Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration – We’re Turning 317!

The Department of Arts & Culture is excited to celebrate Albuquerque’s 317th Birthday with food, fun, live music and local flair in the heart of the City. This party will feature birthday must-haves such as face painting, entertainment and specials at a variety of participating Old Town stores. 

Birthday Entertainment on the Gazebo

12 p.m. – Baila! Baila! – Folkorico Dancing

1 p.m. – Mariachi Tenampa – Traditional Mariachi 

1:30 p.m. – Ceremony 

2 p.m. – Nosotros – Latin 

Nosotros is one of the most recognizable Latin bands, in the Southwest United States. They have twice been featured on NPR’s Alt Latino, twice been named winners in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition, been awarded 13 NM Music Awards and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music.

This Latin music powerhouse, seamlessly combines Latin rhythms with elements of rock, salsa, jazz and cumbia creating an original sound that is unmistakably Nosotros. Their music is not to be explained, it is to be felt in the soul. 

Party Food

Grab a quick bite from the food booths near the Gazebo like corn-on-the-cob from CCR Roasting, hot dogs from Good Dawg Catering & Concessions, pizza from Old Town Pizza Parlor, tacos from Gobble This, or a variety of choices from Wing it Up. The San Felipe de Neri Church will be cooking up their famous burgers in their courtyard. Favorite Old Town restaurants will be serving signature plates, check in with them about their specials. 

Birthday Activities 

There’s a party throughout Historic Old Town. Enjoy free kids’ activities such as face painting and a 25-foot climbing wall, presented by the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department.

The ancestors of the Founders will meet at the Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes statue at the corner of Romero St. and Charlevoix St. at 1 p.m. The procession of banners will make its way to the Gazebo at Old Town Plaza at 1:30 p.m. For more information about participating, email [email protected]. 

Birthday Shopping

Be sure to visit the variety of Old Town Merchants that will have booths around the Gazebo. Support local businesses like David Behrens Art, D.E.E.H.’s Candles & More, Genuine Southwest Arts & Gifts, Lapis Room, Lillie’s Handmade Soap, Old Town Hobbies and Games, Salsa Saint, Treasure House Books and Gifts, and The Turquoise Tree Flower Shop as they will add to the festivities outside of their stores. 

Getting to the Party

Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration is held in Historic Old Town. Streets around Old Town Plaza will close to traffic to prepare for the celebration. Please plan accordingly and be mindful of residents and all posted parking signs in the area. Parking is available at the Albuquerque Museum lot and the surrounding area. 

Party Details

Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration in Old Town is a rain or shine event. Well behaved pets on a leash are welcome. 

Opportunities for vending at Old Town events are reserved for Old Town Merchants. 

If your local band would like to be considered to perform at a City event, tell us about your music by completing this Interest Form.