Balloon Fiesta Guide: Downtown ABQ
Balloon Fiesta happens this year, October 3 - 11, bringing with it a population increase of just over 850,000 people. With that many new visitors, we’re offering a guide to get you started exploring the heart of the city. Downtown Albuquerque is a major neighborhood for the arts with multiple music venues, theaters, galleries, and events. The neighborhood also offers one of the largest selections of locally owned coffee and tea shops, and culinary options range from local to international flavors. Enjoy the city’s longest-running farmers’ market, take a walking tour of the neighborhood, or catch an improv show. Downtown has something for everyone!
early morning
After you’ve experienced the morning mass ascension, head Downtown for more Albuquerque excitement!
Downtown Growers’ Market : Saturdays: 8 am - Noon at Robinson Park. Go HERE.
Walking Tours: Sign up for one of our guided walking tours, OR take a self-guided tour by pulling up the map and information on your phone and following along. Go HERE.
Coffee & Tea Shops: Find the full list HERE.
Breakfast Locations: All of these spaces are open starting at 8 am or earlier.
Carrie’s Restaurant at the Clyde Hotel
Char at Hotel Andaluz
DWNTR at ARRIVE Hotel
Balloon over Downtown Growers’ Market
12 downtown abq tips
Sister Bar and New Mexico Pinball host free pinball meetups every Tuesday evening starting around 6 pm.
Second Street houses two blocks of women-owned businesses, including Sidetrack Brewing Co., Zendo Coffee, The Bloom Stone, Flyby Provisions, and A Good Sign.
OffCenter Arts offers FREE space, supplies, and more for art-making of all kinds. Go HERE for open studio times.
Downtown has a rave store, bookstore, vintage & apparel shops, a mushroom store, crystal and plant store, a hat shop, and more for local shopping.
Albuquerque’s longest-running comedy show, The Show, happens every Friday and Saturday evening at The Box Performance Space & Improv Theatre.
For pool lovers, check out Anodyne Pool Hall.
Downtown has one speakeasy, Founders. For the password to enter, go to foundersabq.com
The entire month of October, Launchpad hosts one of the largest cover band festivals in the nation! Every weekend is a new lineup of local bands performing as famous bands during the Night of the Living Cover Bands.
The Main Public Library has a used bookstore in the basement and hosts a monthly book and media sale event, this month on Saturday, October 10. https://www.friendsofthepubliclibrary.org/book-sales
ABQ Artwalk is a free monthly event bringing together local artists and businesses. Download/save October’s map HERE. October 3: 5 - 9 pm.
Every Saturday, join the Downtown Growers’ Market at Robinson Park for Albuquerque’s longest-running farmers’ market. Celebrating 30 years this year. 8 am - Noon through November 7.
The Rising High Arts Festival is taking place from October 8 - 18 at FUSION with a variety of performances, festivals, and concerts. Happening Sunday, October 11, as part of the festival, join the Downtown Arts & Cultural District for the ABQ Fermentation & Fungi Fest on Sunday, October 11 from 10 am - 5 pm. Tickets are available ahead of the event and on the day of.