This post was originally published on this site
This content originally appeared at The Paper. (abq.news). Read it here: https://abq.news/2025/05/summer-travel-guide-music-festivals-of-nm/
There are plenty of excuses to avoid international travel during the 2025 summer season – from the economic to the environmental to the political. So why not stick close to home this year? With a little imagination, you can find all sorts of reasons to carpool around our fair state this summer. You could go in search of great food. Or prime fishing spots. Or scenic camping areas. You could explore historic ghost towns. Or visit some museums. Or head to the nearest state park to take in a little nature. Those are all fine ideas, and we heartily encourage them.
But this summer The Paper. is keeping its eyes and ears open for fabulous concerts across the state. It’s a great way to explore New Mexico and a perfect opportunity to hear some music in your favorite genre, be it blues or reggae, country or rock, folk or classical.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, New Mexico is home to dozens of incredible music festivals, many of which fall during the sunny summer months. So why not fill up your cooler, top off your tank and pile your family into the car for a tune-filled summer road trip?
Here are some of our top suggestions from around the state for summer 2025. Drive safe, wear sunscreen, and don’t forget your ear protection.
ALBUQUERQUE
Summer Concerts
May through September
Sandia Casino
Sandia Amphitheater starts off the casino’s summer concert season with a major county mash up: Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson (May 23). Dirty South rapper Ludacris follows (June 26). Mexican folk music gets a night to itself with the annual Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque (July 12). Reggae rockers Dirty Heads spark it up (July 18), followed by hard rockin’ blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa (Aug. 9), country star Tim McGraw (July 11 & 12) and country singer Dustin Lynch (Sept. 26). Prices vary. Tickets are available now through etix.com.
Summer Concerts
June through September
Isleta Resort & Casino
Isleta, located just south of Albuquerque, is home to the 2,200-seat indoor Isleta Showroom and the outdoor 15,000-seat Isleta Amphitheater Amphitheater, both of which are hosting a slew of concerts this summer. Head down to the Amphitheater for country singer Tyler Childers: On the Road, (June 5), post-punkers Pierce the Veil: I Can’t Hear You World Tour (June 17) and platinum-selling country singer Dierks Bentley: Broken Branches World Tour (June 21). Members of Styx, REO Speedwagon and The Eagles join forces for Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour (June 28). Spanish-American pop band The Marias Submarine Tour hits July 15. Country star Jason Aldean Full brings his Throttle Tour on July 24. Post-grunge rockers Creed’s Summer of ‘99 Tour arrives Aug. 4), while nouveau hippie alternative rockers Counting Crows: The Complete Sweets Tour follows on Aug. 5. Southern blues rockers Alabama Shakes (Aug. 8), early-’80 Brit metal band Def Leppard (Aug. 12) and country content provider Lainey Wilson Whirlwind Word Tour (Aug. 15) adds to the list. From there it’s on to alternative rockers Collective Soul + Live Summer Unity Tour (Aug. 18), Southern blues rockers Whiskey Meyers + Tedeschi Trucks: Live in 25 (Aug. 19), early-aughts boy band Big Time Rush: In Rea Life Worldwide (Aug. 22) and skate punks The Offspring: Supercharged Worldwide in 25 (Aug. 26). A crowded August closes out with thrash metal legends Pantera (Aug. 31). Alt-rockers Goo Goo Dolls join with Dashboard Confessional on Sept. 9. Hip hop duo $uicideboy$ Presents Grey Day Tour on Sept. 10). And Country pop singer Jordan Davis brings his Ain’t Enough Road Tour on September Sept. 20. Concerts are individually priced, and season passes are available. For tickets go to livenation.com. Over in the Showroom, we start out with comedian/country musician Rodney Carrington (June 7), country music singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson (June 20) and stadium-packing ’70s guitarist Peter Frampton (June 27). Rock icon Joan Jett & The Blackhearts tears it up on July 18. The disco-era funk of KC and the Sunshine Band drops Aug. 2. Californian country singer Gary Allan (Sept. 6) and Texican rock ’n’ roll group Los Lonely Boys close out the summer (Sept. 16). For ticket prices and info, go to etix.com
Summer Concerts
June through August
Route 66 Casino
Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino (just West of Albuquerque in pea-sized Rio Puerco) opens up its season with rock/folk/blues singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow (June 8). That’s followed by ‘80s hair metal icons Tesla (June 28). Smooth soul vocal group The Spinners glides in on July 26. Neotraditional country group Midland arrives on Aug. 9. And classic Canadian rockers Bachman-Turner Overdrive (give or take a Bachman or two) close out the season on Aug. 23. To check out all the offerings and the prices of each, head over to rt66casino.com/legends/.
Summerfest
June 14, July 19 & Aug. 2, 5 to 10 p.m.
North Domingo Baca Park, Nob Hill & Ventana Ranch Community Park
Ger ready for food trucks, beer tents, kids activities, vendors and a full day of entertainment featuring plenty of local bands and national headlining acts. As always, this annual neighborhood celebration sets up the tents for a good, old-fashioned street fair in three different parts of Albuquerque over the course of the summer. Heights Summerfest (June 14) lands in North Domingo Baca Park with Afro-Cuban soulshaker Cimafunk. Route 66 Summerfest in Nob Hill (July 19) offers six-piece multi-genre Latin/hip hop/reggae/funk band Ozomatli as its national headliner – which is guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Westside Summerfest brings the celebration to a close on Aug. 2 at Ventana Ranch Community Park. Headliners have yet to be announced for that one, but you can bet on a groovy lineup of local bands to start things off. Admission is free for all three! For more info, go to cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest.
Freedom 4th
July 4, 3-10 p.m.
Balloon Fiesta Park
The City of Albuquerque’s annual Independence Day event at Balloon Fiesta Park offers loads of food and drink, plenty of vendors to shop from and acres of grass for your family to picnic on. (No alcohol, grills or glass bottles, please). All-day entertainment comes via a fine selection of local bands and a headlining concert from multi-instrumentalist and platinum-selling country pop artist Hunter Hayes. This exceptional day in the park is topped off by a massive fireworks display. Admission is free, but parking will set you back $10, so you might want to consider getting there via bike, rideshare or Park & Ride locations. (You can dig up more info at cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/freedom-4th.)
ABIQUIU
Blossoms & Bones: Ghost Ranch Music Festival
Sept. 11 – 13
Ghost Ranch
This one’s got it all: sophisticated music from around the globe, late-night dance parties, early-morning yoga and camping smack dab in the middle of one of New Mexico’s most iconic art destinations. Abiquiu’s Blossoms & Bones festival brings a celebration of music to Georgia O’Keeffe’s summer home beginning September 11 and features Lucy Dacus, Santigold, Durand Jones and the Indicators and Hermanos Gutierrez just to name a few. One-day passes start at $135, and both days will cost you at least $235. But there are a ton of upgrades to check out such as “glamping” tents and other bougie lodgings. Visit ghostranchmusicfest.com for the music schedule, ticketing and cool extras such as info about late-night stargazing adventures. Camping spots are sold separately from festival passes on a first come, first served basis. The spots are a variety of sizes and offer porta potties and drinking water stations, but there are no water or power hookups, so prepare accordingly.
ANGEL FIRE
Angel Fire Bluews Fest
July 11-12, 3 to 9:30 pm.
Liberty Square Park
This year’s Angel Fire Bleuws Fest promises “Blues, Brews and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.” An epic partnership between Angel Fire Resort and New Mexico Brewers Guild accounts for the titular mash-up of “blues” and “brews.” In addition to offering some of our state’s best beers on tap, the festival gives attendees an opening night lineup featuring The Silver Skies Blues Band and Chris Dracup: Funk of the West (July 11). On Saturday, July 12, it’s traditional blues purveyors Stanlie Kee and Step In, powerhouse pianist Eden Brent and legendary blues rockers The Fabulous Thunderbirds (of “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up” fame). The event is billed as family-friendly and free to attend. Out-of-towners are encouraged to spend the night in one of Angel Fire’s beautiful guest resorts, so be sure to book ahead! Get all the info you need at visitangelfirenm.com/bluews-fest/.
Music From Angel Fire
Aug. 14-28
Various venues
One of the best-kept secrets of northern New Mexico is the area’s vibrant chamber music scene. Every year, Angel Fire and the surrounding area host a string of classical concerts, spotlighting world-class musicians and picturesque settings from throughout the Rocky Mountain region. From Brahms to Bach, from Chopin to Vivaldi, Music From Angel Fire’s 42nd season serves up classical at its classiest. Events take place at Taos Community Auditorium (Aug. 14), Angel Fire Community Center (Aug. 16), Raton’s Shuler Theater (Aug. 17), United Church of Angel Fire (Aug. 20), Taos Community Auditorium (Aug. 21) Angel Fire Community Center (Aug. 22, 23, 24), Angel Fire Baptist Church (Aug. 27) and Angel Fire Community Center (Aug. 28). The box office opens on July 15. Check back at musicfromangelfire.org/ for full schedules and upcoming ticket details.
AZTEC
Rise & Vibes
May 30 – June 1, starting at 9 a.m.
Tico Time River Resort
There might not be a more relaxing way to vibe out in the heat than kickin’ it in the forest with The Movement and the Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson. New Mexico’s ultimate three-day summer roots and reggae party goes down at the Tico Time River Resort in the gorgeous Animas River Valley between Aztec and Durango, CO. In addition to over 25 musical performances, the festival has full-hookup RV sites, car camping, shaded riverside tent camping, bathroom and shower facilities, food and craft vendors and a beach area with cool water activities. There are various admission, parking and camping packages, so check out riseandvibes.com for all the details. One-day adult tickets will run you $90, and you can check out all three days for $220.
LOS ALAMOS
Los Alamos Summer Concert Series
May 23 – Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
Ashley Pond Park
Los Alamos is offering up an entire summer’s worth of musical acts, performing live every Friday night at picturesque Ashley Pond Park. May 23 kicks it off with southern New Mexico-born classic country singer Dzaki Sukarno. Alt.rock band Sunbender (May 30), Bon Jovi tribute band Halfway There (June 6), Albuquerque rockers Night Moves (June 13), Billy Idol tribute Generation Idol (June 20) and righteous groove band Crazy Bird (June 27) fill up the next month’s calendar. July comes in hot with all-star Western swing band Back in the Saddle (July 11). Disclaimers show up July 18 surfing the first and second wave of ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia. Classic blues rock appears in the form of Austin, Texas’ Nick Parr and the Selfless Lovers (July 25). Country boy Brandon Saiz performs Aug. 1. Horn-driven cumbia and ranchera comes front and center with Black Peal Band on Aug. 8. Santa Fe’s Southwest-tinted rock outfit Lumbre Del Sol takes the stage Aug. 15. Second 2 Last covers everything from R&B to country to cumbia on Aug. 22. August ends on the 29th with Latin groove band Severo y Groupo Fuego. The fun comes down to a fine finale on Sept. 5 with the female-fronted Albuquerque classic rock cover band Sister Mary Mayhem. All events are free and open to the public. You’re welcome to bring your picnic baskets and ice coolers, but leave the guns, fireworks and illegal drugs at home. (Seriously, people.) For more details, go to losalamossummerconcertseries.com.
RUIDOSO
Ginuwine and Fat Joe
June 20, 8 p.m.
Inn of the Mountain Gods
Since dropping the infamously sexy 1996 single “Pony” and the double-platinum record Ginuwine… The Bachelor, R&B crooner Ginuwine has made over six million people melt with seductive grooves, tantalizing lyrics and ultra-suggestive dance moves. Catch him and rapper Fat Joe for a live concert sure to turn Ruidoso’s Inn of the Mountain Gods into one of the most romantic love nests you’re gonna find in Southeastern New Mexico. After the show, try and get lucky at the resort and casino, steam it up at the spa, score at the golf course or get hooked up with that trophy trout on a fishing trip. Grab concert tickets for $55 and peep the amenities at innofthemountaingods.com/event/ginuwine.
SANTA FE
Santa Fe Botanical Garden Sunset Concerts
June 6 – Sept. 17
Santa Fe Botanical Garden Ampitheater
On Wednesdays and Fridays from June to September, starting at dusk, Santa Fe is cultivating a musical experience showcasing performances as diverse and colorful as the region’s horticulture. Pack a picnic, meander through the Botanical Garden, and watch the seasons change to the tune of blues, rock, country, salsa, Americana, zydeco — the genres are as wide-ranging as the plantlife. As the sun sets, the volume rises with performances from Levi Platero, Simply Three, Doso Dirtbags, Noche Bohemia and others. Single event adult tickets range from $12 to $25 with discounts for kids ages 4 to 17. All-access passes will save you a few bucks if you plan to attend all nine concerts. Check out all the details including artist bios at visitsfbg.org/explore/sunset-concert-series.
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
July 13 – Aug. 18
Bishop’s Lodge, New Mexico Museum of Art
If classical music is more your speed, this summer, Santa Fe is hosting one of the most renowned and respected chamber music festivals in the world for the 52nd time. Enjoy the music of Bach, Schubert, Beethoven -and dozens of legendary composers and artists performed by some of the greatest pianists, singers and string and wind instrumentalists in the industry. The list of performers is massive, but featured artists include percussion virtuoso Colin Currie, pianist Orion Weiss, The JACK Quartet, The Calidore String Quartet, violinist Leila Josefowicz and cellist Paul Watkins. The festival features educational events such as “BAM!! Insights on the Brain & Music,” a set of presentations by neuroscientists who research the impact of music on the human brain. Event ticket prices range anywhere from $10 for a youth ticket to several hundred bucks for the exclusive events, so you’d better check the website at santafechambermusic.org for everything you need to know.
Santa Fe TradFest
Aug. 22 – 24, 3 p.m.
Camp Stoney at Bishop’s Ridge
At this festival, you don’t just listen to artists such as The SLO County Stumblers or Mariachi Sonidos del Monte, you can be an artist during hosted jams and workshops with performers and local instructors. Country, bluegrass, Tejano, mariachi and folk are on the musical menu at Santa Fe TradFest, but the festival sprinkles interesting ingredients such as French cafe or Celtic folk music into the mix. This year also features traditional performances from Ryedale Largo & Diné Navajo Dancers. Single day passes are $25 to $30, adult weekend passes are $80, and anyone younger than 18 gets to vibe out for free. Camping is only allowed in designated areas, and passes are $20 in addition to paid admission. They’ve got bathroom and shower facilities on-site and bunk beds if you just can’t catch any good Z’s in a tent. The festival has limited space for small RVs only and no water or power hookups, so if you’ve got a big fifth wheel, you might want to hit a nearby RV park for the night. For everything you need to know, check the website at santafetradfest.org.
TAOS
Music at Kit Carson Park
June 21 – 22, July 5, 7 p.m.
Kit Carson Park
Concerts at the park swing into motion on June 21 with Alison Krauss & Union Station, one of the most celebrated acts in bluegrass music. The jangly, opening night jam session also includes Jerry Douglas and Willie Watson for the $65 ticket price. On June 22 enjoy soul, folk, jazz and “joyful rebellion” from Lake Street Dive and Couch for $55 to $75 a ticket. Rising Texas-style country star Charley Crocket closes down the bar at the park July 5, and tickets to the last show of the series run from $55 to $85. You’ll be catching the music from the grass, so bring a chair if your legs get tired from dancing. Kids ages 12 and under get into all the events for free. Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience will be warming up the concert series with a free, all-ages show at Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership on June 20, if tickets to the mountainy music fest sound a bit steep (tickets.lensic360.org/location/kit-carson-park-taos).
Taos Plaza Live
June 26 – Aug. 7, 6 p.m.
Taos Plaza
“Throwback” Thursdays at the plaza are a hotspot for free live music all summer. Excluding July 3 and the Fiestas de Taos day on July 24, you can catch a free concert each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning with the eclectic “discofunkgrass” band Last to Know on June 26. On June 10 Northern New Mexico multi-instrument maestro and singer-songwriter Jimmy Stadler will perform with the Chris Arrelano Trio and follow it up with a second set alongside the Stone Daddy Band. Feel the blues and the funk with Four Letter Word and enjoy some “roadhouse twang” from Chicken Sedan July 17. Move that hot body to disco, rock and more with Katy P and the Business July 31, and don’t miss the final night, because El Grupo Mezcal will end the series with a bang on Aug. 7. For a music schedule visit taoschamber.com/taos-plaza-live-music-schedule.
She Rises III
July 18 – 19, 1 p.m.
July 17 VIP preshow at sunset
Daleee at KTAOS Solar Center
The third annual She Rises multi-day music festival celebrates female artists while supporting Music Helps nonprofit programs for traumatized and hospitalized children and women in shelters. The show is more than a festival, “it’s a movement” stacked with live performances from The Secret Sisters, Big Richard, Heartless Bastards, Flor de Toloache, hONEyhoUSE, Eliza Gilkyson, and other all-female powerhouse bands and musicians. Tickets are $81 per day, or you can snag two-day passes for $143. For $286 you get the full VIP treatment: a private Thursday concert at sunset (before the official start of the event) with PAAK, She Rises founder Andrea McGee and others. You also get full admission to both days of music, access to a private lounge, fast-track entry and early access to secure the best spot to enjoy the jams. For the full lineup, tickets and info visit sherisesfest.com.
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance
Sept. 4 – 6, 8 a.m.
Sep. 3 VIP show, 6 p.m.
Kit Carson Park
It literally started in a barn. Michael Hearne and his band South by Southwest threw Saturday night parties with tunes so good, the gatherings grew into a three-day shindig packed with the coolest country dancin’ folks in the Southwest. The 23rd Annual Big Barn Dance in Taos will ring your bell in a major way with Americana, country, folk and bluegrass music by artists such as John Fullbright, Michael Martin Murphy, Pat Byrne, Chuck Cannon, The Wilder Blue, Balsam Range, Bo Denpa, Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys and of course South By Southwest and special guests. One-day tickets are $70 and three-day festival passes are $195. VIP packages will get you into the private Wednesday concert and other exclusive perks and souvenirs. For tickets, the full lineup with about a dozen other acts and a spot to sign up for their newsletter visit bigbarndance.com/home-taos.
Summer Travel Guide: Music Festivals of NM is a story from The Paper.. Publishing from New Mexico’s largest city, The Paper is your source for local, independent news, covering politics, arts, culture, and events.