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5 low-cost and free things to do in Albuquerque in October

Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer

Published October 17, 2023 - 3:27 p.m. Modified June 17, 2025 - 8:35 a.m.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may be over, but there is still plenty to do in and around Albuquerque.

Here are five low- to no-cost things to do in October.

Fall colors in the bosque

Get outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures and changing colors in the bosque.

The bosque is an open space that runs alongside the Rio Grande full of easy walking and biking trails, scattered along Albuquerque's West Side.

LOCATIONS: Alameda/Rio Grande Open Space; Open Space Shining River Parking Area; Coors Bosque Trails; Bosque Trailhead

Visitors Center 6500 Coors Blvd NW, 505-768-4950

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

COST: Free

Albuquerque Museum

Walk through the exhibitions of art and history, as well as world-traveling exhibits and community curated exhibits.

LOCATION: 2000 Mountain NW, 505-243-7255

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Monday

COST: Free every first Wednesday of the month and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday

Other days:

Adults out-of-state: $6

Adults in-state: $5

seniors 65+: $4

children ages 4-12: $3

children 3 and under: free

Outdoor farmers markets

WIC and SNAP benefits double at farmers markets, for every $2 you spend, you will receive $2 in Double Up Food Bucks.

Downtown Growers Market

This market offers local produce, prepared meals, life music, art and community.

Season: Saturdays, April 15-Nov. 5

8 a.m. to noon

Robinson Park, 810 Copper Ave NW

Rail Yards Market

Peruse a selection of seasonal local produce, produce boxes can be pre-ordered by Thursday at 9 a.m. for a pickup on Sunday. Subscribers save 10%.

LOCATION: 777 first SW

Season: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays May-October

Los Ranchos Growers' Market

Each week, the produce options are posted on the market's Facebook page.

Available produce ranges from roasted chile, fruits and various greens to honey, beef, baked good and salsas.

LOCATION: 6718 Rio Grande NW

SEASON: 8-11 a.m. Saturdays through Nov. 11

Central Swing Blues & Fusion Halloween Masquerade Costume Dance

Come and experience swing dancing and blues, whether you are a novice or expert, this event will have something for everyone.

Hosted by Wingtips & Windsors Dance Events and 505 Blues Dance Events, the swing dancing and blues-fusion will be held at separate ends of the studio.

The swing lessons begin at 7 p.m. and dancing begins at 8 p.m.

The blues-fusion lessons will begin at 8 p.m. and dancing will begin at 9 p.m.

LOCATION: Maple Street Dance Space, 3215 Central NE, 505-366-4982

TIME AND DATE: 7-11:45 p.m Oct. 21

COST: $12 or free for volunteers. Interested individuals can apply to volunteer by messaging Wingtips & Windsors on Facebook.

Rio Grande Community Farm Maize Maze Fall Festival

Enjoy all the fall favorites such as hay rides, pumpkin picking and painting, chile picking and roasting, farm animals, food trucks and games.

Saturday's events will also feature sheep shearing and garden demos.

There will also be llama walks and chile ristra stringing for an extra fee.

This event is a fundraiser benefiting the farm's programs, which aim to provide equitable access to farmland and education in food justice, climate resilience and biodiversity to underserved communities.

LOCATION: 1701 Montaño NW

HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21-22

COST: Tickets can be purchased online.

Family four-pack: $25

15 and up: $10

4-14: $5

3 and under: free