33rd ANNUAL RIO GRANDE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL:

BALLOON FIESTA SHOW

Oct 6-8 & 12-15, 2023 | @ SANDIA RESORT & CASINO | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

 

ART

JURIED FINE ART & FINE CRAFT

This juried show features the work of 200 fine artists and craftspeople from throughout the U.S., offering tourists and residents a unique, world-class art experience. Each artist sells their own work directly, and the overall selection of works is carefully curated to offer a wide range of prices & styles. 

ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

Discover live music all day long in our outdoor pavilion; enjoy tunes from Syd Masters and the Swing Ryders, Oscar Butler, Zoltan & the Fortune Tellers and more! The outdoor pavilion is shaded with lots of seating and food options. Mariachis will stroll through the tent in the mornings to add a pep in your step! Kiddos can also enjoy entertainment each day, including magicians and The Recycle Man.  

FOOD & DRINK

CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Also beyond the big white tent is our Culinary Arts tent, where attendees can browse & sample handmade soups, dips, salsas, chocolate, honeys & more. If you’re hungry for lunch or breakfast, you can take a break and grab a locally sourced burrito, or enjoy a cold craft brew or margarita while taking in the views and music!

FESTIVAL DETAILS

ABOUT THE EVENT

Started in 1989 at the intersection of Paseo & I-25, this art show has grown into a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s attractions during the Balloon Fiesta. This particular Rio Grande Festival is one of the most renowned art festivals in the region, most recently being ranked #4 in the USA for Top Fine Art Shows of the Decade (Sunshine Artist Magazine). The legendary ‘big white tent’ has a completely unique marketplace atmosphere – bordered on one side by Sandia Resort’s modern Pueblo architecture and a PGA-level golf course on the other. Set in the heart of the action at the same intersection as the Balloon Fiesta itself, views of the hot air balloons floating overhead in the mornings do not disappoint!

From pottery & paintings to jewelry & textiles, there is a little something for everyone – from the new art enthusiast to the experienced collector.  In addition to shopping the 200 booths of artwork & fine craft, attendees enjoy live music, cocktails, a culinary market, kids’ entertainment, and food vendors.

PLAN YOUR VISIT & BUY TICKETS

Dates & Times:

Friday – Sunday | October 6-8
Thursday – Sunday | October 12-15

After the balloons go up!
Doors open at 9 daily. The festival closes at 5 each day, except the final Sunday (10/9), it concludes at 3. 

Admission:

  • $13 Day Pass
  • $20 Festival Pass – admission to all show days for both weekends (non-transferrable)
  • $35 Grande Pass – unlimited admission to both Rio Grande shows (this event and The Holiday Show). Free parking at Expo New Mexico included. (non-transferrable)

Children under 12 are FREE!

Location:

This festival takes place at Sandia Resort & Casino, in the big white tent near I-25 & Tramway! 30 Rainbow Road, Albuquerque NM 87113

If you’re coming from Santa Fe, head South on I-25 to Albuquerque, exit Tramway and turn left at the light. Go East on Tramway and you will see Sandia Resort on your left. Take a left on Rainbow Road into the resort, and follow the signs to the parking garage.

If you’re coming from the south side of Albuquerque, head North on I-25, exit Tramway and turn right at the light. Go East on Tramway and you will see Sandia Resort on your left. Take a left on Rainbow Road into the resort, and follow the signs to the parking garage.

Parking at Sandia is free in the lot across the street from the tent. This event is handicap accessible, but please note that there is some unpaved natural terrain surrounding the tent. Inside the tent is fully carpeted with turf.

Pet Policy:

Service animals only.

ARTISTS

See gallery to see who participted in our 2022 event!

To view the full event program from 2022 (list of vendors), click here. 

Are you an artist or craftsman interested in showcasing your work at one of our festivals? Please click here for applications & opportunities.

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

2022’s lineup featured the following entertainers & musicians:

  • Oscar Butler
  • Syd Masters & the Swing Riders
  • Pink Elephant Magic Show
  • Turquoise Blues Band
  • Zoltan & the Fortune Tellers
  • Mezcla Latina
  • Sid Fendley
  • Larry Freedman
  • Watermelon Mountain Jug Band
  • Bad Habit Duo
  • John Polinko Magic
  • Joe Debonis & Kevin Hughes

2022 Artist Gallery

OFFICIAL POSTER ARTIST OF 2022

Meet Amado Pena Jr.! Amado’s artwork is defined by its bold color, form and dynamic composition. Through his art, he communicates his vision of a land, its people and their art inspired by places such as Canyon de Chelly, Spider Rock, Monument Valley, Enchanted Mesa, Acoma, and Black Mesa. These sites are part of an enduring landscape that speaks of the ancient heritage of a region that is now known as Arizona and New Mexico. Meet him and ask him to sign your festival poster in booth B1-3!

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