With vast desert vistas, the areas in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico are some of the prettiest in the Southwest. It’s no wonder people flock there each year. With mild winter months and dry summer heat, Albuquerque is an outdoor-lovers paradise with over 3,400 hours of sunshine each year!
Even though Breaking Bad has stopped filming and your chances of running into Bryan Cranston are gone, there are still plenty of things to do all year-round.
In this post, we’re going to cover some of the best festivals and events in Albuquerque you can visit. So, explore these options and the next time you’re booking a vacation, you know where to look!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
One of the biggest draws to Albuquerque happens every October. That’s when the International Balloon Fiesta takes place. If you love hot air balloons, well this is a must see event.
You can watch hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take off, providing a beautiful contrast with blue skies and the desert background. Visitors can also get really hands on at this event. It’s one of the few in the world where guests can both walk among the balloons and talk to the pilots.
Route 66 Summerfest
Route 66 is one of the most historic stretches of road in the United States. Thousands of people make the pilgrimage each year to drive along it (preferably in a classic convertible) and take in America of yesterday.
The Route 66 Summerfest celebrates all that each June. Going strong for over 20 years, this event features a motorcycle classic, car show, pageant, dog show, and a hot dog eating contest. Young and old alike can participate in the downhill derby with their own hand made wheels!
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow
In late April each year, visitors to Albuquerque can attend North America’s biggest Pow Wow. The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow brings together people from all over the world, both Native American and visitors.
With over 3,000 people from various tribes across North America participating, you can learn all about Native American song, dance, food, and culture. There are lots of performances, food stalls, and a huge traders market that includes over 400 arts and crafts vendors.
River of Lights
A warm place like Albuquerque doesn’t experience the ‘traditional’ winter weather. But that doesn’t hold the city back from celebrating the holiday season. If you love Christmas lights, this is the place to see them!
One of the most popular events on the calendar in Albuquerque is the River of Lights event. It opens at the end of November and runs through December at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. The draw is a massive display of lights. Over 500 displays, sculptures, and even animatronic lights all dazzle along a walking path.
Enjoy Albuquerque
These are just a few of the more popular events that happen in and around Albuquerque all year. So, if you’ve had Albuquerque on your list as a place you’d love to see for a while, coordinate around one of these festivals and events to see some of the best of the city.
What are some of your favorite things to do and see in Albuquerque? Let us know in the comments!
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