Albuquerque is a special place to visit during the fall. Crisp mornings give way to bright fall days as trees turn magnificent shades of red, orange and yellow. Albuquerque is a mustvisit destination during the fall months, with unique activities ranging from chile roasting to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® takes place Oct. 5-13, 2024. More than 550 hot air balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park, painting Albuquerque’s skies with an array of colors. Spend an early morning eating a breakfast burrito while walking among the inflating balloons, or attend an afternoon session to see the balloons glow as the sun sets. Even if you miss out on Balloon Fiesta, hot air balloons fly year-round in the city. Fall is a great time to take to the skies in Albuquerque, where you’ll see the cottonwood trees lining the Rio Grande change colors.
If staying on the ground is the preferred option, walk along one of the many paths in the bosque, the name for the cottonwood forest around the Rio Grande. Hop on a bike to see even more of the river, or take a specialized tour with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Explore things like top taco joints or murals in downtown Albuquerque. For breathtaking views, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which soars above the Sandia Mountains up to the 10,378-foot crest. Admire the expansive views of the city, or explore the mountains from one of the numerous hiking trails that begin near the tram.
In Albuquerque, Dia de los Muertos - or Day of the Dead - celebrations take place from late October to early November. Families remember deceased loved ones and honor them by building offering altars called ofrendas, where sugar skulls are placed, along with other offerings. Numerous events happen throughout the city to honor the holiday. Dia de los Muertos in Old Town takes place Oct. 25-Nov. 3, 2024. Old Town Albuquerque, where the city was first founded, will be decorated with thousands of marigolds and papel picado flags. Wander through the walkable neighborhood to discover ofrendas with different themes, along with a community ofrenda in the center of Old Town Plaza. Other highlights include a Catrina parade, a candlelight procession and classic car shows. Day of the Tread is a fun bicycling event that celebrates Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. Come dressed in your best from Oct. 26-27, 2024 to win a race or simply ride for fun.
It wouldn’t be fall in Albuquerque without the smell of roasting green chile permeating the air. Chile is the defining ingredient of New Mexican cuisine. It comes in two varieties: red or green. Fall is chile harvest season, and many grocery stores and other stands offer fresh green chile for sale where they will roast it for you. To pick your own green chile, head to Big Jim Farms. The family that owns Big Jim Farms has been growing green chile for more than a century. Big Jim Farms also offers a pumpkin patch and different workshops where you can make your own salsa using ingredients fresh from the farm, or learn how to make a signature red chile ristra.
Photo Credit: Ron Behrmann