Albuquerque, New Mexico - May 15, 2014 - Every October for the past 25 years, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival has staked its famous ‘Big White Tent' into the large field at Paseo del Norte and I-25, attracting tens of thousands art enthusiasts to browse the artwork awaiting within. In 2014, progress of the highway interchange as well as the development of the land - have turned the beloved event's longstanding festival site into a construction site. After a year of enthusiastic exploration for a new location, opportunity knocked... and best of all, the ‘big white tent' will still go up. The Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival will be moving to the horse racetrack infield at EXPO New Mexico! The 17 acre infield last hosted an event of this caliber 40 years ago, when it served as the launch pad for the most historic ballooning event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
The new infield location is larger than the previous site used for the festival, offering more than triple the parking, easy access from Louisiana Boulevard and roads unobstructed by Balloon Fiesta traffic. The number of artists, craftsmen, and food vendors remains the same, while festival promoter Ruth Gore looks forward to having room to evolve the event. Rio Grande hosts three annual art festivals, the Balloon Fiesta Show, Holiday Show, and Spring Show, all of which will now take place at EXPO New Mexico. In 2014, customers who purchase the popular ‘Grande Pass', (a season pass to all three festivals), will enjoy free, unlimited return parking at EXPO New Mexico during each event!
With the support of the city, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival will continue to thrive as one of the state's prized, nationally acclaimed art events. Every October, Albuquerque has a lot to be proud of, not only does the city have the International Balloon Fiesta but also an art event that sits at number 6 in the nation; rivaling shows in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Any media coverage you could provide to spotlight this special event's transformation and its importance to the city's cultural profile would be greatly appreciated.
BEST IN TOWN! This festival is ranked #6 in the nation, named ‘Best in City', and attracts over 80,000 visitors annually.
FAMILY FUN! The Kid's Creation Station celebrates the smallest artists with free craft activities. ‘Culinary Row' features food sampling under a separate tent, and dozens of musicians perform in the outdoor pavilion throughout the weekend. Active horse racing will surround the infield and be visible from the entertainment area, providing festival-goers an unmatched, dynamic atmosphere.
MORE DETAILS
October 3-5 & 10-12, 2014
TIMES & LOCATION: 9-5 Fridays, 9-6 Saturdays, 9-5 Sundays, Horse Racing Infield at EXPO NM
TICKETS: $8.00 Day Admission | $15 Festival Pass (6 days) | $21 Grande Pass (full year)| Kids Free