What to do in Albuquerque during Balloon Fiesta Week!

Albuquerque rolls out the red carpet for visitors during Balloon Fiesta week! Here are local attractions & events that you don’t want to miss during your visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Free Live Entertainment In Historic Old Town Plaza after the Balloon Fiesta!

If I had to pick one week of the year that shows Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico at its finest, it would be the week of Balloon Fiesta. Many of the stores and gift shops in Old Town make their locations as inviting and entertaining as possible. However, best of all, you get free live entertainment every afternoon during Balloon Fiesta Week. Wow!

Albuquerque’s historic Old Town and the city have set up 10 days of live entertainment at the Plaza Vieja Gazebo as a complement to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The entertainment and music will include New Mexican, mariachi, Mexican/Latin folk, acoustic nuevo flamenco, dance groups, Native American, traditional dance from Jemez Pueblo, Latin world music and more. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon during the Balloon Fiesta!

The Old Town Plaza Balloon Fiesta week free entertainment lineup:

Friday, October 4

12 p.m. – Mariachi Nuevo Sonido – Mariachi

2 p.m. – Baracutanga – Latin World Music/South American

Saturday, October 5

12 p.m. – Sol De La Noche – Latin World Music

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tradicional – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Baila! Baila! – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Sunday, October 6

12 p.m. – Trio Los Amigos – Mexican/Latin American

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tenampa – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Fiesta Mexicana – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Monday, October 7

12 p.m. – Sol De La Noche – Latin World Music

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Nuevo Sonido – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Ballet en Fuego and Los Bailadores de Oro – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Tuesday, October 8

12 p.m. – The Brujo Trio – Acoustic Nuevo Flamenco

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tradicional – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Baila! Baila! – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Wednesday, October 9

12 p.m. – Trio Los Amigos – Mexican/Latin American

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tenampa – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Sol De La Noche – Latin World Music

Thursday, October 10

12 p.m. – The Brujo Trio – Acoustic Nuevo Flamenco

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Nuevo Sonido – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Baila! Baila! – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Friday, October 11

12 p.m. – Luz De Luna – Spanish

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tradicional – Mariachi

3 p.m. – Baila! Baila! – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Saturday, October 12

12 p.m. – Sun and Fire – Traditional Dance from Jemez Pueblo

12:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tenampa – Mariachi

1:40 p.m. – Sun and Fire – Traditional Dance from Jemez Pueblo

2:15 p.m. – Luz De Luna – Spanish

3:35 p.m. – Sun and Fire – Traditional Dance from Jemez Pueblo

Sunday, October 13

12 p.m. – Trio Los Amigos – Mexican/Latin American

1:30 p.m. – Mariachi Nuevo Sonido– Mariachi

3 p.m. – Los Tapatios – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

For more information on events, a map and complete musical lineup, visit www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/historic-old-town and click on Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town.

Many Old Town art galleries have artists demonstrations throughout the week. In addition, strolling mariachis and Native American dancers perform on the Plaza gazebo, adding to the ambiance and cultural appeal of Old Town. Tours of Old Town holds four informative walking tours during the day. With the pleasant fall weather, this is the ideal time for a stroll through Old Town.

Old Town offers a wide selection of restaurants within its colorful Adobe-lined streets, along with candy and ice-cream shops. This is also the best place to shop for Balloon Fiesta souvenirs at well-stocked gift shops. Be sure to spend an afternoon or two in Old Town during your visit to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

My Old Town, Albuquerque Guide shows additional attractions and features of this charming travel attraction.

Old Town is located between Mountain Rd. and Central Ave. (Route 66) just East of Rio Grande Blvd. From the North or South via the Interstate take I-25 to I-40 West. Exit on Rio Grande Blvd. Take Rio Grande Blvd. South to Mountain Rd. Old Town begins on the Northwest corner of Rio Grande Blvd. and Mountain Rd. Parking is located throughout Old Town.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

is a rich gateway to the history and culture of the 19 Native American Pueblos of New Mexico. It hosts a 10,000 sq. ft. museum featuring the authentic history and artifacts of traditional Pueblo cultures and their contemporary art. It is also well known for the highly regarded Pueblo Harvest Cafe that features fine dining inspired by the cultures of New Mexico. During Balloon Fiesta week, there are numerous dances held for the general public that provides an entertaining and colorful display of Native American Heritage. Normally, the dances are held during a weekend schedule only, but during Balloon Fiesta Week there is an exciting schedule of dance events throughout the week.

Here is a schedule of events at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center the week of Balloon Fiesta and throughout the year.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Balloon Fiesta Week Events

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

2401 12th St NW

Albuquerque, NM 87104

505-843-7270

For more info on local events held during the week of the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, visit http://alibi.com for an event schedule. The Alibi weekly newspaper is available for free throughout the city of Albuquerque.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

During the week of Balloon Fiesta, the BioPark Botanic Garden puts on its finest show of the autumn season! The Fall Fiesta of Flowers is a beautiful showcase of the last colorful flowers of the season for the winter rest. What makes this show even more beautiful is are the accents of fall foliage throughout the park that add to the beauty of this show.

The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is a great way to recharge after an exciting morning at the Balloon Fiesta. Stop by while it is arrayed in its finest fall colors!

The BioPark Botanic Garden is located right next to historic Old Town and is the perfect afternoon event for Balloon Fiesta visitors.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden Website

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Phone: (505) 764-6200

Fascinating Albuquerque Day Trips!

Want more great ideas for attractions to see in and around Albuquerque? Visit my Albuquerque Day Trips page by clicking the link below:

More Albuquerque Day Trips

Of course, you will want to eat in Albuquerque during the Balloon Fiesta! Here are reviews of the best places to eat in Albuquerque:

Albuquerque’s Best Restaurants