Discover how Albuquerque breweries support local artists through exhibits, merch, and events. Plus, explore 5 things to do in July—from Shakespeare in the park to the Lavender Festival.

Spotlight: Local Breweries

Pilsners and paintings. Lagers and lithographs. Kolsch and collages. Ask any local brewer: art and beer go well together. What makes Albuquerque’s impressive local beer scene even better is the local art so many companies display, promote, and otherwise support. Thirsty Eye Brewing, for example, consistently displays work inside its brewery and regularly collaborates with Exhibit/208 Gallery next door—explore the Octomanos collection featuring work by Sandy Hill, Marianne Hall, Maude Andrade, and Jennifer Pretzeus that ends Saturday, July 5. Juno also has dedicated wall space for local art, while Differential Brewing Co. spotlights an artist every month (currently, this artist is Ryan Kieffer).

Look to the merchandise too: Albuquerque-based artist David Santiago, also known as St. Jame, creates custom designs for Tractor Brewing Co., while Boese Brew Co. features original work by artists including Adam Billie, Jaque Fragua, Kim Schneider, Cody St. Arnold, and Max Yardbird (Yardbird was also recently featured at Red Door Brewing). “We always try to work with individuals so the money goes straight to the artist,” says Boese co-owner George Boese. “We try to support however we can.”

Albuquerque breweries are a go-to for excellent live music, of course, but they also often host literary and art-focused events. Tap into the events calendars for Bosque Brewing Co., Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Ex Novo Brewing Co., Painted Lady Bed & Brew, and many other companies. And don’t miss Unhinged Brewing‘s local vendor and artists market on the second Sunday of every month. For a list of local breweries and to download the Albuquerque Craft Breweries Map, check out Visit ABQ’s guide.

5 Things To Do in July

Get Albu-Quirky

Show love to our city and support this Adobe Theater’s performance fundraiser by seeing the play A Year in Quirky Town, written by local playwright Terri Klein and directed by Cameron Illidge-Welch. This original, debut story follows a struggling actor who gets stuck in Albuquerque after her car breaks down along her journey back home to Kansas from Los Angeles. Her unique, eccentric experiences in the 505 give her fresh perspectives on her career and personal life—even the tram makes an appearance! Show nights are July 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 PM. Tickets range from $17 to $26.

¡Bailamos!

On Thursday, July 10, celebrate the efforts of three different youth groups performing in the Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana summer recital, complete with traditional Mexican music and costumes. The show starts at 6:00 PM at the South Broadway Cultural Center. Tickets are $7 for seniors and children aged 3 to 12; adults are $15; and children under the age of 2 are free.

Sun & Shakespeare

The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival continues into July with Much Ado About Nothing (directed by Stephanie Grilo) on July 3, 5, and 6. Then, Othello (directed by Zoe Burke) closes the festival on July 10, 11, and 12. All performances begin at 7:30 PM, are free and open to all ages, and are at the Veterans Memorial Park at 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, 87108. The non-profit organization, which was founded in 2010, will also offer Coriolanus in October.

Viva la Mariachi

Leyendas del Mariachi, Mariachi Las Catrinas, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000, and other celebrated musicians will gather on Saturday, July 12, at the Sandia Casino Amphitheater for the 2025 Mariachi Spectacular. The all-ages concert begins at 7:00 PM and will also feature a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Paso Del Norte. Tickets start at $56.50 and can be purchased directly through Sandia Casino.

The Sweet Smell of Summer

Burque’s dry heat is just right for fragrant lavender to thrive. Enjoy the blooms and all they inspire with week-long festivities at the 18th Annual Lavender in the Village, starting on Saturday, July 19 with the Lavender Soirée. The “farmhouse chic” dinner, which will feature lavender-infused dishes and cocktails and is sponsored by Rio Grande Community Farm, goes from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Harnett Park in Los Ranchos. Throughout that following week, check out lavender-related art work, crafts, treats, and workshops (create a lavender sachet for free!), leading to the Lavender Festival from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 26—this year it will be at Balloon Fiesta Park. Children under the age of 4 are free; tickets start at $7.56. To purchase tickets and get more info, visit the Lavender in the Village website.

Table of Contents

A vibrant evening scene at a hot air balloon festival, with colorful balloons glowing against a twilight sky above a lively crowd gathered around dining tables and illuminated tents. Text reads, "Creative Compass October 2026."

The Creative Compass | October 2026

Discover things to do in Albuquerque this October, from Balloon Fiesta and fall festivals to arts, live performances, Halloween events, film, markets, and more.

The Creative Compass | September 2026

Discover Albuquerque’s best arts and culture events this September, from the New Mexico State Fair and new theater productions to poetry, folk music, and more.

The Creative Compass | August 2026

Discover Albuquerque’s best arts and culture events this August, from classes at the Albuquerque Museum and the NM Glass Arts Festival to new theatre productions, Route 66 lectures, and the In Rhythm Fest.

The Creative Compass | July 2026

Discover Albuquerque’s best arts and culture events this July, from Route 66 Summerfest and live music to glass art, family festivals, and World Cup watch parties.

Artistry in Focus: Thomas Christopher Haag

Step inside the creative world of Albuquerque artist Thomas Christopher Haag as he reflects on meditation, travel, spirituality, and the unconventional path that led him to painting. In this conversation, Thomas shares how intuition, community, found materials, and the New Mexico landscape continue to shape his work, murals, and creative practice.

Neon-lit Route 66 sign glowing over a busy street at dusk with vibrant city lights in the background.

The Creative Compass | May 2026

Explore Albuquerque’s arts and culture scene this May 2026, featuring the reopening of the West Central Route 66 Visitor Center, Route 66 Remixed public art installations, live music, festivals, exhibitions, and creative events happening across the city.

Art Every Day Of The Week

When you start to look, you’ll see art everywhere in Albuquerque. Use this calendar to find an arts and culture event near you. Take a friend, bring your kids, or go on your own. Become a part of the arts and culture community in Albuquerque. You’ll be glad you did.