Annual Celebrations & Fiestas
Albuquerque is known internationally for the annual Balloon Fiesta that occurs early each fall, filling our skies with luminous, colorful balloons. We also have many other celebrations here, including Mariachi Spectacular, Dia de los Muertos, The Grecian Festival, Twinkle Lights Parade, Globalquerque, and more!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. No matter who you are, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will leave you awestruck and wanting more!
Albuquerque Summerfests
ABQ Summerfests are an Albuquerque tradition dating back to the 1980s. ABQ Summerfests are free community events around town. They feature children's activities such as face painting, inflatables, and climbing walls, food trucks, The Cantina for those who are of age, The Shops full of handcrafted goods by local craftsmen, and more. It is fun for all ages! The best part of any ABQ Summerfest is the live entertainment. Each ABQ Summerfest brings both local and national talent of all genres.
Albuquerque's Birthday Celebration
Join the annual Albuquerque Birthday Celebration, hosted by the Department of Arts & Culture! Embrace the vibrant heart of the City as we commemorate this special occasion with food, live music, and local charm. Experience the excitement of face painting, lively entertainment, and exclusive specials at various Old Town stores. Come together to celebrate with us, as we create unforgettable memories and cherish the essence of our beloved city.
Día de los Muertos
Día de Los Muertos is an ancient tradition rooted in Mexico. It celebrates life and honors those who have passed on. Our particular celebration draws its influences from Jose Guadalupe Posada's early 1900's portrayal of personalities and professions as skeletons or Calaveras. The Posada Calavera always seemed to be laughing, frolicking, and up to some kind of mischief!
Family Picnic Night
Bring your family, friends, and picnic baskets for a night that promises laughter, music, and unforgettable memories at the beautiful Botanic Garden! Savor a variety of delectable treats from local vendors or bring a picnic of your own. Enjoy live music from local musicians while you and your family explore the Botanic Garden.
Freedom 4th
The best place to celebrate Independence Day in Albuquerque, and it's free! Enjoy the largest firework show in the state, local vendors, food, craft beer in The Cantina, and free children activities. Plus, enjoy live music of both local and national talent while you watch the dazzling firework display.
Garden Music
Gather your family for a delightful night at the Botanic Garden! Bring your own supplies for a picnic or purchase food from the Shark Reef Cafe. Local bands will set the musical mood for your dinner. Kids can dive into the fun with face painting, while adults can enjoy a drink from one of the nearby bars.
Globalquerque
A celebration of world music and culture! Enjoy musical performances in the intimate courtyard setting of the Fountain Courtyard, the state of the art 692-seat Albuquerque Journal Theatre and dance outside on the Plaza Mayor.
Grecian Festival
Immerse yourself in the sounds of the bouzóuki, the tastes of authentic Greek cuisine, and the eye-catching sights of dancers streaming by in colorful costumes. Enjoy shopping for imported jewelry, gifts, foods and pastries. And most importantly, be happy and have fun! Na Zíse!
Harvest Festival at the Botanic Garden
Fall in love with Autumn all over again. Every year, the ABQ BioPark hosts a 2-day Harvest Festival at the Botanic Garden and Aquarium for two fun-filled days in October. Explore a variety of landscapes throughout the Garden and Aquarium, listen to live music, enjoy festival treats, local brews, and celebrate the beauty of the season.
Holiday Stroll in Old Town
Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Albuquerque! Join us for our Lighting Ceremony while live music fills the streets as you check off your holiday shopping list. The celebrations continue through the month with shopping specials and entertainment in the Gazebo. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque!
Lift Your Spirits
Join us for a craft cocktail festival! New Mexico distilleries will be mixing up signature cocktails and educating guests about their creations and methods. While you enjoy your drink, grab some local cuisine from a food truck, shop from an assortment of handmade products, listen to a variety of bands, and enjoy the best view of Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque.
Mariachi Spectacular
Spectacular concert lives up to its name by presenting world renowned groups showcasing a variety of styles within the mariachi tradition. Performances are passionate, heart rendering interpretations of mariachi classic songs. Conference students as well as the general public experience mariachi music at its best. This concert provides extended learning for students in the delivery and presence of the tradition that brings us together!
Mother's Day at the Zoo
Celebrate Mom with the variety of Zoo mothers and their little wild ones. All moms will be celebrated during this special day whether they have toes, paws, hooves or claws. Enjoy music around every corner with the family as you learn more about how the animals raise their young at our Zoo. Grab a yummy snack from one of the stands around the facility or have a picnic in the grass. Treat Mom like a queen!
Mother's Day in Old Town
This free event that celebrates Mom on her special day in Old Town features food, shopping, music and more. Bring the family to Historic Old Town and honor the mom in your life. The Gazebo will be surrounded with Old Town Merchants and have local entertainment. Kids will enjoy free activities like face painting and rock climbing. Eat, dance, and celebrate Mom!
Music Under the Stars
Presented in partnership with the Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Arts, and the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico Jazz Workshop connects with the community through educational programs and performances. Relax and enjoy live music under the stars.
Twinkle Light Parade
It's Albuquerque’s brightest celebration! Featuring dancing elves, prancing horses, marching Knights and, of course, Jolly Ol' St. Nick will be just a few attractions this year. This free family-friendly holiday event will roll through Historic Nob Hill featuring hundreds of floats, marching bands, fire trucks, car clubs, organizations and businesses.
Zoo Music
Bring the family to Zoo Music during the summer to enjoy performances by national touring entertainment. Plan to spend an evening with wildlife, food, music and fun. Adults with an ID can order a drink from the variety of bars at the Zoo. Dusk is one of the more active times for animals and a great time to learn about the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. Checkout the variety of animal exhibits open during Zoo Music!