Spotlight: 2026 New Mexico State Fair
Our beloved State Fair happens this year from Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 20, once again at EXPO New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE). This year’s theme celebrates “100 Years of Historic Route 66,” and on Saturday, Sept. 12, catch the Route 66 Parade Day and Classic Car Shows. Musical guests include the rock band Everclear and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker. For unlimited rides, get the Mega Ride pass for $35, which includes admission. For additional info about deals, discounts, vendors, food, theme days, events, and everything else fair-related, visit statefair.exponm.com. All tickets are available for purchase online now!
5 Things To Do in September
Howl with the Wolves
Howl with the New Mexico Ice Wolves as they start their new hockey season on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 PM against the Odessa Jackalopes. This game, along with all other home games, take place at Outpost Ice Arenas (9530 Tramway Blvd. NE). Tickets start at $18. For the full schedule, ticket packages, team details, and more, visit nmicewolves.com.
Turn Pink
The 8th annual New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival returns to the Gutierrez Hubbell House (6029 Isleta Blvd SW) on Friday, Sept. 18 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and Saturday, Sept. 19 (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) with a delightfully pink assortment of treats and activities. Try your hand at a prickly pear watercolor class, learn from award-winning chef and Chopped contestant Justin Pioche, or sample prickly pear margaritas, desserts, and other goodies. The historic house, which was built in the 1860s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has existed as a trading post, stagecoach stop, post office, and private residence. Linger inside for lectures and workshops on gardening, sustainability, and all things prickly pear.
Go Bad
On Saturday, Sept. 19, local writers Johnny Horton, Ana June, and Marie Landau will join musician Mauro Woody for an evening of performance, prose, and poetry for the Bad Mouth Series of Words & Music, an Albuquerque literary event started in 2015. The event begins at 7:00 PM and takes place at the q-Staff Theatre (400 Broadway Blvd SE). Snacks and beverages will be available, and the majority of donations will go to the Mariposa Fund.
Find Joy
In partnership with the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation and Bookworks, the Leopold Writing Program hosts three-time US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo at the KiMo Theatre Saturday, Sept. 26. Harjo, who is of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, studied at the University of New Mexico and the Institute of American Indian Arts and is the author of twelve books of poetry, including Cloud Runner, which will be released in October. Tickets are $15; the event begins at 6:00 PM.
Get Folky with it
The Albuquerque Folk Festival returns to the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 26. From 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, experience more than 100 events including music and dance workshops, performances, an instrument petting zoo, storytelling, and special activities at the Children’s Tent (learn how to hula or do a magic trick!). Bring your instrument to participate in jam sessions—as the organizers say, “You can check your instrument for free from 8:00 AM. to 8:00 PM, so there’s no excuse not to come ready to jam all day.” Golf carts will be available to help transport visitors. Parking is free. Food, drinks, merchandise, and crafts will be available for purchase. For ticket prices and additional event details, visit abqfolkfest.org.
