Winter Wine Festival: held in mid-January, this festival celebrates local wine and food. The city is alive with smells and sights of delicious cuisine and tasty wine. Samples are on offer for everyone.

Albuquerque Festival of the Arts: this is a performing arts festival showcasing dance and theatre performances by up-and-coming artists. Shows are held at different venues across the city and tickets can be bought on the night with pre-booking unnecessary.

Candelaria Day: celebrates traditional dance with performances held across the city at various locations. It is a time for the city to come together and remember its historical roots through the art of dance

National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show: this culinary event is held in early March and celebrates local cuisine, in particular the preference for fiery food. Chefs and locals gather to prepare some well-known and loved dishes, which everyone can try. There is a carnival-type atmosphere, with many street parties being held.

Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival: this event takes place in mid-March and sees artists from all across the country gather together at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque to showcase their work. Many artistic pieces are for sale to visitors.

American Indian Week: this cultural festival celebrates American Indian heritage and sees many events taking place including the Gathering of Nations Powwow. This is the world's largest gathering of American Indians and is a real cultural extravaganza. It is a must-see if you are visiting in April.

Cinco de Mayo Fiestas: held in early May, this state-wide event celebrates the re-establishment of the Mexican Republic after the conclusion of French occupation. It sees street parades; street stalls selling a wide range of Mexican cuisine and partying, which often carries on through the night.

New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair: this fair takes place in late June and showcases the works of over 200 New Mexican artists. It is held at the State Fairgrounds and sees hundreds of visitors each day. It is the perfect place to pick up a couple of souvenirs and gifts for those back home.

Summerfest: this unique event takes place every Saturday night in June and sees many celebrations of cultural diversity. Features include; food, entertainment, arts and crafts, and literature.

Pride Weekend Festival: this is a major event for many people in the city. Gay Pride sees hundreds take to the streets in a peaceful demonstration asking for equal rights as well as showing their self-pride. There is a festival atmosphere and the street becomes awash with colour from the many extrovert costumes that can be seen out in full force.

Independence Day: celebrated across the entire country, this public holiday is held on the 4 July and sees everyone out and about having picnics, partying and enjoying firework shows. National songs are sung, national dishes are eaten and national alcohol is consumed. It’s a time for families and friends to enjoy themselves, wherever they may be.

Eight Northern Pueblos Artist and Craftsman Show: held in late July, this event sees over 600 Native American artists exhibiting their work at the eight northern pueblos. It is an excellent opportunity to experience a glimpse of native culture as well as a chance to pick up some unique artwork.

Labour Day: this much loved weekend is celebrated with fireworks, parties and musical performances. Everyone across the city stops work and lets their hair down in what is always an action-packed weekend.

New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo: held in early September, this popular event features horseback racing, a rodeo, performances by famous country artists, livestock shows and much more.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: in 1972, Albuquerque won a bid to host the 1973 World Hot Air Ballooning Championships and since then, colourful balloons have become a regular sight in the city’s skies. Albuquerque is now the official balloon capital of the world and every year, it hosts the week-long International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts thousands of pilots, balloons and avid spectators from across the world

New Mexico State Fair: is billed as the greatest show in New Mexico. It is more than just an agricultural show, hosting professional rodeo events and livestock shows. Stalls sell corn on the cob, cotton candy and other delights, and there are numerous carnival rides. Other attractions include arts and crafts, various animal events and concerts.

Luminaria Tour: held on 24 December, this event is deep-rooted in Albuquerque tradition. Thousands of brown bags are weighted with sand and illuminated with candles in preparation for Christmas Day.

Christmas Day: despite losing much of its religious significance, Christmas Day is still a family-orientated celebration involving present-opening, carol singing, feasts and decorations.

New Year’s Day 1 January
Martin Luther King Day Monday in January
George Washington Day Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day 4 July
Labour Day First Monday in September
Columbus Day Monday in October
Veterans’ Day 11 November
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day 25 December