Fun Events & Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Popular Annual Events Near Residence Inn Albuquerque Airport
APRIL 28-30, 2011, University of New Mexico, The Pit Arena
Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow
Native Americans and non-Native Americans are invited to the nation's largest Pow Wow—the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque. The three-day event features dramatic dance and drumming competitions in full Native American Indian regalia showcasing the cultural rituals of tribes across the nation. Over 800 Native American craftsmen exhibit and sell their wares at the Indian Traders Market. Festivities feature the prestigious Miss Indian World competition.
June 17-18, 2011, Expo New Mexico
Albuquerque Folk FestIn addition to live performances and exhibits, the popular festival invites adults and children to learn folk dances, play musical instruments, sing, and create handmade crafts at the festival's many teaching workshops. Live music jamming sessions let visitors join performers on stage.
July 13-25, 2011
New Mexico Jazz Festival
The two-week-long New Mexico Jazz Festival brings high-quality jazz to Albuquerque with hot local jazz talents as well as world renowned artists and jazz masters. Performances take place at outdoor and indoor venues around town. Past festivals featured top jazz performers like Cassandra Wilson, Pharaoh Sanders, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Heath, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
July 23-30, 2011, Expo New Mexico
Youth Nationals Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show
The Youth Nationals show is the Arabian Horse Association's (AHA) premier youth event. It's a week of competition, leadership training and fun-filled activities such as games, contests and parades. One of the best junior rider shows in the country.
September, 2011, Expo New Mexico
New Mexico State FairThe 17-day New Mexico State Fair has family-friendly fun—music concerts, carnival rides, rodeos, games, competitions, livestock and agriculture shows and exhibits, cooking and gardening contests. Artisans, performers and food vendors showcase the state's rich Spanish and Native American heritage.
October, 2011, Balloon Fiesta Park
International Balloon FiestaWith the spectacle of blue skies filled with colorful hot-air balloons, it's no wonder the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become the world's most photographed event with media coverage from 50 countries. During the fiesta, the park's 360 acres accommodate balloons, spectators and vendors selling everything from traditional New Mexican food to balloon memorabilia.
December, 2011
Native American Dancing and Pueblo Feast Days, November and December
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on weekends and enjoy Native American dancing and art demonstrations, you can also take part in baking bread and making art. The holidays are a wonderful time to visit the neighboring pueblos, many of them hold feast day celebrations in November and December. For more info click here.
Luminaria Tour, December 24
Enjoy an annual New Mexican tradition without worrying about parking, driving through snow, annoying traffic delays or wasting gas. Let ABQ Ride take you through a twinkling wonderland in Old Town, a festively-adorned Albuquerque Country Club and other hot spots decked out for the holiday like the Los Altos neighborhood. For more info click here.
River of Lights, November 26- December 30
Enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico's largest walk-through light show! Closed December 24 and 25. For more info click here.
New Mexico has a new holiday football tradition. Since it's inception in 2006, the New Mexico Bowl has been played on the Saturday afternoon before Christmas at University Stadium on the University of New Mexico campus. The contest has pitted the Mountain West Conference against the Western Athletic Conference in New Mexico's only sporting event that is televised nationally every year. For more info click here.
