Why visit albuquerque

With each growing year, this event brings the world's best mariachi musicians and dancers to grace the stage with an art form that is undoubtedly contagious. Additionally, last year was the first year the festival added Ballet Folklorico to its vibrant repertoire.

The event taking place from July , includes classes, workshops, and several evenings of spirited and colorful performances that give authenticity to the title word - spectacular. In addition to several multi-stage performances in the evenings, the festival offers workshops teaching attendees about instruments, dance, and world culture during the day. From life-size art to flavorful food, and craft beer to technology -- not-to-mention five stages of big name musical artists -- this event has something for people all ages, interests, and tastes.

Mark your calendars for August 25! Make yourself comfortable in the Sawmill District's newest additions! From craft beer and retail to art and urban living, this former lumber distribution center is continuing to transform into a hub for shopping, entertainment, and more. Shop for a high-desert, minimal aesthetic at the recently-opened Spur Line Supply Co.

Learn about the rich and thriving cultures that help to make up Albuquerque's unique heritage. At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center , educate yourself on the 19 Pueblos of the surrounding area and experience a taste of their culture and heritage with weekly traditional Native dances, handmade Native American silver and turquoise jewelry, and carefully crafted dishes at the Pueblo Harvest Cafe comprised of ingredients sourced from each of the Pueblos.

Take a step further and deepen your understanding of the city's Hispanic cultural heritage at the National Hispanic Cultural Center , featuring an art museum, state-of-the-art performing arts complex, library, and genealogy center.

Keep an eye out for can't-miss events at these world-class facilities. The complex's grand opening came accompanied by special guest, Albuquerque home grown Alex Bregman from the Houston Astros, who expressed sincere hope and positivity in regards to what the new complex would do for the future of baseball and softball in the area.

In early , Albuquerque's Civic Plaza will finalize an exciting new facelift complete with interactive water feature, stage with ampitheater-style seating, and vibrant sound system. The plaza sits just west of the city's newly-renovated convention center and provides the perfect setting for locals, visitors, and convention attendees to socialize and soak in Albuquerque's more than days of soul-warming sunshine.

Shoppers rejoice! If the shopping bug hasn't subsided, continue the shopping spree across the street at Albuquerque's Coronado Center where you'll find your perfect shade of terra-cotta lipstick at Sephora or encounter organizational bliss at the Container Store along with so much more. Experience an international event where Native people from all over the globe come together to celebrate culture, heritage, and a way of life.

This expressive Pow Wow allows for Native people from each respective nation to share their story with others, educate younger generations on practices and traditions, and ignite curiosity within those who want to learn more.

The occasion includes traditional dance competitions, pageantry, Native food, music, and more welcomes both Native and non-Native visitors alike to attend the events. Albuquerque proudly welcomes film-makers, producers, actors, visionaries, and fans alike. The last decade has proven that Albuquerque is an ideal destination for those who have a big screen dream that needs to be brought to life. With a number of different fan favorites that have been filmed in Albuquerque , visitors can stop at all their favorite recognizable spots along the way.

With all that Albuquerque has to offer for , your next vacation already has a destination. Order your Visitor's Guide today and start planning now! The minute ride inside glass-enclosed cars takes visitors 2. Bring a sweater, and always call ahead to confirm that the tram is running. No reservations. Prefer those panoramic views with your feet on terra firma? The popular trail, with changing vegetation, massive rocks, lovely wildflowers and abundant switchbacks, is nearly 9 miles one way you can ride the tram down , with the highest point surpassing 10, feet.

Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Pack plenty of water and snacks. Pack rain gear, too. Hey, this is New Mexico. Got exercise out of the way. The Nob Hill of my youth was little more than one craft store where I bought Styrofoam balls for a school science project. Today, the trendy area spans a full mile along Central Avenue on famous Route Spend a day at an abundance of boutiques, galleries and restaurants, where college students, professionals and locals flock to outdoor tables.

This Albuquerque institution opened in across from the university and looks a lot like it did back then. The food is still great — fast, filling, cheap — and the people-watching is better. Enjoy the large collection of John Wayne art on the walls, too, built up over the years by owners Larry and Dorothy Rainosek. Open daily from 5 a. The 10 blocks around its central plaza include art galleries and restaurants. Musicians frequently perform in the plaza square.

The Pueblo Harvest Cafe offers traditional fry bread and posole hominy stew with chile , as well as other feast day foods.

Call ahead to find out about Indian dance performances. Also known as Sky City, Acoma is the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, sitting nearly feet above the desert floor and offering beautiful views for miles.

The hourlong drive from Albuquerque is a winner, too, with spectacular rock formations is that a sphinx? Immerse yourself in our painted skies, abundant space and more than days of sunshine, which make it possible to ski the slopes of the Sandia Mountains and play a round at one of our award-winning golf courses , all in the same day. Albuquerque is an oasis in the high desert, full of rich history and inspiring ideas.

Plan your trip today , and leave Albuquerque viewing your own world in a whole new light. Virtual Tour. Our team of locals keep you up to date on what to do, where to go, and where to eat and drink all around Albuquerque.