ARTS & CULTURE TRIP IDEAS

Recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, Albuquerque's ethnic tapestry is reflected in its architecture, artwork, cultural centers and cuisine. Albuquerque is home to more than the Native American, Hispanic, and Latino cultures for which New Mexico is well known. In fact, more than 70 different ethnicities call Albuquerque home.

Albuquerque's one-of-a-kind Southwestern culture is in everything around you. In every way possible, the past seamlessly weaves through the fabric of present-day Albuquerque, making it a truly culturally rich American destination. Albuquerque offers abundance and variety to anyone seeking traditional or contemporary art and culture.

Museums

A young boy and man play with bubbles at Explora

With 19 museums, everyone in your travel party is sure to find something to interest them. With topics covering everything from turquoise at the Downtown Turquoise Museum to hot air balloons at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum to nuclear science at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, you could spend days in our museums. Museum patrons will learn about the history of Albuquerque dating back to 1700 and beyond, teens may enjoy learning about how the personal computer was invented in Albuquerque and the little ones can have fun learning through hands-on science experiments at Explora.
See a complete list of museums »

Festivals & Events

Special shape hot air balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The city's festivals and special events provide an additional look at all of the unique cultures that blend together to create Albuquerque. From food festivals celebrating all things chile to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta highlighting hot air ballooning, annual events are a great way to choose the timing of your visit.
Discover featured events »

Coupons & Deals

Get coupons and discounts for arts, cultural and theater events and attractions in Albuquerque.

Getaway Packages

Discover great getaway packages to help plan your trip.

Events

Find art, history, culture and heritage, Native American and more events on our ABQ365 events calendar.

Day Trips

Media Mentions

Road Trip: 7 Things You Can Only See or Do Around Albuquerque - Denver Post

Albuquerque: Unique Arts, Culture, and Natural Beauty - Go World Travel

How Albuquerque Became the Unlikely Flamenco Capital of North America - Thrillist

Great Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month – (in) Albuquerque - Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc.

7 Places to Visit to Responsibly Experience Native American Culture - Tinybeans

A Flamenco Capital - AAA Explorer NM

6 Unique Summer Festivals Worth Attending - Trazee Travel

Cultural Centers

Zuni dancers perform at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center courtyard.

To dig a little deeper into the cultures of this area, plan a visit to one of our cultural centers. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is owned by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico and provides a great introduction to Native American culture. Highlights include weekend Native American dances by tribal dance groups, informative exhibits, an excellent gift shop and the Indian Pueblo Kitchen.
Learn more »

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a community center, an arts venue and a teaching facility all in one. Permanent and changing exhibits inside of the Art Museum offer an intriguing look at Hispanic art and artists throughout the world. The center is also home to North America's largest concave fresco called "Mundos de mestizaje," which depicts more than 3,000 years of Hispanic heritage. Additional attractions include a performing arts center and a gift shop.
Learn more »

Visit the KiMo Theatre

A view of the intersection at 5th St and Central in Albuquerque. The KiMo Theater is on the corner.

Opened in 1927, the KiMo Theatre in downtown Albuquerque is a tribute to "Pueblo Deco" architecture. Pueblo Deco was a flamboyant, short-lived architectural style that fused the spirit of the Native American cultures of the Southwest with the exuberance of Art Deco. The original movie house along Route 66 has been renovated and is now open for live theatrical performances, movies and cultural events. Visitors may view the inside of the theatre during office hours Tuesday-Saturday.
Find out more »

Historic Old Town

Shopping in Old Town

Into history? Love to shop? Want to take a piece of New Mexico home with you? Historic Old Town is a great place to start. The city was founded, in what is now called Old Town, in 1706 with a traditional Spanish plaza design. The San Felipe de Neri church congregation has operated continually since 1706. The current building was built in 1793. Shoppers and art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Old Town district at the intersection of Rio Grande Boulevard and Central Avenue, which is home to 150+ shops, galleries, boutiques, art studios, restaurants and museums. Shop for Southwestern pottery and Southwestern paintings. ABQ Tours offers history, ghost and specialty tours.
Discover Old Town »

Historic Nob Hill

Four people walk in the parking lot of the Nob Hill Business Center.

The historic Nob Hill neighborhood is full of eclectic shops, galleries and boutiques. The walkable district plays up on its Route 66 heritage with neon signs and unique architecture. Nob Hill is a hot spot for unique shopping, dining and entertainment. It's not only a place where locals frequent, but a popular spot for visitors as well.
Learn more about Nob Hill »

Visit a Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo, said to be the longest continually inhabited community in the United States, is about 45 minutes west of Albuquerque. Visiting the pueblo and the Sky City Cultural Center provides an intriguing look at pueblo culture - past and present.
More on Acoma Pueblo »
Learn what to know before you go »
Pueblo Feast Day schedule »

See a show

Inside Kimo Theater

More theatrical performances take place every weekend in Albuquerque than in any other U.S. city of its size. Find everything from musicals, comedies and live dramas to first-person historical reenactments, improvisational cabaret, Shakespearean classics, new work by emerging playwrights and more.
Find a theater »

Flamenco

Two flamenco dancers perform while an audience watches

When you come to Albuquerque, you step foot in the Flamenco Capital of North America. Here, you'll be able to find thrilling flamenco performances from world-class artists. Each June, Festival Flamenco Alburquerque takes over the city, with a week of special flamenco performances.

More about Casa Flamenca »
More about Tablao Flamenco »
More about Flamenco Works, Inc. »