SPRING
Albuquerque Birthday Celebration
April
The founding of Old Town Albuquerque predates the forming of the United States by 70 years! Founded in 1706 by Spanish colonists led by Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, it was originally established as a small farming community along the Rio Grande river. Since then, the town has flown under the flags of three different nations. The Department of Arts & Culture is excited to celebrate Albuquerque’s 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.
Albuquerque Museum Car Show
May
One of Albuquerque’s largest car shows takes place every May at The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History in Old Town Albuquerque. Car lovers will gather for the Annual Albuquerque Museum/New Mexico Council of Car Clubs Automobile Show. Hundreds of antique, classic, exotic, and sports cars will be on display in the museum parking lot along with trucks, motorcycles, and vintage camper trailers. Honored vehicles like the Model T Ford—110 years old in 2019, and many Model T’s will be on display.
Mother’s Day in Old Town Albuquerque
May
The City of Albuquerque kicks off the beginning of summer with a 3 day Mother’s Day event, which also includes free face painting for kids, plenty of opportunities to dine and shop, and a pet adoption with Animal Welfare. More than 10 vendors will be set up in the plaza with articles ranging from soap to salsa, and local food trucks will be serving culinary treats. Celebrating Mother’s Day in Old Town Albuquerque is a unique experience, as the historic neighborhood offers a mix of traditional and cultural activities. From visiting the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, to shopping for handmade gifts at the local shops, there is something for everyone, especially for Mom.
SUMMER
Summertime In Old Town – Live Music Series
June & July
Every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday in June and July, Old Town is the best place to be! With beautiful plazas, great food, unique local shops, and live music on the gazebo, it is the perfect way to spend a day with friends and loved ones.
San Felipe de Neri Fiestas
June
For over 300 years, the San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church has been hosting the annual Fiestas Celebration in Old Town Albuquerque. A 3-day event in June with non-stop live music, events, mass on the grass, food, carnival games and rides, and so much more! “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always be in good spirits.” – San Felipe de Neri
Festival Flamenco Alburquerque
June
Every summer, the National Institute of Flamenco and the University of New Mexico host Festival Flamenco Alburquerque, bringing the finest flamenco artists in the world to Albuquerque. For eight days, the city is filled with the pulse of flamenco, and is transformed into a cultural epicenter for the art form. This tradition celebrates flamenco, the incredible art form that UNESCO declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The lure of flamenco is its ability to explore the full range of human emotion with an intense, vibrant quality that leaves audiences and students alike, captivated. Performances and workshops will be held around all of Albuquerque including the Old Town area.
Green & Red Chile Harvest and Roasting Season
August & September
New Mexico is known for its delicious green and red chile peppers, which are a staple in many of the state’s traditional dishes. Every year, during the late summer and early autumn, the state comes alive with the smell of roasting chiles. This is when locals and tourists alike flock to local farms, farmers markets, and roasting stands to get their hands on freshly roasted green and red chiles. The green chiles are typically roasted until their skin is blistered and blackened, then peeled and either used immediately or frozen for later use. The red chiles are dried and then ground into a powder, which is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer the bold, smoky flavor of roasted green chiles or the earthy, spicy taste of red chile powder, there’s no denying that chile roasting season is one of the most exciting times of the year in New Mexico.
FALL
Balloon Fiesta Week at Old Town Albuquerque
October
Historic Old Town will be full of live music daily from noon to 4 p.m. during Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town as we feature local, cultural performances daily showcasing our City’s talent. Shop ’til you drop! Support local and enjoy more than 80 local businesses while in Old Town for everything from beautiful paintings and jewelry to souvenirs, salsa, and much more. For more information about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta visit, www.balloonfiesta.com
Dia de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque
October & November
Experience the magic of Dia de los Muertos in Old Town. Wander through the “Marigold Mile,” where over 30,000 marigolds create a vibrant tapestry of orange and yellow, while live music fills the air. Discover hidden patios with beautifully adorned ofrendas featuring calaveras and photos of loved ones. As dusk settles, witness the plaza transform with warm candlelight and the mesmerizing Matachinas dance. This captivating atmosphere offers just a glimpse of the rich cultural experience awaiting in Old Town during Dia de los Muertos.
Day of the Tread
October
Day of the Tread is a ‘Day of the Dead’ – Halloween, themed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. There is an adventure for everyone.
WINTER
Old Town Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting
December
On the first Friday in December each year, Albuquerque gathers in Old Town to start off its holiday season with the Old Town Holiday Stroll. Streets, stores, patios, and the gazebo are all decked out with holiday decorations. Explore to find that perfect gift for loved ones, hot chocolate stands, small group musicians, biscochito giveaways, and festive carolers. The magic doesn’t just stay in the Gazebo on this special night – those who wander are definitely rewarded. Make sure to stop by Plaza Don Luis for the Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.
Luminaria Walk – Christmas Eve
December 24th
Luminarias (Spanish for “small bonfires”) have been around since at least the 16th century. People lit bonfires along the roads to guide people to Midnight Mass on the final night of Las Posadas. This tradition was eventually brought to Santa Fe when Spanish missionaries lit paper lanterns for nine consecutive nights beginning on December 16th.
Each Christmas Eve, the Old Town and Albuquerque Country Club neighborhoods are filled with luminarias and mesmerizing Christmas light displays. Luminarias are made of paper sacks, sand, and candles and it’s a beautiful neighborhood tradition to come together and set out the luminarias to welcome visitors. Start your tour in Old Town where the gazebo and streets are covered with luminarias. Linger and listen to the carolers in the gazebo.
Then continue your journey on foot through the Country Club neighborhoods where hot air balloons can be seen “glowing” on the golf course. Wander the neighborhoods on the streets that are closed to cars and buses for a more peaceful experience.
River of Lights & Dinner in Old Town
November & December
For locals, the river of lights is a wonderful tradition. But we also know that parking and traffic can be a nightmare. Here is a secret to avoid the traffic. Park in Old Town Albuquerque and stay for dinner: Old Town Pizza Parlour, Kitsune Asian Inspired Food, Fat T’s BBQ, High Noon Saloon, Church Street Cafe, Antiquity Steakhouse, Ezra’s Taste of Home, Gobble This, Old Town Cafe, and more!
Then, hop on the ART bus (It’s free and buses run every 7-10 min) from the Old Town stop, and ride it west one stop only 3 min to the Biopark Stop. And you are there!
