ABQ To Do Visit Albuquerque Visitors Guide

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ABQ Kid’s Rock Festival

It’s going to be a wonderful evening on the plaza. See you here 8/10/19!

Civic Plaza Presents announces the fifth annual ABQ KIDS ROCK FESTIVAL, a fun event with a focus on young people that features a live animal show, musical performances by kids, a rock climbing wall, acrobats, magic, kids’ crafts, jumpers, vendors, a visit from and AFD fire truck, games, food trucks and much more (including beer and wine for the adults)! ABQ Kids Rock Festival is also a fundraiser for supplies for Albuquerque Public School students in need.

Check out all we have in store for you:

The ABQ Kids Rock Fest will also feature performances by several students of the ROCK 101 NM MUSIC ACADEMY. This group of kids share a deep love for music and have been learning how to collaborate with each other in a band setting. Their proficiency and ability to rock are impressive. The instructors at the Rock 101 NM Music Academy are accomplished musicians from well-known local bands and their moto is “Empowering Albuquerque youth through music.” That commitment will be amply evident at the ABQ Kids Rock Fest.

The evening closes with the Top Kid 2019 – 5th Annual Youth 1.vs.1 Bboy/Bgirl Battle, an urban dance competition for kids ages 7 to 15 put on by The Dancing Turtle and Check-It Productions. A variety of categories are available for kids to compete in with over $200 in cash prizes (details can be found on the Free Soul Battle event page). The Free Soul Battle: Top Kid Edition 2019 is a high energy, fast paced, and crowd inclusive highlight that will be great entertainment for all.

The OFFCenter Arts Arts will be on site with a kids’ craft area. Come check out the NEW Civic Plaza fountain & splash pad, along with the new playground. In addition, Civic Plaza’s Imagination Playground, a large collection of big foam shapes designed by award winning architect David Rockwell, will be available for kids to play and build with. The City of Albuquerque Public Arts Department will have games and chalk art. This is a *FREE* event but there will be a small fee for the various jumpers, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Albuquerque Public Schools Educational Foundation for school supplies for students in need.

All Civic Plaza Presents events are family friendly / dog friendly / bike friendly. Parking is available beneath the plaza for a small fee, and free parking is available in the area.

Downtown Summerfest

Free, family, fun, concert-series.

2019 Downtown Summerfest - Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers on Wood

Saturday, August 3, 2019 | 5-10 p.m. | Civic Plaza  

This free family-friendly event features fun for the whole family including an artisan market, microbrew garden, food trucks and live entertainment from local and national acts in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque.

Performers

National Headliner – Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. Over the course of his still-unfolding career, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has released 15 albums ranging from horn-fueled soul and R&B to piping hot blues to fiery rock ‘n’ roll. He’s performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows. Castro’s band, The Painkillers and after hundreds of live shows, they have coalesced into one of the telepathically tightest units Castro has ever assembled, making them one of the most in-demand live roots music acts performing today. Billboard says the band plays “irresistible contemporary blues-rock” with “street-level grit and soul.”

Entertainment Schedule

Main Stage

  • 5 p.m. – Merican Slang
  • 6 p.m. – The MoonThieves
  • 7 p.m. – Str8 Shot
  • 8:30 p.m. – Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

2019 Downtown Summerfest - Opening Bands Main Stage

Funk-super group, Merican Slang began as a side project of members of several Albuquerque acts who came together to form a band with a truly Merican, Democratic approach to music making. The result is a unique sound that blends Merican-funk with southern rock. The band tours the US performing at premier venues and festivals throughout the Southwest and has shared the stage with a variety of international acts.

The MoonThieves are one of New Mexico’s most exciting live experiences. Their sound is a blend of roots-rock, blues, New Mexico ranchera and alternative Latino cumbia. The band draws on influences from the magical, high deserts of the Land of Enchantment. This four-piece band fills the air with a unique sensual grit and energy that is all at once danceable, daring, wily, fun and unforgettable.

Str8t Shot is a New Mexico Music and variety that was established in 2013. They quickly gained popularity with their unique style and ability to get people on the dance floor. The five-piece band was honored with a Quince Grandes de Nuevo Mexico Music Award in 2016 for Para Que Vivo. Str8 Shot has no plans to settle down, they love to entertain audiences around the Southwest and will continue to spread their lively music.

Microbrew Garden Stage

  • 5 p.m. – Michael Moxey & The Easy Sinners
  • 6 p.m. – Tracey Whitney
  • 7:15 p.m. – Phil Rocker
  • 8: 30 p.m. – Innastate

2019 Downtown Summerfest - Opening Bands Microbrew Garden Stage

Michael Moxey & The Easy Sinners are a boot scootin’, Western-Americana, alt-country, band that originated in New Mexico and features an all-star group of national and local musicians. Their new album “Heartbreakers Rodeo” released in July. Their first album, “LUCK,” was nominated for best country album in the New Mexico Music Awards in 2018.

A former “Raelette” with the legendary Ray Charles, L.A. native Tracey Whitney, began performing with The Whitney Family at age 11. After touring with Ray, she spent 5 years singing solo in Japan before returning to her roots in Los Angeles. Since relocating to Albuquerque in 2012, she’s been thrilling audiences throughout the city with her unique brand of classic jazz and sophisticated soul in some of the city’s most notable venues and was named “The Best Place for Jazz” in Albuquerque the Magazine’s December 2018 issue.

Colombian born, Phil Rocker, has single-handedly grown the rockabilly genre in his home country and continues to share his music at festivals all over the world.  Rocker’s debut album VIVA-BOP!!! Is the first step in the search for a unique sound that identifies Phil as a Latino rock ‘n roller with a unique and important perspective. His sounds draw influence from the traditional musical heritage of Columbia and blends with his love for rock n’ roll.

Innastate is a contemporary reggae band from the high-desert of New Mexico. The band originated in New Mexico, has been together since the spring of 2014 and has gained momentous acclaim in their brief existence. The band’s musical influences span many genres, creating a brand of reggae and rock that is modern yet honors their Indigenous heritage, musical roots and love of music. The sounds they create reflects on the human experience, spiritual themes and environmental issues. Innastate believes in the power of music to connect people.

Food & Drink

Grab a bite to eat from your choice of many local food trucks. Adults can unwind from the week with a glass of the best beer, spirits and wines from the Albuquerque Convention Center on the Plaza and from local breweries, wineries and distilleries in the Microbrew Garden. Enjoy drinks from Abbey Brewing Co.Boxing Bear Brewing Co.Broken Trail Spirits & BrewQuarter Celtic BrewpubRed Door BrewingSheehan WinerySidetrack Brewing Co.Tractor Brewing Co. and Hollow Spirits Distillery.

Artisan Market

Shop local! Browse through a variety of handcrafted items made by local artisans ranging from pottery, housewares, and baked goods to clothing, body products and jewelry. There will be plenty to choose from and these local artisans have what you’re looking for.

Children’s Activities

The kids’ area is full of fun activities including free face painting, inflatable bounce houses and a 25-foot rock climbing wall presented by the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department.

Getting There

Parking

Free parking will be available from 4-11 p.m. in the parking garage directly under Civic Plaza. (View Map)

Street parking, paid parking lots and garages are available in the surrounding area, please be sure to follow all parking laws.

Bike Valet

Take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center.

Event Specifics

Downtown Summerfest is free to the public. Pets are welcome on leashes. This is a rain or shine event.

Best of Rio Rancho Party 2019

Rio Rancho The Magazine invites you to come celebrate THE BEST OF RIO RANCHO 2019. Please join us Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7 PM at The Stage at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel. This is a free 21+ event open to the public, you must bring valid ID to attend. We will be honoring the winners of this year’s inaugural Best of Rio Rancho awards. There will be happy hour drinks and food available. You will not want to miss it!!

Route 66 Summerfest

Free, family, fun, concert-series.

2019 Route 66 Summerfest - Magic Giant on Wood

Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 5-10 p.m. | Historic Nob Hill 

This free event features fun for the whole family including the Old Route 66 Car Show, Mother Road Art Market, Kids Zone & Youth Central, food trucks and live entertainment in Nob Hill on Central Ave. from Girard Blvd. to Washington St. Join us!

Vendors

The application for this event is closed for vendors.

Performers

National Headliner – Magic Giant

Los Angeles based American indi-folk band Magic Giant was described “Cool as Folk” by LA Weekly after their Coachella performance. The band has been thrilling growing crowds at every stop along its 70-city North American and European tour, celebrating the release of its debut album In The Wind. Magic Giant’s style has been described by NPR as “upbeat, passionate indie-folk” and by Billboard as inspiring “mass dance-alongs.” The band’s current single “Window” leaped into the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary and Adult Pop charts; and the new acoustic album debuted in the iTunes Alternative top 25.

Entertainment Schedule

Main Stage: Central Ave. & Girard Blvd. 

NM Jazz Festival Stage: Nob Hill Shopping Center

Route 66 East Stage: Central Ave. & Graceland Dr.

Food & Snacks

Great food and delicious beverages can be found on just about any corner in Nob Hill. Grab a bite to eat from a local food truck or relax in one of the many restaurants in the area for libations, ask about their specials.

Mother Road Art Market

Shop local! Browse through a variety of local handcrafted artisans ranging from pottery, housewares, and baked goods to clothing, body products and jewelry. There will be plenty to choose from and these local artisans have what you’re looking for.

Don’t forget to stop by local boutiques and businesses throughout Nob Hill, in and around the event.

Kids Zone & Youth Central

The kids’ area is full of fun activities including free face painting, an inflatable bounce house, slides and games and two 25-foot rock climbing walls, presented by the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department.

Old Route 66 Car Show

Car enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy seeing the variety of show vehicles parked down Central Ave. in the Old Route 66 Car Show.

All show cars are welcome! If you would like to participate, entries may register the day of the event on-site for $20 or preregister for $15: 2019 Old Route 66 Car Show Registration Form. For more information call Nob Hill Main Street at: 505.923.0759.

Nob Hill Main Street Logo Nob Hill Main Street

Visit the area of Tulane Dr. from Central Ave. to Silver Ave. and see it transform as Tractor Brewing Co. hosts Chalk Art Fest, a battle of the sidewalk. Seven artists will create sidewalk chalk art prior to Route 66 Summerfest and compete during the event for a cash prize. See which local artist will prevail as the champion.

Stay tuned for more Nob Hill Main Street announcements.

Getting There

Free Park & Ride

Parking is available at the lot on the southwest corner of Lomas Blvd. and University Blvd. (View Map) Free buses will run from the lot to Johnson Field throughout the event.

Parking

Parking lots and street parking is available in the surrounding area, please be sure to follow all parking laws.

Bike Valet

Skip traffic on the road, stick to the trails and take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center.

Event Specifics

Route 66 Summerfest is free to the public. Pets are welcome on leashes. This is a rain or shine event.

Lavender in the Valley Festival

 

Don’t miss the Lavender in the Valley Festival July 14 & 15 2018 from 10 am to 5 pm. The beautiful Purple Adobe Lavender Farm in Abiquiu will host its lavender festival at the farm. There is a $5.00 admission fee to enter the farm. Purple Adobe Lavender Farm will have many things to pique your interest, including Sim Balkey and his country Western band and Cowgirl Cafe for BBQ lunch unter the big tent. Come and enjoy the lavender gift shop, fabulous local artists including artist Woody Galloway, artist Tracy Turner. Enjoy continious complimentary tours through the lavender fields. Learn about lavender and the story of the farm. Visit the tea house for yummy lavender desserts and berverages. Serving 100% gluten free scones and desserts, along with lavender teas, lavender gelatos all made fresh at the farm. Take a walk through the labyrinth, or just sit under the giant cottonwood trees. Any way you look at it there is plenty to do here at the lavender farm. Visit other businesses in Abiquiu for more lavender fun, Abiquiu Inn, & Bodes. Find us between mile marker 210 & 211, just look for the purple flags to find us and other lavender participants. See you at the farm…. where the healing begins.

Los Ranchos Lavender and Garlic Festival

Free Admission. Silent Auction. Food and entertainment.

Beautiful and Unique jewelry, pottery, woodwork, needlecraft, visual art, sculpture, soap, wind chimes, Lavender and Garlic and fresh seasonal local produce, jellies, pastries, plants, & herbs.

This 18th annual event will begin the week of lavender events in the village. The market will feature fresh cut lavender bouquets, lavender plants, special lavender products, various types of garlic, and special products featuring garlic. Classes and demonstrations will be held in a large tent by the handball courts.

New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta

New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta

Starts : Jul 12th 2019, 01:00pm MDT
End: Jul 12th 2019, 11:00pm MDT
Starts : Jul 13th 2019, 11:00am MDT
End: Jul 13th 2019, 11:00pm MDT
Starts : Jul 14th 2019, 11:00am MDT
End: Jul 14th 2019, 07:00pm MDT

The Duke City Tattoo Fiesta is a great, safe way for people to get tattoos….

Rio Rancho Annual Pork & Brew

16TH ANNUAL PORK & BREW

JULY 5 – 7, 2019

The 16th Annual Pork & Brew as seen on “The Cooking Channel’s Carnival Eats” will return to the Santa Ana Star Center July 5 – 7. Bringing together the best barbecue vendors from around the region, this three-day festival featuring BBQ, beer, live music and interactive family activities will be one of the biggest events of the summer.

The 16th Annual Pork & Brew, hosted by Visit Rio Rancho, features an indoor/outdoor format, ensuring the many thousands of expected attendees can enjoy all the festival has to offer rain or shine. This is quite possibly the best way to kick off your 4th of July weekend this summer in New Mexico.

Between chomps of fantastic BBQ, fair foods and sweets, you can check out local arts and crafts, music and even take the kids for a face painting, petting zoo and a few trips through the fun jumps. There will also be kid’s watermelon and adult pie eating contests twice daily.

No “BBQ Bucks.”  Vendors accept cash and credit cards for payment.

Event Times:
Friday, July 5, 2PM – 8PM
Saturday, July 6, 11AM – 7PM
Sunday, July 7, 11AM – 5PM
 
General Admission: $6
Adults 65+ and Kids 3-12: $4
Kids Under 3: Free

Buy Tickets Now

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Entertainment Schedule – Coming Soon!

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Santa Ana Star Center – Map & Directions

More Event Info

The Pork & Brew, New Mexico’s Original Food Festival is hosted by Visit Rio Rancho and is one of the State’s longest running food festivals.

More Event Info

The Pork & Brew, New Mexico’s Original Food Festival is hosted by the Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau, with close to 15,000 in attendance each year has become one of the largest events in New Mexico.

Participants and Vendors

Visit the Pork & Brew Info Page for participation details.

No pets allowed, service animals only. 
Alcoholic beverages purchased inside must be consumed inside. 
Alcoholic beverages purchased outside must be consumed outside. 

Red, White, and Balloons

The Balloon Museum Foundation is hosting the Red, White, and Balloons 4th of July celebration from 5pm-10pm on the Balloon Museum lawn. This family friendly event will offer the best view of Freedom 4th fireworks from the museum grounds. Featuring live music & a balloon glow prior to the firework show!

Visit our website for your ticket or stop by the Museum gift shop to get yours!

EVENT HINT: PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AND PARKING PASS TODAY FOR DAY-OF EASE. WE CAN SEND YOU A BALLOON MUSEUM PARKING PASS PRIOR TO THE EVENT TO HELP WITH DAY OF PARKING. BALLOON MUSEUM TRAFFIC DOES INTERSECT WITH FREEDOM 4TH TRAFFIC.

Ticket Options

Lawn seats: $10 per person
Access to outdoor lawn and amenities. You may bring your own picnic and lawn chairs.
Children under 16 are free.

Reserved Outdoor Tables
Tables of 4 are $10 each and tables of 8 are $20 each. Limited number available. Reserve online or call 505-880-0500.

VIP Outdoor Sweet Seats
$25 per person

Outdoor Seating
Reserved Adirondack chair
Gruet Sparkling Wine
Gourmet cookies-Rude Boy Cookies

Limited Availability. Reserve today
Stars & Stripes Dinner Package
$35pp

Balcony Access & Indoor seating
Gourmet BBQ catered meal
Cash Bar.

Limited Availability. Reserve today.

Schedule of Events
5PM Gates and Balloon Museum parking open.

5PM Foodtrucks. Cashbar. Lawn activities.

6PM Stars and Stripes Reserved Ticket Dinner VIP indoor viewing gallery and museum balcony. Reserve today. Tickets will sell out.

7PM ALBUQUERQUE CONCERT BAND patriotic performance.

8PM CLAUDIO TOLOUSSE BAND performance.

8:30PM RAINBOW RYDERS Hot-Air Balloon Glow. (weather permitting)

9PM FIREWORKS! View the largest Freedom 4th city display from Balloon Museum grounds and above the crowds.

Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation | 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Freedom Fourth

2019 Freedom 4th - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Wood with True Health

Thursday, July 4, 2019 | 3-10 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park  

Join us at Balloon Fiesta Park to celebrate our country’s Independence Day. Enjoy the largest firework show in the state with food, local beer in the Microbrew Garden and free children activities during Freedom 4th, presented by True Health New Mexico.

Vendors

The application for this event is closed for vendors.

Performers

National Headliner – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

With 53 Years and counting, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in country-rock and American-roots music, continues to add to their legendary status. Their 1972 groundbreaking “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame. NGDB’s recording of “Mr. Bojangles” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2014 “Fishin’ In the Dark” was certified platinum for digital downloads by the Recording Industry Association of America and in 2016 their concert film airing on PBS, “Circlin’ Back – Celebrating 50 Years” won an Emmy Award for Special Event Coverage. The band’s accolades include multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top ten hits such as “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles”, multiple Grammy, International Bluegrass Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards and nominations.

Entertainment Schedule

  • 4 p.m. – Tylor Brandon
  • 5:15 p.m. – Joseph General and High Vibration
  • 6:30 p.m. – Sister Mary Mayhem
  • 7:35 p.m. – 4th of of July Ceremony – The Star Spangled Banner performed by Robyn Christian
  • 7:45 p.m. – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
  • 9:15 p.m. – Fireworks

2019 Freedom 4th - Opening Band 1

Tylor Brandon is a country music band based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born out of deep desire to get back to the root of old country music, the five-piece came together to form a group unlike any other in New Mexico. Tylor Brandon is all about showcasing the best in country music from all generations, and putting on a show to keep people on their feet, two-steppin’ the night away.

Joseph General and High Vibration began by fusing unity through the power of music. This multi-award winning, 6-piece reggae group is composed of some of Albuquerque’s top musicians and is considered a premier reggae band in New Mexico. With love and positivity at the heart of their message, the band delivers uplifting sounds and are determined to get audiences bobbing and swaying to their music.

Local rock band, Sister Mary Mayhem features the powerhouse vocals and bass grooves of Tess Fresquez. Tess is accompanied by the keen percussive acoustic and electric guitars and vocals of Jon Lee, the smooth melodic guitar riffs and vocals of Doug Miller and the solid percussive backbone drummer, Tommy Pannullo. The group’s intense sound, dynamic set list and precise musical talents converge with playing together for more than a decade. Influenced by Heart, Pat Benatar and Journey, this band rocks and entertains audiences all around New Mexico.

Admission & Transportation

Freedom 4th is free to the public and is a rain or shine event.

Getting There By Car

All parking at Balloon Fiesta Park is $10 per vehicle upon arrival. CASH ONLY PLEASE. 

Balloon Fiesta Park can be accessed off of the Southbound Frontage Road to Balloon Fiesta Parkway. (View Map)

Park & Ride

Beat the traffic with Park & Ride Service. With two locations on each side of town, it is sure to be accessible to all. Catch a ride from either the Cottonwood or Coronado Mall location.

Bus service to the event will start at 3 p.m.and end at 8 p.m. Return trips to the two Park & Ride locations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks show. The last bus will leave Balloon Fiesta Park at 11 p.m.

Park & Ride Rates

  • Adults: $1
  • Seniors 62 & Up and Handicapped Citizens: .35 cents
  • Students (age 10-18): .35 cents
  • Children 9 and Younger: Free

All rates are round trip. Exact change is neededCASH ONLY PLEASE. 

*Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride buses.

Get There By Bike

Skip traffic on the road, stick to the trails and take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center. (Map)

RV Registration

Enjoy the view of the fireworks from the comfort of your own RV. Overnight RV camping space is available the night of Thursday, July 4th. To reserve your spot today, complete and submit a registration form and fee. (Registration Form)

Food & Drink

Freedom 4th will feature Albuquerque’s favorite sweet and savory treats from local food vendors. Enjoy a variety of delicious food such as grilled burgers, fried chicken, roasted corn and turkey legs from local food vendors. Stay cool and grab a cold beverage, some ice cream or a snow cone.

Microbrew Garden

Visitors can also head to our Microbrew Garden for a great view of the main stage and grab a beer, wine, or spirit from one of many local establishments such as Abbey Brewing Co.Bosque Brewing Co.Boxing Bear Brewing Co.Broken Trail Distillery & BreweryCanteen BrewhouseHollow Spirits DistilleryLa Cumbre Brewing Co.Left Turn DistilleryLost Hiker Brewing Co.Marble BreweryQuarter Celtic BrewpubRed Door BrewingSheehan WineryStarr Brothers Brewing CompanyThe 377 BreweryToltec Brewing and Tractor Brewing Co.

Children’s Activities

Freedom 4th will be a great time for all ages. Bring the children for free fun including jumpers, two rock walls, free face painting and more!

Be in the Know

Permitted Items:
– Chairs
– Service Animals
– Umbrellas
– Tents or Conopies*
– Coolers*
– Strollers
* All tents and canopies must be staked down.
* Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride buses.
* All coolers and bags will be searched upon entry.

Prohibited Items:
– Alcoholic beverages
– Glass containers of any kind
– Drug Paraphernalia / Weapons
– BBQ Grills
– Pets
– Fireworks

Freedom 4th is free to the public. This is a rain or shine event.