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Spring is in the air: 13 things to do this spring in Albuquerque
Mika Markham looks for a heart-shaped ristra during the 2023 Valentine Market at the Albuquerque Rail Yards. Thousands took advantage of the balmy weather to shop at the event Sunday. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal)
Spring has sprung, and it's time to emerge from the cozy comforts of home.
If you're not sure where to get started, check out these things to do in Albuquerque this spring.
Arts and Farmer's Markets
Los Ranchos Growers' and Art Market
Vendors have an assortment of vegetables, eggs, honey, meats as well as breads and pastries. As summer approaches, fruit, basil, beets, carrots, cucumbers and other fresh produce is available.
LOCATION: 6718 Rio Grande NW
HOURS: Spring season (Growers Market):
8 -11 a.m. every Saturday, May 6-Nov. 11
Winter season (Art Market):
10 a.m.-noon every second and fourth Saturday of the month, January-April
Shop for local produce and goods, and enjoy music and entertainment. The market has over 70 New Mexican growers. Yoga starts at 8 a.m. and there are special programs from various local nonprofits with activities for all ages every week.
LOCATION: Robinson Park, 810 Copper NW
HOURS: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, April 13-Nov. 2
Located a few blocks south of Central, this market is in a historic blacksmith shop and plaza in Barelas. Dogs welcome on leashes.
LOCATION:777 First SW
HOURS: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, May-October, special holiday markets in December and February
Events
35th Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show
Sample blazing barbecue, hot salsas, mild and savory marinades and rubs and even feel the kick of sweet and spicy desserts. Explore more than 100 vendors and meet fellow spice fanatics.
LOCATION: Sandia Grand Ballroom, 30 Rainbow NE
DATE: March 1-3. 3-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
COST: $16
Enjoy jousting tournaments, tea with Mary Queen of Scots, Celtic music, comedy shows, belly dancing as well as Celtic family trees and imported goods from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well.
LOCATION: Wildlife Nature Park & Zoo, 87 N. Frontage, Edgewood
DATE: April 5-7. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Kids' Education Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
COST: Children 17 and under are free
Day pass — $27 early bird or $30 after March 1
Weekend Pass — $50 early bird or $65 after March 1
Senior, military, veteran — $15 early bird or $20 after March 1
Join tribes from across the country for the 41st annual Gathering of Nations. The event will include a horse and rider parade, native dances, a Miss Indian World pageant and an Indian Trader's Market as well as authentic native food.
LOCATION: Expo New Mexico, Tingley Coliseum, 300 San Pedro NE
DATES: April 25-27
COST:
General admission single-day — $25
General admission two-day — $45
Gathering of Nations
This event is for those 21 and over only. Experience more than 200 wines from New Mexican wineries across the state. There will also be food and craft vendors as well as live music.
LOCATION: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Alameda NE
DATES: May 25-27
COST:
2 for $45: Limited availability — includes a commemorative wine glass, all-you-care-to-sample wine tasting, and $5 off a bottle of wine.
General admission any day: $30, increases to $35 on May 25
General admission Monday only: $25
General admission military: $25
Designated driver: $10
Get Outdoors
Explore the zoo's new Asia exhibit, or the Botanic Garden, which features a butterfly pavilion and Bugarium as well as more than 30 acres of thoughtfully landscaped gardens. The gardens and aquarium are combined in the cost of one ticket.
LOCATION: 903 10th SW, 505-248-8500
HOURS: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., closed Monday
COST: Admission varies by residency status. Tickets can be purchased online.
This nationally designated historic site hosts more than 150 restaurants, boutiques, museums and historic lodging. The famous San Felipe de Neri Church has been holding mass in Old Town for more than 300 years.
CHURCH LOCATION: 2005 N. Plaza NW, 505-243-4628
HOURS: Open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mass:
7 a.m., 9 a.m. Spanish, 11 a.m. Sunday
7 a.m. Monday
7 a.m. Tuesday
7 a.m. Wednesday
The tram will reopen just in time for Spring Break. It is closed for upgrades until March 14.
LOCATION: 30 Tramway NE, 505-856-1532
HOURS: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, Closed Tuesday
COST:
Round Trip:
$33 — Adults (21-61)
$23 — Children (2-12)
$28 — Young Adult (13-20)
$28 — Senior (62 and up)
$28 — Military
One Way: $22 for all
Museums
The Albuquerque Museum is free on the first Wednesday of every month and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday.
LOCATION: 2000 Mountain NW, 505-243-7255
HOURS: Closed Monday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-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
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The museum recently welcomed a Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, cousin and subspecies to the better known Tyrannosaurus rex.
LOCATION: 1801 Mountain NW, 505-841-2800
HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day but Tuesday, closed on Thanksgiving
COST: $8 for adults, $7 for youth aged 13-17, $5 for children aged 3-12, and toddlers 2 and under are free.
This museum offers hands-on interactive sensory activities the whole family can enjoy. The space has more than 250 exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
LOCATION: 1701 Mountain Road NW, 505-600-6072
HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Monday Toddler Time 9-11 a.m.
COST:
Adults: $11 (12-64)
Children: $7 (1-11)
Infants: Free
Explora Members: Free
Albuquerque
