Albuquerque Events and Festivals

(Albuquerque, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Albuquerque is certainly not a city where you will struggle to find things to do. The city holds plenty of lively annual events and summer festivals, celebrating its strong international influences in the areas of food, music and art.

Artisans and craftsmen showcase local art throughout the year at the numerous arts-based events, while there are also several sporting festivals held around the city's magnificent countryside.

Many people now choose to visit Albuquerque in October, since this is when the enormous balloon fiesta takes place. This yearly balloon fiesta began its life in the early 1970s and now lasts just over a week, drawing up to 100,000 spectators per day and boasting mass ascensions featuring literally hundreds of balloons, along with night glows, a 'special shape' rodeo, racing events, piloting skills and other related challenges.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Winter Wine Festival - mid-January, celebrating local wine and food
• Magnifico! Albuquerque Festival of the Arts - this visual and performing arts festival is held throughout the year

February

• Candelaria Day Celebration - early February, celebrates traditional dance
• Just Desserts Eat and Ski - late February, cross-country skiers enjoy food prepared by local chefs

March

• National Fiery Foods / Barbecue Show - early March, celebration of local fiery food
• Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival - mid-March, artists from around the country gather at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque

April

• American Indian Week - a cultural festival celebrating American Indian heritage
• Gathering of Nations Powwow - late April, the world's largest gathering of American Indians and a real cultural extravaganza

May

• Cinco de Mayo Fiestas - early May, state-wide celebration of the restoration of the Mexican Republic from French occupation
• Taos Spring Arts Festival - held throughout Taos and Taos country, this festival of the arts organizes gallery openings and more

June

• New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair - late June, showcasing works from over 200 New Mexican artists. Held at the State Fairgrounds
• St. Anthony Feast Day - mid-June, festivities in the pueblos
• Summerfest - Saturday evenings in June, celebrations of cultural diversity featuring food, entertainment, arts and crafts and more
• Pride Weekend Festival - mid-June, major gay pride event in Albuquerque

July

• Lavender in the Village Festival - mid-July in Los Ranchos, approximately 15 minutes northwest of Albuquerque. Activities such as a hoedown, cooking demonstrations, a pet parade and more, take place in various locations throughout the village
• Eight Northern Pueblos Artist and Craftsman Show - late July, over 600 Native American artists exhibit their work at the eight northern pueblos

August

• The Indian Market - late August, held in Santa Fe, this is the largest all-Native American market in the country

September

• New Mexico Wine Festival at Bernalillo - Labor Day weekend, wine tastings and entertainment
• New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo - early September, featuring horseback racing, a rodeo, entertainment by top country artists, livestock shows and more
• Go! Downtown Arts Festival - late September, Albuquerque's fine arts festival celebrates performing, literary and visual arts

October

• Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival - early to mid-October, featuring artists and craftspeople from around the country
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - mid-October, the city has become famous as the host of the world's largest balloon rally. This festival showcases in the region of 1,000 beautiful balloons and includes races and contests, being based within the northerly Balloon Fiesta Park

November

• Weems Artfest - early November, arts and crafts fair held at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque

December

• Luminaria Tour - December 24th, a cherished Albuquerque tradition where thousands of brown bags are weighted with sand and illuminated with candles