Pitbull, Blake Shelton headline inaugural ABQ Smoke Show

It’s goin’ down as the Smoke Show comes to Albuquerque for the first time with two days of music, barbecue and more.

Steve Thacher, Activated Events CEO, said there are many reasons to come to the Smoke Show, including the “amazing backdrop of the Sandia Mountains” at Balloon Fiesta Park.

“If you like live music, if you like the best in barbecue …” Thacher said. “And just have a great Friday night or full day on Saturday with your friends and family and drinking some cold beers.”

The event will take place Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, and features headliners Pitbull on Friday and Blake Shelton on Saturday.

“We think by bringing Blake on day two of the Smoke Show is a great follow-up to the past two years at Boots in the Park,” Thacher said. “And bringing Pitbull is a great follow-up to the Taco Fest that we just did there a couple months ago.”

Activated Events is the company behind Boots in the Park and Taco Fest. Thacher said that as New Mexico shows up for events, the company will continue to bring them.

“Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico is wide open for great entertainment, and is received very, very well,” Thacher said.

Aside from the musical acts, the event will also feature a car show, cornhole tournament, tequila tasting, whiskey tasting and more, according to Thacher. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and at noon Saturday, and both days run until 10 p.m.

“Early arrival is always best to beat the traffic and the crowds and all of that, and get your spot,” Thatcher said. “You can bring your folding chairs and set up shop on the field.”

When it comes to the Smoke Show, besides arriving early, Thacher said, make sure to come prepared to enjoy yourself.

“Our advice would just be, come with a great attitude, be ready for a great day,” Thacher said. “Enjoy a lot of great music and barbecue.”

Pitbull, Blake Shelton headline inaugural ABQ Smoke Show