Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Albuquerque Airport, NM

Attracting tens of thousands of buyers from almost every state, as well as New Mexico residents and collectors from...

Attracting tens of thousands of buyers from almost every state, as well as New Mexico residents and collectors from around the world, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals are held three times a year. In March and November, at the Manuel Lujan Exhibit Complex at the EXPO New Mexico fairgrounds and in October it is held under the "big white tent" at I-25 and Paseo Del Norte at the annual Balloon Fiesta. Each festival presents the work of hundreds of artists and craftspeople from all over the country. Visitors can shop and purchase directly from the artists, and also enjoy the food court, complete with wine sampling. There are also artists' demonstrations, children's activities and a variety of entertainment, making it a fun event for the entire family.

Hours: Fri, Mar 9, 2012: 10am - 5pm Sat, Mar 10, 2012: 10am - 5pm Sun, Mar 11, 2012: 10am - 5pm Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 9am - 5pm Sat, Oct 6, 2012: 9am - 6pm Sun, Oct 7, 2012: 9am - 5pm Fri, Oct 12, 2012: 9am - 5pm Sat, Oct 13, 2012: 9am - 6pm Sun, Oct 14, 2012: 9am - 5pm Fri, Nov 23, 2012: 9am - 5pm Sat, Nov 24, 2012: 9am - 5pm Sun, Nov 25, 2012: 9am - 4pm

Honored as Albuquerque's designated fine arts festival, this non-profit organization celebrates performing, literary and...

Honored as Albuquerque's designated fine arts festival, this non-profit organization celebrates performing, literary and visual arts. This celebration is achieved via innovative presentation and educational programs such as a regional juried art exhibit, poetry events, holiday concerts, workshops for the under-privileged, and lunch concerts on Civic Plaza.

Hours: September 2012

Cultural celebrations feature entertainment, arts and crafts, and food from a variety of ethnic groups such as Native...

Cultural celebrations feature entertainment, arts and crafts, and food from a variety of ethnic groups such as Native American, German, Irish/Scottish, Cajun/French, African-American, Caribbean/South American, and Hispanic.

Hours: Sat, Jun 16, 2012 Sat, Jul 21, 2012

Beer to taste from 30 breweries in just three hours? If you're up for the challenge, then head over to the Albuquerque...

Beer to taste from 30 breweries in just three hours? If you're up for the challenge, then head over to the Albuquerque Hopfest. Presented by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, this festival benefits the New Mexico chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. With six hours of live entertainment from five bands and plenty of food, a great time is guaranteed for all.

Hours: October 2012

If you're in Albuquerque over the holidays, don't miss River of Lights at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. New figures and...

If you're in Albuquerque over the holidays, don't miss River of Lights at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. New figures and scenes are added every year with hundreds of thousands of lights, and there are additional festivities such as ice skating (bring your own skates!), carolers and bands, and arts and crafts. Closed on Christmas eve and Christmas day.

Hours: Fri, Nov 23, 2012 Sat, Nov 24, 2012 Sun, Nov 25, 2012 Mon, Nov 26, 2012 Tue, Nov 27, 2012 Wed, Nov 28, 2012 Thu, Nov 29, 2012 Fri, Nov 30, 2012 Sat, Dec 1, 2012 Sun, Dec 2, 2012 Mon, Dec 3, 2012 Tue, Dec 4, 2012 Wed, Dec 5, 2012 Thu, Dec 6, 2012 Fri, Dec 7, 2012 Sat, Dec 8, 2012 Sun, Dec 9, 2012 Mon, Dec 10, 2012 Tue, Dec 11, 2012 Wed, Dec 12, 2012 Thu, Dec 13, 2012 Fri, Dec 14, 2012 Sat, Dec 15, 2012 Sun, Dec 16, 2012 Mon, Dec 17, 2012 Tue, Dec 18, 2012 Wed, Dec 19, 2012 Thu, Dec 20, 2012 Fri, Dec 21, 2012 Sat, Dec 22, 2012 Sun, Dec 23, 2012 Mon, Dec 24, 2012 Tue, Dec 25, 2012 Wed, Dec 26, 2012 Thu, Dec 27, 2012 Fri, Dec 28, 2012 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 Sun, Dec 30, 2012 Mon, Dec 31, 2012

One of the country's top three state fairs, this annual event features rodeo action, carnival rides, livestock and...

One of the country's top three state fairs, this annual event features rodeo action, carnival rides, livestock and agricultural exhibits, horse racing, auto shows, arts and crafts competitions, entertainment at the Indian and Spanish villages, and a wealth of fantastic food. Shoppers will be in their element -- there's a flea market, a farmers market, plus an entire exhibit hall filled with various vendors of everything from homemade crafts to hot tubs. Many concerts and special events require separate tickets, which vary in price. Check local listings, or call for details.

Hours: September 2012

One of Albuquerque's best attended events, the NM Arts and Crafts Fair features works from over 220 regional artists, in...

One of Albuquerque's best attended events, the NM Arts and Crafts Fair features works from over 220 regional artists, in all media, from photography, pastels and oil paintings, to jewelry, furniture, and quilts. The ideal spot to look for gifts.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Jun 22, 2012: 10am - 7pm Sat, Jun 23, 2012: 10am - 7pm Sun, Jun 24, 2012: 10am - 5pm

Since its inception the festival has \\"soared\\" from 13 balloons and 10,000 spectators to nearly 900 balloons...

Since its inception the festival has \\"soared\\" from 13 balloons and 10,000 spectators to nearly 900 balloons and more than a million spectators. For nine days in October, participants come from around the globe to join in the world's most photographed event. Originally held on a shopping mall parking lot, the festival now enjoys the sprawling 350 acres of Balloon Fiesta Park. Magnificent conceptual balloons include a sunflower, an American eagle, and cactus, and Smokey the Bear. To avoid some of the traffic headaches, take advantage of the Park and Ride service ­ call for fees and details.

Hours: Sat, Oct 6, 2012: 5:45am Sun, Oct 7, 2012: 5:45am Mon, Oct 8, 2012: 5:45am Tue, Oct 9, 2012: 5:45am Wed, Oct 10, 2012: 5:45am Thu, Oct 11, 2012: 5:45am Fri, Oct 12, 2012: 5:45am Sat, Oct 13, 2012: 5:45am Sun, Oct 14, 2012: 5:45am

World's largest gathering of American Indians features song and dance competitions, a traders' market with arts and...

World's largest gathering of American Indians features song and dance competitions, a traders' market with arts and crafts, and the Miss Indian World pageant. An excellent opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and tribal traditions of America's first inhabitants. Held at the University of New Mexico Arena (otherwise known as \"The Pit\"), exit #223 off Hwy 25.

Hours: Thu, Apr 26, 2012 Fri, Apr 27, 2012 Sat, Apr 28, 2012

One of the city's most cherished holiday traditions. Thousands of brown bags, each with a candle inside and anchored...

One of the city's most cherished holiday traditions. Thousands of brown bags, each with a candle inside and anchored with sand, line sidewalks, homes and buildings in some of Albuquerque's most scenic neighborhoods. The luminarias are said to light the path for the Christ child. The optimum way to appreciate it, of course, is on foot, but you can also take advantage of the ABQ RIDE tour bus - call for more information 505-243-7433.

Hours: Mon, Dec 24, 2012