FALL AND WINTER ONGOING EVENTS
Church of Beethoven: Chamber Music Concert, Sundays
Chamber music, spoken word and excellent espresso can be found on Sundays at The Church of Beethoven. Affectionately referred to as “Church minus the religion,” the concerts feature professional musicians and poets.
The Kosmos (Downtown Albuquerque), www.churchofbeethoven.com
Downtown Grower’s Market and Festival, Saturdays, June 1 – Oct 31
The Downtown Grower’s Market is a growers only open air market featuring 100% locally grown NM produce.
Robinson Park, www.downtownabq.com
Sky Sailing Exhibition, March 2010 – February 2011
Ever wondered how sailplanes, paragliders, hang gliders and nature’s sky sailors travel on the ocean of air? Learn how humans – and nature’s creatures – can sail through the sky without motorized power at the Sky Sailing Exhibit.
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, www.cabq.gov/balloon
SEPTEMBER
New Mexico Wine Festival, Sept 4-6
The state’s oldest and largest wine festival offers wine tastings from several of New Mexico's wineries plus live entertainment, food and high-quality arts & crafts. Wrap up the summer at the Southwest’s premiere wine festival!
Loretto Park (Located in Bernalillio, just north of Albuquerque), www.newmexicowinefestival.com
2010 New Mexico State Fair, Sept 9-26
Located in the heart of Albuquerque, the New Mexico State Fair is one of the nation’s largest featuring a PRCA rodeo and national country recording stars. Enjoy 17 days of entertainment, food, carnival rides, exhibits, art & more.
Expo New Mexico, www.exponm.com
¡Globalquerque! World Music Festival, Sept 24-25
Local and international performers gather at the National Hispanic Cultural Center for this two-day, multi-stage festival. The 6th annual celebration of world music & culture features international food and crafts, educational workshops, free family fun, dance classes and much more.
National Hispanic Cultural Center, www.globalquerque.com
OCTOBER
39th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct 2-10
For nine days in October, New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque for this celebration, more than three decades old. In addition to the Fiesta, there are many other special events happening throughout the week including a Fall Indian Market, Big Band Extravaganza, Taste of New Mexico, Postcard & Paper Show, a corn maze and much more.
Balloon Fiesta Park, www.ItsATrip.org/BalloonFiesta
Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Oct 8-14
Now in its eighth year, the Albuquerque-based film festival is one of the top GLBT film festivals in the Southwest. Join other festival-goers and experience the richness of the GLBT experience through cinema.
Closet Cinema, www.closetcinema.org
Day of the Tread: Sporting Event, Oct 24
Run, walk or ride your way through this family-oriented, Halloween-themed recreational event. Music, entertainment, crazy contests and a pumpkin-lined course await participants for a ghoulishly-good time!
Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa, www.dayofthetread.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Weems International Artfest, November 12-14
What began as a local small arts and crafts fair 28 years ago has evolved into a major multi-cultural art event. The event showcases over 270 top artisans in every medium and price range.
Expo NM, www.weemsinternationalartfest.org
2010 Annual River of Lights, Nov 28 – Dec 30
Visitors of all ages can enjoy the dazzling displays of animals, fantastical creatures and much more as they stroll throughout New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Live entertainment, craft programs, shopping and hot food & beverages await visitors of this Albuquerque holiday tradition.
Rio Grande Botanic Garden, www.cabq.gov/biopark
Holiday Shop & Strolls, Dec 2 and Dec 6
Visit two of Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods for their annual holiday shop & strolls. Albuquerque’s Central Ave. (Route 66) closes down to motor traffic and lights up with family entertainment for the Nob Hill Shop & Stroll. Enjoy great food, shopping and musical entertainment on Dec. 2. A few days later, Old Town takes the spotlight with activities for the whole family including the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.
Nob Hill and Old Town Albuquerque Neighborhoods, www.route66central.com; www.albuquerqueoldtown.com
New Mexico Bowl, Dec 18
One of New Mexico’s newest holiday traditions is the college bowl game played on the Saturday before Christmas. Since its inception in 2006, the contest has pitted the Mountain West Conference against the Western Athletic Conference in the state’s only annually nationally televised sporting event.
UNM Football Stadium, www.newmexicobowl.com