 in the historic Barelas neighborhood.
  • In the fall, visit Big Jim Farms to harvest and roast green chile, or take a class and learn to make salsa, tamales or a traditional chile ristra, an iconic decoration and symbol of hospitality in New Mexico.
  • Learn to make artisan bread, pizza, and flatbreads at Sherwood Coffee ‘n’ Bread, Albuquerque’s only dedicated baking school.
  • Set your taste buds ablaze at the National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, featuring an astonishing array of hot and spicy foods.
  • Tour the farm, harvest lavender, or experience a hands-on organic farming workshop at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.
  • The immersive A Taste of Old Town Walking Tour lets you savor delicious local cuisine, explore stunning works of art, and delve into the mysterious haunted history of the city’s iconic and historic district.

400th Wine Anniversary: 2029

Albuquerque has a long-standing history with wine, dating back to 1629 when Spanish monks first brought wine-making grapes to the state. Today, the destination’s wineries make acclaimed vintages, taking advantage of grapes that benefit from the area’s high elevation and sandy soil.

  • Plans are in motion for the 400th anniversary of New Mexico’s wine industry in 2029, with wineries and restaurants planning celebrations across Albuquerque and the surrounding regions.
  • To experience some of the top wineries and wine bars in the city, download the Albuquerque Wine Trail pass, which launched in 2025. Check in at wineries around Albuquerque, earn points and win prizes.
  • Celebrate Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends with the perfect pairing of music and wine at the annual New Mexico Wine Festival and Harvest Wine & Music Festival. Savor exceptional wines from award-winning vineyards and boutique wineries while soaking in the rhythms of New Mexico’s best bands.
  • Tucked away among the ancient cottonwoods in Albuquerque's serene North Valley in the Village of Los Ranchos, Casa Rondeña Winery is a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On a guided tour, learn about New Mexico wine history and then retreat to the Tasting Room for a curated experience.
  • Located in Old Town Albuquerque’s Plaza Don Luis, the New Mexico Wine Studio is a one-stop shop for 100% New Mexican wine. Here, you’ll find the largest selection of New Mexican wines under one roof, celebrating the history, creativity, and flavor of the state’s wineries. You can also experience the world’s first interactive touchscreen wine table, created by New Mexico-based immersive design firm Ideum. Part tasting, part trivia, it’s a fun and engaging way to explore a curated lineup of New Mexico wines.

Elevated Experiences

Albuquerque’s reputation as a luxurious destination has been rising in recent years — sometimes literally.

  • Experience why Albuquerque is known as the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World. Companies like Rainbow Ryders and World Balloon will take your breath away as you soar over the city — and provide the champagne to celebrate when your feet return to the ground.
  • Route 66 meets fine dining! Housed in the historic Jones Motor Company building, M'tucci's Bar Roma is a luxurious Italian dining experience in the heart of Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood, complete with an Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar.
  • Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is located amidst a lavender farm, with luxurious rooms, the on-site restaurant Campo and Hacienda Spa.
  • What better way to relax than a trip to the spa? Betty’s Bath & Day Spa features two outdoor hot tubs and saunas to decompress. For a tranquil day trip, head to the Jemez Hot Springs and spend the day soaking in four natural hot spring pools.
  • Enjoy a creative cocktail alongside breathtaking views at one of the city’s many rooftop bars, such as Apothecary Lounge, G. Toti, or Level 5.
  • The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain. At sunset, the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color from the observation deck atop the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest. Enjoy dining above the city at TEN 3.

Hotel News & City Developments

Albuquerque continues to add new and exciting lodging options for travelers of all kinds, in addition to enhancing existing properties and transforming spaces into new hubs for creativity.

  • ARRIVE Albuquerque – The most recent addition to the city’s revitalized Route 66 properties catalog, this boutique hotel features mid-century design, local art gallery, a courtyard pool, and community-focused programming.
    • DWTNR Cocktail Bar & Lounge – ARRIVE’s high/low, east/west cocktail bar, restaurant, and swim club, where Americana comfort food is served alongside Pan Asian-American classics.
  • Hotel Andaluz – Rolling out new restaurant and bar concepts that enhance its historic character while adding modern flair.
    • CHAR – A stylish new dining destination offering elevated cuisine with a vibrant social atmosphere.
    • G. Toti – Speakeasy-inspired bar featuring locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
    • Sustainability Efforts – Hotel Andaluz is renowned as the most sustainable historic hotel in the United States and is LEED Gold certified, with a rooftop solar system, an award-winning energy management system, and renewable energy that comes from biomass, geothermal and wind facilities.
  • Element by Westin Albuquerque Uptown – Opened in 2025, this eco-conscious extended-stay property expands lodging options in the Uptown corridor, highlighted by the Volaré rooftop bar, where guests can savor handcrafted cocktails, local brews, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains.
  • Hacienda Motel Redevelopment – Soon to feature a food court and live music venue, blending dining with cultural experiences.
  • Central Avenue Food Hall & Hotel – A new food hall and extended-stay hotel broke ground in the summer of 2025 along Central Avenue, bringing exciting new amenities to one of Albuquerque’s most dynamic and evolving corridors. Strategically located directly across from Presbyterian Hospital, the 96,000-square-foot project will include a 126-room Marriott Residence Inn and the Highlands Central Market, a food hall featuring 10 to 12 food vendors.
  • Hiway House Motel – Titan Development has purchased the Hiway House Motel in Nob Hill with plans to turn it into a boutique hotel. The vacant motel was originally built in 1959 and will be demolished with a new building in its place. Plans include about 100 guest rooms, a rooftop bar, and meeting spaces. There are also plans to revitalize the motel's original neon sign.
  • Located on Central Avenue in downtown Albuquerque, the new owner of the Gizmo building aims to turn the 53,000-square-foot, four-story building into an art hub for local creators. The space will include an immersive media-devoted art gallery, a print shop, two galleries, a library, and an art supplies store. 

Airport News

The ongoing “Dream of Flight” project is modernizing the Albuquerque International Sunport experience with more local dining, art, and amenities rolling out through 2026. Recent developments:

  • Only one of its kind in the country, the Sunport launched the ABQ FlySide Pass: a free digital option that allows nontravelers to explore the terminal beyond security, no boarding pass required.
  • Travelers can now raise a glass to the spirit of Albuquerque at Burque Brews, a lively new spot celebrating the city’s vibrant beer culture and inventive cuisine.
  • The Sunport unveiled The Holding Pattern, a completely redesigned cell phone waiting lot that blends convenience, technology, and comfort for those picking up passengers.
  • The Sunport’s new food hall has been completed, bringing the total number of brand-new restaurants in this area to seven, including: Cheese & Coffee; Dunkin’; Flavor of New Mexico; Indian Pueblo Kitchen; Panda Express; Rush of Prana; and Teller Bar.
  • The Sunport celebrated the grand opening of three new stores, with more on the way — Globo Mercado, Nob Hill Necessities, and Roadrunner Express — each reflecting Albuquerque’s unique neighborhoods and landmarks while providing a modern, traveler-friendly experience. All feature locally made products and beloved New Mexico brands.

Ballooning and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The weather in Albuquerque is widely considered to be the best in the world for ballooning. In addition to year-round balloon ride offerings, each fall, pilots, crews, and spectators from all over the globe come to the city for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot air ballooning event.

Balloon Fiesta has grown from 13 balloons with 10,000 spectators to being known as “the world’s most photographed event” with more than 550 balloons and 25 million pictures taken from thousands of visitors. The annual event is Albuquerque’s greatest tradition, featuring evening Balloon Glows to remarkable mass ascensions dedicated to special shape balloons.

The Scenic Route

The next Balloon Fiesta takes place Oct. 3-11, 2026, with a “Scenic Route” theme that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with an array of activities, events, and, of course, hot air balloons that pay tribute to the Mother Road.

Choose Your Experience

Experience Balloon Fiesta to its fullest by camping with Camp 505, an affordable option for guests interested in tent camping during the Fiesta. Accommodations are provided and set up prior to the guest’s arrival, including a three-person tent, two sleeping bags, two sleeping pads, a large blanket, and a camp light (which guests have the option to keep upon departure). Or go luxurious with private Glamping options within walking distance of the launch field. Each safari tent provides guests with beds and linens, a heater and refrigerator, an electric blanket and lamp as well as a lantern. Glampers also have access to restroom and shower trailers as well as a hospitality area with grills, games and lounge chairs.

Visitors can get insider tips, learn more about Balloon Fiesta and find the best places to eat and things to do during their stay in the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World with this Guide to Visiting Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta.

Outdoor Adventure & Accessibility

Part desert, part mountain, part river, all under endless blue skies, Albuquerque offers exhilaration you can’t find anywhere else. Imagine the perfect day hiking, biking, kayaking, and bouldering while soaking in the natural beauty of the Southwest.

  • In addition to exploring the mountains, several city adventures are available as well, like the new ABQ Bike & Taco Tour from Routes Bicycles Tours & Rentals and the Duke City E-Bike Tour from Heritage Inspirations.
  • The ABQ BioPark’s Heritage Farm is a scenic farmland dedicated to connecting guests with New Mexico’s long-standing agricultural history. In spring 2025, it reopened to the public after two years of renovations. Among the most striking changes are expanded crop gardens and new perennial beds, as well a “fairy garden,” which showcases medicinal plants.
  • Meanwhile, the ABQ BioPark’s Bugarium closed for renovations in late 2025 to elevate the guest experience, boost efficiency for animal care teams, and improve the flexibility of some of the arthropod habitats. The attraction will reopen in mid-2026.
  • The outdoors are for everyone in Albuquerque. ABQ-based GO Unlimited has become an international leader in sophisticated adaptive boating, mountain cycling, and wheelchair attachments, while Destination Accessibility rents equipment to make sure visitors who need wheelchairs, power chairs, or scooters can explore the city with ease.
  • A 50-mile activity loop surrounding the city is nearing completion. The on-street and multi-use trail route circles the city and provides cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and lovers of the outdoors with a view of the city’s neighborhoods, Sandia Mountains, and Rio Grande Valley that can’t be seen otherwise.

Film Tourism in Tamalewood

Already home to the sets of several great shows and movies, the Albuquerque Film Office continues to announce new developments and filming updates. New Film Tours are released regularly for visitors to check out spots from some of their favorites.

Explore filming locations you see on-screen in Albuquerque. With popular series like “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” there are numerous options to immerse yourself into their world, including taking a Breaking Bad RV Tour or visiting The Breaking Bad Store. Season 4 of “Stranger Things” filmed in and around Albuquerque as well. Most recently, “Pluribus,” the latest hit show from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan, is set in and was filmed in Albuquerque; following its debut in the fall of 2025, it quickly became Apple TV’s most-watched series of all-time.

Additionally, construction is progressing to transform part of the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards into a world-class film production training center. The facility, located in the iconic Boiler Shop building within the Rail Yards, will soon become a cutting-edge training hub for aspiring filmmakers, supporting workforce development in New Mexico’s booming film industry, and contributing to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Albuquerque.

Flamenco Capital of North America

As the Flamenco Capital of North America, Albuquerque is the ideal place to experience this authentic, breathtaking artform. Don’t miss the largest flamenco event held outside of Spain – Festival Flamenco Alburquerque – in June.

Anytime you are in Albuquerque, be sure to take a seat and soak up the emotion as the artists from Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque take the stage and perform their heartfelt and passionate craft. The spirited stomps and aching guitar chords are certain to get your hearts pumping. Combine a performance with a four-course, prix fixe dinner at Tablao Flamenco any weekend night, or visit Casa Flamenca’s Tablao al Aire for an outdoor flamenco experience.

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About Albuquerque: Located in the heart of New Mexico, Albuquerque is a beautiful four-season destination surrounded on all four sides by protected land. Albuquerque offers exceptional adventure and outdoor access, unique traditions and cultural experiences rooted in the area’s Native American and Hispanic influences, as well as eclectic food, music, art and accommodations. For more information, go to VisitABQ.org.

Media Contacts
TURNER                                                                      Brenna Moore/Visit ABQ
Albuquerque@TurnerPR.com                                     Moore@VisitABQ.org 
303-333-1402                                                              505-842-9918