Albuquerque is unique!
Rich in culture and history, we have a city that’s thriving today with all kinds of creative expression. From film to food to flamenco, Albuquerque is a city that’s bursting with talent. Every day, every week, every month, we have so many ways to enjoy literary arts, music, theater, and more— with plenty of free and low-cost options. What a reason to celebrate!
Artists
Art Lovers
“We want to invite everyone to celebrate art in all kinds of ways,” says Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director of Arts & Culture. “We can embrace art in all its forms and discover new ways to find richness and meaning in our lives. There are so many ways to be involved and to support the creatives of our community as well as to boost our own creativity and connection to the world around us!”
As we expand this #TakePart campaign, subscribe to this monthly newsletter and get recommendations on what to do and where to go. Look for billboards around town. Find details on our Authentically ABQ homepage and connect with us on your favorite social media platform @ABQToDo. Use the hashtag #TakePartABQ to show us what the arts mean to you! Stay tuned, get connected, be inspired, and take part, Albuquerque!
5 Things To Do in April
Celebrate National Poetry Month
Did you know Albuquerque has had a robust poet laureate program since 2012? Anna C. Martinez is the 2022–2024 Albuquerque Poet Laureate, the author of Pura Puta: A Poetic Memoir, and is featured in the new collection Open-Hearted Horizon: An Albuquerque Poetry Anthology. Published by UNM Press, the collection showcases more than 60 Albuquerque-based poets writing about the 505. Celebrate Poetry Month by purchasing a copy of the book, purchasing books by other local poets, and checking out poetry events happening at bookstores and other venues around the city.
Watch a Film at the Annual Film Symposium: Power of Our Stories
This free six-film festival kicks off at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on April 10 and ends April 13. Register for tickets and learn about other upcoming NHCC events by stopping by NHCC in person or visiting the website.
Visit the Albuquerque Museum
This month’s Third Thursday Free Event highlights the interdisciplinary artistic work of Marcella Ernest, assistant professor of art history at UNM and member of the Ojibwe tribe. Her project Across the Lake combines film, photography, historical records, and more. While you’re there, don’t miss the Coast to Coast to Coast: Indigenous Art from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection exhibit before it closes on April 21.
Make a Wish for ABQ!
Albuquerque turns 318 this year! Come to Old Town on Saturday, April 20 for treats from local food trucks, free face painting, and performances from Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana, Mariachi Tenampa, and Baracutanga.
Gathering of Nations
Having started in Albuquerque in 1983, the Gathering of Nations has become the world’s largest PowWow. From April 25 through April 27, thousands of people will come together to sing, dance, crown the Miss Indian World Pageant winner, and otherwise celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions.
