Here are 7 free things to do in Albuquerque this November

If you are looking for some activities that won't break the bank, here are seven free events during November.

Events range from museums, performances, fairs and much more.

15th Annual Navajo Rug Auction

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of New Mexico, is free to the public and hosts various events. One highlight is the 15th Annual Navajo Rug Auction, taking place on Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This auction is the museum's largest annual fundraiser, providing critical support for its programs and activities.

Viewing occurs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the auction starting at 1 p.m. Weavers receive 80% of the final bid price, while the Maxwell Museum retains a 10% buyer's premium. Learn more about the auction.

A More Beautiful Question

"A More Beautiful Question" is a contemporary dance show created by eight talented dancers at the Keshet Dance Company. The performance will feature six brand new works, offering a diverse and original mixed repertory experience.

The show premieres at the Keshet Center for the Arts on Nov. 1, with additional performances on Nov. 2, 8 and 9. After the show on Nov. 2, attendees are invited to a special post-show reception where they can meet the artists. All performances begin at 7 p.m., and a free ticket option is available, made possible by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

South Broadway Cultural Center

On Nov. 2, the Albuquerque Art Program will host its annual Día de los Muertos celebration at SBCC, marking the center's 29th year participating in this tradition. The event will feature an art exhibition known as ofrendas, allowing the community to honor their departed loved ones. Opening night is set for Nov. 2, with an artist reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A second reception is scheduled for Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both receptions and the exhibition in the gallery are free and open to the public

The Real Matt Jones Concert

Join The Real Matt Jones, an alt-country/new-country band from Albuquerque, for a free concert at East Mountain Library on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. The Real Matt Jones has performed globally, won awards for both musicality and songwriting and has shared the stage with international stars like Rod Stewart.

The event is funded by the New Mexico Music Commission and the Friends of the Public Library.

Día de los Muertos Celebration

Old Town Albuquerque will host its Día de los Muertos celebration Oct. 25 to Nov. 4. Stroll through Old Town, listening to live music and exploring shops and plazas adorned with orange and yellow marigolds to see why it’s called the “Marigold Mile.” You can also take an ofrenda tour to view over 24 ofrendas, which are used to welcome the souls of deceased family members into homes.

A Family Day celebration will take place on both Saturdays, featuring activities such as screenings of “Coco” and “The Book of Life,” a Catrina Parade and papier-mâché sculptures. To view the full Family Day schedule, click here.

A Word with the Author

Join author D.J. Green at the Placitas Community Library on Nov. 9 for a discussion about her debut novel, "No More Empty Spaces." This novel, winner of the 2024 International Book Award for Best New Fiction and the Next Generation Indie Book Award for General Fiction, tells the story of a divorced American geologist who brings his children with him to work on a troubled dam in a remote, rugged part of Turkey. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is perfect for anyone interested in reading, writing or geology.

Social Argentine Tango Classes

Puerta al Tango, a tango school in Albuquerque, offers a free introductory class to social Argentine tango every Monday until Nov. 11. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and is a great way to learn a new style of dance. It's casual, so there's no need to dress up, and you can wear any shoes you're comfortable in.