Annual Events

Along Route 66

Each year, annual signature events happen all along Route 66. Mark these unique events in your calendar and celebrate Route 66 in Albuquerque. Find more events along Route 66 here.

Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest

Bars of chocolate and cacao beans on a table at the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Festival.

Early April

Enjoy the Southwest’s largest gathering of chocolatiers, coffee roasters, tea houses, cake and donut bakers, candy makers and more.

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

Dancers at the Gathering of Nations Powwow

Photo Credit: Will Huston courtesy of Gathering of Nations Limited

Late April

Soak up the enchanting sights and sounds of Indigenous culture in America and around the globe with dance competitions that feature over 3,000 participants, the Miss Indian World Pageant, Native food and music, dances and more.

Downtown Growers Market

A woman holds the hands of a young child as they dance to a live band at the Downtown Growers Market

April-October, Saturdays

Enjoy Albuquerque’s longest-running farmers’ market in downtown Albuquerque. Shop local small businesses for produce, packaged and prepared food, refreshments and art.

Route 66 Summerfest

A lowrider car sits in the street during Route 66 Summerfest.

Mid-July

Celebrate the summer at a community gathering along Route 66 with live music, local businesses, food trucks and other entertainment.

New Mexico State Fair

Early September

Find thrills at a nationally ranked fair featuring a PRCA Rodeo and nationally renowned country recording stars, Native American and Spanish villages, art, agriculture, animals, food, carnival rides, exhibits and shopping.

New Mexico Lowrider Fest

A closeup of the interior of a lowrider car that says New Mexico.

October

Celebrate the beauty of lowriders at the New Mexico Lowrider Fest in downtown Albuquerque. See these works of art on wheels, plus enjoy live music, food trucks and more.

Dia de los Muertos in Old Town

Plaza Don Luis in Old Town is decorated for Dia de los Muertos

Late October-Early November

Honor Dia de los Muertos in Old Town with movies, a parade, a candlelight procession, a community ofrenda and more.

River of Lights

The Spanish Gardens at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is lit up for River of Lights

End of November-End of December

Enjoy the magic of millions of twinkling lights and more than 500 dazzling holiday displays of New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.

Twinkle Light Parade

Cars decorated in lights drive down Central Ave. during the Twinkle Light Parade.

Photo Credit: Eric Williams

December

Marvel at thousands of twinkling lights during this Route 66-inspired, family-friendly parade that rolls through Albuquerque’s historic Nob Hill.