by Kyla Romero on
1 Explore the past.
Journey into the rich archaeological and living history of New Mexico with tours and hands-on activities involving ancient tools and weapons during the state Archaeology Fair on Saturday, which lands in Santa Fe this year. “We bring archaeology to all of the communities of New Mexico,” says state archaeologist Cortney Wands. To properly represent the archaeology of each part of the state, events change each year based on where the fair is held, guaranteeing a unique experience every time.
At the Center for New Mexico Archaeology in Santa Fe on Saturday, activities should spark many curiosities, including atlatl throwing, flintknapping, and clay pot making. Throughout the day, tours of the Archaeological Repository occur at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. Listen to experts discuss a range of different archaeology throughout New Mexico. “This is an opportunity to learn about what is in your backyard,” says Wands. The fun goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free for all.
2 Watch balloons rise with the sun.
See balloons of vivid colors, unique designs, and unexpected shapes with the annual return of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which kicks off Saturday and runs through October 11. From 13 original balloons at the first fiesta, the fest now hosts more than 500 hot-air balloons across a 78-acre launch field. Start the morning at 4:30 a.m. with a chilly autumn breeze, a delicious breakfast from any of the onsite vendors, and the anticipation of seeing the balloons begin to glow. Before the official mass ascension, watch the Dawn Patrol lift off in the dark. At 6:30 a.m., the unique balloons take shape and eventually float into the morning sky.
The fun doesn’t stop there, including one-third of a mile for vendors offering endless food, treats, souvenirs, and more. Pick up a trinket to remember the day with more than 20 artisans presenting Southwestern artistry from jewelry to textiles and small-batch specialty foods. For those who prefer to sleep in, the fiesta also offers evening sessions featuring balloon glows and other events from 3 to 9 p.m. Purchase your tickets for a day at the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world at balloonfiesta.com/purchase tickets.
The adventure doesn’t end as the balloons land—keep the fun going with these additional events:
Balloons!, Albuquerque
Step into the art scene of Old Town during the Balloons! Art show at Amapola Gallery. Every day of the fiesta, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the gallery hosts balloon-themed art and artists through paintings, glass art, jewelry, photography, woodwork, and more. Explore more than 40 local artisans' creations following the theme to honor one of the biggest events in New Mexico. Visitors not only get to observe the art, but can also interact with select artists. The show continues throughout the entire month of October.
Balloon Fiesta New Mexico Musicians Showcase, Albuquerque
Join Tiny Grocer ABQ as it uplifts local performing artists during the Balloon Fiesta New Mexico Musicians Showcase, starting Friday through October 11. On the patio of Tiny Grocer ABQ, listen to talent including Josh Martin of Rose Signet on Friday, Casey James on Saturday, and Damián Luna on Sunday. The showcase continues as a range of artists perform throughout the week, including Hilda Kirschner, Hello Darlin’, and Lasotras. After Friday night’s show, each performance begins at noon and ends at 2 p.m.
Experimental: Beyond the Standard, Albuquerque
After watching the majestic mass ascension, explore the innovation it takes to create hot-air balloons at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum’s newest exhibition, Experimental: Beyond the Standard. The show explores the innovation of ballooning through home-built balloons, unconventional designs, and specialized aircrafts. Once your hunger for knowledge is satiated, grab a real meal at various food trucks including Desert Sky on the Fly, Stan’s Coffee and Scones, and the Munchie Truck. The museum also presents activities including a virtual balloon ride, lectures, and a screening of The Balloonists at the Anderson Family Theater. View a full schedule of related events at nmmag.us/balloon-events.
IPCC Balloon Fiesta Week, Albuquerque
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC), the center is hosting a week full of cultural experiences and special dances during IPCC Balloon Fiesta Week from Friday through October 11. On Friday, experience special dances from Ohkay Owingeh at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, explore, meet and greet, and shop at the American Indian Arts Festival, featuring 60 Native artists and vendors in the courtyard, as well as a full lineup of Pueblo dancers. Within the center, visitors can explore three different exhibitions and take a picture with the mini version of Eyahne on the Horizon, IPCC’s hot-air balloon featured in the Balloon Fiesta. For ticket information, visit indianpueblo.org/hours-prices.
3 Hunt for a treasure from the Earth.
Make your weekend sparkle with seemingly endless gemstones and minerals during the Albuquerque Fall Gem and Mineral Show at the EXPO New Mexico Creative Arts Building. From Friday through Sunday, explore more than 70 dealers presenting a variety of gemstones, mineral specimens, jewelry, beads, and cabochons. The show also presents unique items to spark the curiosity of adults and children alike, including fossils, stone art, tools, and slabs. The show begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free for all.
4 Get a mountain high.
Celebrate autumn in the mountains of Ruidoso as AspenFest returns for another year on the first Saturday of October. Begin the day at 10 a.m. with a “Harvesting Adventure”–themed parade to kick off the celebration of fall and mountain culture. As the parade ends at 11 a.m., festivities begin at Wingfield Park, where you can see performances from local artists including Nova Rush, Doso Dirtbags, and Mammoth Cults. Make your way to a variety of food vendors and explore New Mexico flavors with local wine and beer too.
5 Raise a glass to October.
This Saturday starting at 3 p.m., prepare for an evening of tall glasses and family fun during the first-ever Truth and Consequences Oktoberfest at Healing Waters Plaza. In the heart of the hot springs town, sip the official festbier, an Oktoberfest Lager from the Truth or Consequences Brewing Company, and kick back while listening to performances from the funky Date Street 5 and the bluesy CW Ayon. The fest includes a selection of delicious foods, including traditional German bratwurst plates along with Southwest flavor at food trucks and vendors. Fun for kids includes games, puzzles, a bouncy castle, balloon animals, and face painting. The evening concludes with an after-dark Biergarten and an energetic Plaza Stomp.