KUIA Fall Favorites in Albuquerque: 2025 Guide for Families & Adults
Albuquerque in the fall is pure magic — hot air balloons dot the sky, chile roasters fill the air with that unmistakable scent, and the community comes alive with festivals, food, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a night out without the kids, here are some of the best fall 2025 events and activities in Albuquerque.
🎈 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
📍 Balloon Fiesta Park, 9401 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
📅 October 4–12, 2025
The world’s premier ballooning event, featuring mass ascensions of hundreds of hot air balloons, evening balloon glows, fireworks, and tons of local food. Perfect for families and adults alike.
🌾 Harvest Festival at ABQ BioPark
📍 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
📅 October 4–5, 2025
Celebrate autumn at the Botanic Garden and Aquarium with live music, artisan vendors, kids’ discovery stations, and seasonal treats. A great option for families who want a day outdoors.
🎬 Albuquerque Film + Music Experience (AFMX)
📍 Multiple venues in Albuquerque — check schedule for details
📅 September 24–28, 2025
A five-day festival featuring independent films, live music, industry panels, and community events. While many screenings are best for adults, there are also family-friendly options depending on the program.
🎶 Old Town Open Mic Nights
📍 Historic Old Town, 2005 N Plaza St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
📅 First weekends of October and November 2025
Head to Old Town for a cozy evening of local music, spoken word, and community gatherings. Many events lean adult-friendly, though some performances are suitable for all ages. A perfect fall night out.
🧡 Big Jim Farms (U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & More)
📍 3521 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
📞 (505) 459-0719
Big Jim Farms is a local favorite in the North Valley — a true U-pick destination. Their seasonal offerings include the pumpkin patch (mid-September through end of October) , green chile U-pick, sunflower & flower fields, farm animals, and workshops.
What to expect / tips:
No admission fee just to visit; you pay for what you pick (pumpkins, chile, flowers).
Open daily during harvest season: 8 am to 6 pm
Great photo ops: vintage tractors, fall décor, fields of pumpkins.
They host a Harvest Festival with music, face painting, etc. during pumpkin season.
🎃 McCall’s Pumpkin Patch
📍 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty, NM 87035
📅 Saturdays & Sundays, Sept 20 – Oct 26, 2025; Fridays Oct 10, 17, 24 (12 pm–6 pm)
The Pumpkin Patch includes a corn maze, pedal karts, a country store, and plenty of fall atmosphere.
🏃 Albuquerque Turkey Trot 2025
📍 Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
📅 November 27, 2025
Schedule & Highlights
Tot Trot: 8:15 am
Little Turkey Mile (1 mile): 8:30 am
5K Warm-Up led by Olympians: 8:55 am
5K Run/Walk & 10K: start at 9:00 am
Awards & Raffle: ~10:15 am
Additional Info & Features
Packet pick-up: November 26 (10 am – 6 pm) at Sid Cutter Pavilion, Balloon Fiesta Park.
Along the course: pie stop, cranberry station, photo walls, vendors, snacks & drinks
Registration tiers, kids’ & family distances available
👉 Register & see event details
🐐 Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch
📍 3001 Civic Center Cir. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
📅 Daily, Sept 27 – Oct 31, 2025, 9 am – 6 pm
This patch features more than pumpkins — a giant corn pit, petting animals (goats, miniature horses, ducks, etc.), paintball, mini-golf, and more family-friendly activities.
👉 Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch
🚡 Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway (Tramway)
📍 30 Tramway Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Ride above the city to stunning views from ~10,378 ft elevation. A perfect fall outing for adults and families alike.
💀 Día de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque
📍 Historic Old Town Plaza, 200 N. Plaza St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
📅 October 24 – November 2, 2025
This multi-day celebration features altars (ofrendas), art installations, the iconic Catrina procession, Marigold Mile, live music, and community events.
👉 Día de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque
Also, if you like spooky history tours, check out the Dead-icated Día de los Muertos Tour from Oct 29 to Nov 2 in Old Town — it’s a guided 75-minute walking tour of altars, local history, and folklore.
Whether you’re planning a family day at the pumpkin patch or a fall date night in Old Town, Albuquerque has plenty to enjoy this season. Save this list and make the most of fall 2025!
