THINGS TO DO IN ALBUQUERQUE
CURRENT SPECIAL EVENTS IN ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque Tricentennial
Happy birthday Albuquerque! 300 years old!
http://www.abq300.com/
Albuquerque Special Events Calendar
http://mesa.cabq.gov/cityapps/noticias.nsf/WebEventsX?OpenForm
Find a current visual or performing arts event
http://www.abqarts.com/index1.php
ALBUQUERQUE YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES
The Adobe Theater
The ADOBE Theater presents the finest live theatrical entertainment for the entire family. Now in its 5th decade of production, enjoy a new show almost every month, year round!
http://www.adobetheater.com/
Albuquerque Aquarium
The architecturally impressive aquarium exhibits Gulf of Mexico saltwater species from a variety of habitats. The highlight of the aquarium is a 285,000 gallon ocean tank where brown, sandtiger, blacktip and nurse sharks swim alongside brilliantly colored reef fish, eels, sea turtles and open ocean species. The Albuquerque Aquarium is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park.
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/aquarium/index.html
Albuquerque Biological Park
The Albuquerque Biological Park is a unique environmental museum comprising four facilities: Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo and Tingley Beach Aquatic Park.
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/
Albuquerque Boy Choir
The Albuquerque Boy Choir is a non-profit organization that gives boys a chance to grow through musical learning, self-discipline, performance demeanor and working together for the common joy of singing. The choir, which celebrates that brief but magical time of a boy's life when his voice is clear and pure, also gives him an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the larger community.
http://www.abqboychoir.org/
Albuquerque City Parks
The following link is a directory to all city parks and dog parks.
http://www.cabq.gov/gis/park.htm
Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Club
AAA affiliate of World Champion Florida Marlins. The club's park is located at the intersection of Avenida Cesar Chavez and University SE. The regular baseball season runs from April through August.
http://www.albuquerquebaseball.com/
Albuquerque Little Theater
Founded in 1930, 2005/2006 productions include Man of La Mancha, A Christmas Carol, Rumors, On Golden Pond, and Smoke on the Mountain.
http://www.swcp.com/~alt/
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History features art of the Southwest and 400 years of Albuquerque history through permanent displays and special exhibitions. Permanent collections date back to Spanish colonization and the Civil War. Travel back in time with a film in the Gem Theatre and enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden filled with more than 50 pieces of art. Don't miss walking tours of Old Town, children's art classes and live music performances.
http://www.albuquerquemuseum.com/
Albuquerque Music Presenters
AMP presents unique music in alternative settings including world, folk, acoustic and Americana music.
http://www.abqmusic.com/
Albuquerque Youth Symphony
Albuquerque's highly regarded Youth Symphony Program, one of the largest in the nation, includes participation by over 400 students from grades 3 through 12 who attend public, private, parochial and home schools in the area.
http://www.aysmusic.org/
American International Rattlesnake Museum
The Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. Myths are explored, phobias cured, and mysteries revealed at this must-see Museum of the Southwest.
http://www.rattlesnakes.com/
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
The museum is dedicated to the history, science and art of ballooning. Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman, the most famous of Albuquerque balloonists, completed the first trans-Atlantic balloon crossing on August 12, 1978. The launched from Presque Isle, Maine and landed in Miserey, France.
http://www.balloonmuseum.com/
Chamber Music of Albuquerque
One of the Southwest's premier chamber music presenting organizations. Performances are presented at the Simms Center for the Performing Arts throughout the year. Musicians from around the world celebrate the old and the new with equal dedication to the craft of chamber music.
http://www.cma-abq.org/
Cliff's Amusement Park
Ride the New Mexico Rattler, the Cliff Hanger, the Musik Express, and The Falling Star at Cliff's Amusement Park. In addition to seven thrill rides, the park also features family rides, water rides and Kiddyland.
http://www.cliffs.net/
Coronado State Monument
Coronado State Monuments includes the partially reconstructed ruins of the ancient Pueblo of Kuaua. This monument is named for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado who is thought to have camped near this site with his soldiers in 1540. Today you can visit this historical site on a .20-mile interpretive trail leading to a reconstructed Kiva that was excavated in the 1930s. Native American and Spanish Colonial artifacts are on display in visitor center.
http://www.nmmonuments.org/about.php?_instid=CORO
The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino
The Racetrack at The Downs features live horseracing every spring, plus 17 straight days of great racing action during the State Fair in September. In addition to live racing and a casino, The Downs features over 500 TV screens, throughout the grandstand, broadcast dozens of simulcast races seven days a week. Fans and guests can watch and wager all the big races, from tracks across the country and around the world.
http://www.abqdowns.com/
Explora – Science and Children's Museum
Explora creates opportunities for inspirational discovery and the joy of lifelong learning through interactive experiences in science, technology and art. Its motto is "Ideas you can touch."
http://www.explora.mus.nm.us/
Hinkle Family Fun Center
Everything from "Jungle Play" and Bumper Cars under the sun or the stars, or play Lazer Tag inside! There is also mini-golf by streams and lakes.
http://www.hinklefamilyfuncenter.com/
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. Showcases the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people, from Pre-Columbian to current time. The museum also includes changing exhibits that highlight the work of living traditional and contemporary artists, usually those who conduct demonstrations at the Center.
http://www.indianpueblo.org/intro/index.cfm
J & R Vintage Auto Museum
The cars range from a 1902 Oldsmobile to a 1969 Mercury Cougar. Located in Rio Rancho.
http://www.jrvintageautos.com/
Journal Pavilion
Journal Pavilion is New Mexico's premier concert venue. There's no better atmosphere for watching a concert than under the stars, with the City of Albuquerque serving as the western backdrop and the beautiful Sandia and Manzano mountains bordering the view to the east.
http://www.journalpavilion.com/main.html
KiMo Theater
The KiMo Theatre is a unique Pueblo Deco style registered Historic Landmark. The KiMo is a vibrant part of the performing arts community and plays host to a wide variety of local, national and international events. Dance, drama, film, comedy, performance art, multi-media events, and other unique Performances all take place on the KiMo stage. Additionally, the KiMo houses an exhibit space for contemporary visual artists. The Art Deco Society of New Mexico has put together a self-guided walking tour of the Central Business District Pueblo Deco buildings. For a copy of the tour instructions, email us. Put "Pueblo Deco" in the subject line of the e-mail and we will forward you a copy.
http://www.cabq.gov/kimo/
LodeStar Astronomy Center
The LodeStar Astronomy Center is located in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. The adventurous can interact with a volcano and tour the solar system at the Planetarium. Join LodeStar the third Saturday of each month on the second floor of the Astronomy Center for hands-on fun that covers a variety of astronomy topics. Discovery is geared toward families learning together.
http://www.lodestar.unm.edu/index.html
Loren Kahn Puppet and Object Theatre
Loren Kahn Puppet and Object Theater brings to life a hilarious and magical world, which delights tiny children and provokes reflection in teenagers and grownups. The multilingual, multicultural stories are told with the use of puppets and/or a variety of objects, such as paper bags, clocks, and light bulbs. Loren and Isabelle also offer instruction on puppetry and object theatre techniques.
http://www.lorenkahnpuppets.com/
Maxwell Museum of Antropology
One of the nation's finest anthropology museums, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology offers exhibits and programs relating to cultures around the world, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
http://www.unm.edu/~maxwell/
Meteorite Museum
The museum has on display many fine samples of stony, stony iron, and iron meteorites from the Institute's collection, including one of the largest stone meteorites in the world, Norton County. An important recent acquisition is a spectacular 1600-pound specimen of the Navajo iron meteorite which is on long-term loan from the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
http://epswww.unm.edu/Iom/Meteorite%20Museum.htm
Musical Theater Southwest
Formerly the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera, Musical Theater Southwest is a true community theater and leader in promoting musical theater. Presentations range from Grease to Beauty and the Beast.
http://www.hilandtheater.com/
National Atomic Museum
The Museum celebrates the positive effects of harnessing atomic energy in such fields as nuclear medicine. It is an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today's peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
http://www.atomicmuseum.com/
National Dance Institute of New Mexico
National Dance Institute of New Mexico was founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of the distinctive dance programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives.
Outreach, including In-School and Residency
After-School Advanced Training Programs, including SWAT and Celebration Teams, Company XCel, NDI-NM School for the Performing Arts (SPA), the Summer Institutes, and Broadway Theater Dance Workshop, a summer dance intensive
The Teaching Excellence Program, established to meet the demand for NDI-NM-trained dance teachers
http://www.ndi-nm.org/
National Hispanic Cultural Center
The center offers programs in the visual, performing, literary and media arts. The NHCC dedicates itself to the presentation and promotion of Hispanic/Latino culture at the local, state, national and international levels. A beautiful 52-acre campus houses an elegant art museum, state-of-the-art performing arts center, comprehensive library and genealogy center as well as a restaurant and gift shop. The Instituto Cervantes and Spanish Resource Center are also housed at the NHCC offering Spanish language classes and information and materials about Spain.
http://www.nhccnm.org/
National Institute of Flamenco
The National Institute of Flamenco (NIF) is a unique, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the art, culture and history of flamenco. The NIF Educating branch includes the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts - offering year round classes in flamenco dance, music and song; diverse community outreach programs and a flamenco media archive nearing completion.
http://www.feelflamenco.com/
New Mexico Ballet Company and Academy
Create and produces unique, innovative ballet and classical ballet performances for the people of New Mexico through dance education, ticket sales, major contributors, grants, and a strong volunteer Board and Guild.
(505)292-4245
New Mexico Jazz Workshop
The Jazz Workshop has grown to be one of the leading arts organizations in Albuquerque boasting an audience of over 25,000 annually. Through four different concert series, we present a wide diversity of music including Jazz, Blues, Salsa and Latin Jazz. The 38 concerts each year help to support local musicians as well as present the greatest names in jazz. Teaching children about this culturally diverse and uniquely American art form is essential and the workshop proudly offers education programs that reach 10,000 students throughout the state each year.
http://www.nmjazz.org/
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
This is the place to learn about dinosaurs, volcanoes, and fossils. Enjoy giant screen cinema at the DynaTheater which features a screen measuring 65 feet wide by 49 feet high. The famous replica of Tyrannosaurus Rex "Sue", perhaps the world's most famous dinosaur, will be on display at the museum until January 1, 2006. "Sue" is the most complete T. rex skeleton ever found. Sue was named after fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson who found her in South Dakota in 1990. A special display of T. rex fossils found in New Mexico will also be on display.
http://www.nmmnh-abq.mus.nm.us/nmmnh/nmmnh.html
New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists
The goals of the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists are to promote excellence and creativity in the clay arts, and to further their understanding and appreciation throughout New Mexico. To support these goals, they foster educational programs, arrange exhibition opportunities, and provide a communication forum for the exchange of ideas, information and inspiration.
http://www.nmpotters.org/
New Mexico Scorpions
Then New Mexico Scorpions are taking a season off during construction of their new home at the Rio Rancho Events Center,
http://www.scorpionshockey.com/
New Mexico Thunderbirds Basketball
The new Albuquerque franchise in the NBA Development League will be called the Thunderbirds. In Native American mythology, a thunderbird is an enormous bird that produces thunder, lighting and rain. The Thunderbirds begin play in the eight-team league in November 2005. The Thunderbirds will play their home games at Tingley Coliseum.
New Mexico Young Actors
NMYA is a New Mexico non-profit organization that develops future talent by producing children's plays and musicals with students ages 9 - 18 in all leading roles. As a drama school since 1979, they have the professional expertise to educate and develop an appreciation for the arts for young audiences in our community.
http://www.nmyoungactors.org/
Nob Hill
This area of Albuquerque is famous for fine dining, chic clothing boutiques, antiques, theater, cozy bistros and stores offering exotic treasures. Located on Route 66 (Central Avenue) between San Mateo and Girard, this 2 mile stretch is a bit of Soho in New Mexico. Fascinating architecture abounds with art deco, international, streamline modern, territorial revival and some buildings that can be best described as funky.
http://www.rt66central.com/
Old Town Plaza
Visit the Church of San Felipe de Neri, which has stood steadfast since 1706 and is open to the public. Stroll through Old Town, the heart of the city, where you will find the finest in Native American pottery and jewelry and quaint shops filled with tempting art and artifacts. Dining is casual and abundant on the plaza – sip a cappucino, induldge in a margarita or enjoy a full meal.
http://www.oldtownalbuquerque.com/
Once Upon a Theater
OUT is a non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the education of the children. The theatrical program is designed to bring the joy and magic of quality LIVE theatre to as many young people as possible, while assisting teachers to use theatre as an effective teaching tool. OUT offers productions of original scripts with adult actors and provides activity/study guides for teachers.
http://www.onceuponatheatre.org/
Petroglyph National Monument
This site, located beneath five extinct volcanoes silhouetted against the western sky above Albuquerque, includes over 15,000 prehistoric and early historic petroglyphs along a 17-mile long volcanic lava flow.
http://www.nmculture.org/HTML/direct.htm
Popejoy Hall
Popejoy Hall is located on the campus of UNM. Enter the campus at Stanford and Central and you will find Popejoy Hall one block west just north of the UNM Bookstore. Performances hosted include those by one of the fine local companies, or by one of the many international touring acts, including Broadway shows.
http://www.popejoyhall.com/
Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium and bordered on the west by the famed Rio Grande and the largest cottonwood gallery forest in the world, the lush and peaceful Rio Grande Botanic Garden represents an oasis in the desert. The Garden currently encompasses 20 developed acres, including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory housing native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones and a seasonal butterfly conservatory featuring hundreds of free-flying North American butterflies and moths. The Rio Grande Botanic Garden is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park.
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/index.html
Rio Grande Zoo
Founded in 1927, the 64-acre Rio Grande Zoo offers visitors a pleasant stroll highlighted by close encounters with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. Popular species include seals and sea lions, gorillas, orangutans, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, camels, tamarins, koalas, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, jaguars, zebras and rhinoceros. Particularly notable are the Inukshuk Bay polar bear exhibit and the new Koala Creek exhibit. The Rio Grande Zoo is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park.
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo/index.html
Sandia Peak Tram
The world's longest tram ride. In only 15 minutes you will be 10,000 feet up the mountainside. The tram is a jigback, which means one car is going up while another is coming back. More than 275,000 people annually traverse to the top of the mountain via the Sandia Peak Tram. Have a drink or dinner at High Finance, a restaurant that operates at the peak. Don't forget your camera to capture indescribably sunsets and city lights views.
http://www.sandiapeak.com/
Skiing
If you enjoy cross country skiing, then the national forest and wilderness areas are your best bets from mid-December to early March. There are over 70 trails in northern New Mexico alone. Contact the New Mexico Ski and Travel Club for more information at (505)881-7832.
If you prefer downhill skiing you will have a choice of several local resorts:
Angel Fire (505)377-2301
Parajito Ski Area (505)662-5725
Red River (505)754-2223
Sandia Peak (505)242-9052
Santa Fe (505)982-4429
Sipapu (505)587-2240
Taos (505)776-2291
http://www.skinewmexico.com/
Sports and Recreation
Common sports and recreation activities in the Albuquerque area include golf, hiking, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife and bird watching, downhill and cross-country skiing, motorcycle riding, hot air ballooning, mountain climbing, hunting, fishing, hang-gliding, bicycling, and mountain biking. Sailing and water-skiing are found at several nearby lakes.
Sports and Recreation – City Sponsored Programs
Programs include baseball, basketball, swimming, water sports, skate park activities, caving, climbing, movies in the park, camping, tennis and many more.
http://www.cabq.gov/recreation/
Tamarind Institute
Tamarind Institute is a center for fine art lithography that trains master printers, engages in teaching and research, and houses a professional collaborative studio for artists. Tamarind is recognized internationally for its contributions to the growth of contemporary printmaking around the world.
http://www.unm.edu/%7Etamarind/
Tingley Beach
Park improvements include fishing lakes, food services, restrooms, gift shop, paths and trails. A separate model boating lake and other features will be completed in late 2005. Fishing licenses will be required for adults over 12 years of age. Tingley Beach is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park.
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/tingley/
University of New Mexico Art Museum
With close to 30,000 objects, the University Art Museum houses by far the largest fine art collections in New Mexico. Several visiting exhibits are on display year-round.
http://unmartmuseum.unm.edu/
University of New Mexico Athletics
Come cheer on the Lobos with sports activities including football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, skiing, soccer, track and field, tennis, softball, swimming, diving, and volleyball.
http://golobos.collegesports.com/
The Vortex Theater
The Vortex is a community run organization that provides a venue for classic, contemporary and experimental theater. Each month, the Vortex provides opportunities for the local community to produce, take part in and enjoy many diverse and wonderful works for the stage. From local and national premieres to new interpretations of classic works, the Vortex continues to be one of Albuquerque's finest theaters.
http://www.thevortextheater.org/
ALBUQUERQUE SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
For a current calendar of events in Albuquerque see:
Albuquerque Special Events Calendar
http://mesa.cabq.gov/cityapps/noticias.nsf/WebEventsX?OpenForm
APRIL
Gathering of Nations Powwow
It has been said by many that the Gathering of Nations Powwow is the Mecca of Indian Country; while others have said that there is a magic about the Gathering. At the University of New Mexico Arena, the "Pit", the Gathering of Nations has had the opportunity to blossom into the most enjoyable, cultural, and entertaining Native festival in North America.
http://www.gatheringofnations.com/
JUNE
New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair
The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is the longest continuously running arts festival in New Mexico and has been a "must see" summer event since 1962. Featuring New Mexico artisans, this prestigious, juried art fair showcases over 220 of New Mexico's most talented artists, craftspeople, many of whom enjoy national and international reputations. The fair ranks among the largest events in the state, offering artists the opportunity to display and sell their work to the public in an "open-air" gallery setting.
http://www.nmartsandcraftsfair.org/
JUNE
Albuquerque Folk Festival
The In the tradition of the folk ethic, the Albuquerque Folk Festival features non-commercial acoustic folk music and dance activities in the greater Albuquerque region and to encourage individuals to sing, dance and play music.
http://www.abqfolkfest.org/
SUMMER
Summerfest
Summerfest is an outdoor summer festival featuring both local and national music and dance entertainment. Events are on Saturday evenings from 6-10:30 pm on Civic Plaza (corner of 3rd St. and Marquette NW) in downtown Albuquerque and are free to the public. In addition to music and dance entertainment there are food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of children's activities such as face-painting, Magic, Juggling, Interactive Drumming, Fun Jumps and more.
http://www.cabq.gov/crs/summerfest04.html
SEPTEMBER
State Fair
Located at San Pedro, Lomas, Louisiana and Central in Albuquerque, the fair features carnival rides, food, free entertainment, concerts, competitions, rodeos, games, farm animals, horses, agriculture, art, and exhibits. Fun for the whole family.
http://exponm.com/cms/index.php
SEPTEMBER thru MAY
New Mexico Symphony Orchestra
The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra plays its Classics Series and Pops Series concerts at Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus. They also perform a Sunday Matinee Series and Koncerts 4 Kids at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Journal Theatre. Each spring, the Symphony plays its Symphony Under The Stars series of outdoor family concerts at the Rio Grande Zoo of the Albuquerque Biological Park.
http://www.nmso.org/
OCTOBER
Duke City Marathon
Benefiting the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, the Duke City Marathon showcases a variety of events from relays to full marathons and post-race festivals.
http://www.dukecitymarathon.com/
OCTOBER
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The most photographed event in the World. The Kodak sponsored balloon festival is a largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world. The fiesta hosts more than 840,000 visitors from all over the world. Albuquerque's special wind current, calle "The Box," enables pilots to navigate for several hours in a pattern around the city. You won't just see traditional balloons at the festival. Make sure you check out Special Shapes and Night Glow events. Buses are available to access the event, which is easier than finding close parking.
http://www.aibf.org/
NOVEMBER
Twinkle Light Parade
A night parade showcasing over 100 entries all decked out in festive holiday lighting in Downtown Albuquerque.
DECEMBER
Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival
The Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festivals are 3-day long celebrations of outstanding arts and crafts along with fabulous entertainment, artists demonstrations, kids' activities, great food, and fun for the entire family. The Festival is a well-established superbly managed show and was recently voted as "The 16th Best Art Show" in the Nation" by Sunshine Artist magazine, September 2004.
http://www.riograndefestivals.com/
DECEMBER
Christmas Eve Christmas Eve in Albuquerque is truly something to write home about. Luminarias, small paper bags containing sand and a votive candle, outline walkways and rooflines. This beautiful tradition compliments traditional Christmas lights with a spiritual glow that warms the heart and calms the soul. Luminaria bus tour tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
NEW MEXICO...VISIT FOR A LIFETIME
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