Albuquerque, New Mexico - August 19, 2014 - Every October for the past 25 years, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival has staked its famous ‘Big White Tent' into the field at the southwest corner of Paseo del Norte and I-25, attracting huge crowds of art enthusiasts to browse the artwork awaiting within while enjoying the music, food and festive atmosphere of the #6 art show in the country! In the past 10 months, as the Paseo interchange project progressed, Rio Grande's longstanding festival site has become a construction zone.
With the Paseo and I-25 project constantly in the news, and Balloon Fiesta quickly approaching, the big question for many is where will the Festival go?

Ironically, starting this October, the popular Festival will be held on the same site the Balloon Fiesta was held exactly 40 years ago, the infield at the racetrack at Expo NM Fairgrounds. The new tent location is the brainchild of Festival Director Ruth Gore and Dan Mourning, General Manager of Expo New Mexico. The 17 acre infield will provide a great permanent location for the Festival's huge tent, as well as triple the parking spaces, continuous shuttles, easy access just off Louisiana and I-40 and close to Uptown and the malls. Preparations for the debut of the Festival at Expo New Mexico are well underway, including resurfacing of the tent site and installation of a new electrical system adequate for an event of this size.

The 26th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival features:

280 juried artists and craftsmen from across the country!
Great shopping!
Live entertainment and music in the outdoor pavilion!
Artists' demonstrations!
Culinary Arts Area with food sampling!
The Kid's Creation Station!
An inside view of live horseracing!
Great food, spirits and fun!

TIMES & LOCATION: October 3-5 & 10-12- 9-5 Fridays, 9-6 Saturdays, 9-5 Sundays,
New Location! Racetrack Infield at EXPO NM - Entrance at Gate 8, off Louisiana, just south of Lomas.
TICKETS: $8.00 Day Admission | $15 Festival Pass (6 days) includes Free return parking | $21 Grande Pass (unlimited admission and free return parking for October, November and March shows)| Kids Free
PARKING: Parking was always free at the I-25 and Paseo site, which encouraged many patrons to purchase passes to return multiple times. To keep up the tradition, customers who purchase passes at Rio Grande's October Festival will enjoy free return parking! Expo NM parking is $5.
DISCOUNTS: Discount coupons available on website.