Fall is finally in the air. The monsoons have returned, the hot air balloons are getting ready to fly at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and Albuquerque is bustling with seasonal activities. Among the highlights of this special two-week calendar are the traditional Japanese Fall festival Aki Matsuri, a culmination to the annual Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña, a Route 66 documentary and a return of Launchpad’s annual Halloween warm-up concert series Night of the Living Cover Bands. And that’s just the start. Dig through our calendar and you’ll see the ABQ Latin American Film Festival on Sept. 25 and 26, the return of the New Mexico Comic Expo on Sept. 26 and 27, the Fall Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show on Oct. 2, 3 and 4, the 36th annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival Oct. 2 through 11, the ABQ Grecian Festival on Oct. 2 and plenty more. I’m already exhausted!
Aki Matsuri (Sunday 27, Festival)
The New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League has been hosting the traditional Japanese Fall festival known as Aki Matsuri in New Mexico for over 20 years. This year, it happens Sunday, Sept. 27 at EXPO New Mexico (300 San Pedro Dr. NE) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It promises to be a day filled with traditional Japanese fun, food and festivities, including: taiko drumming, ikebana flower arranging, traditional Japanese performances plus mochi and other Japanese treats. This year’s theme is Momiji – Japanese maple and celebrates “The Art of Autumn’s Beauty and Harmony Between Nature and Human Life.” Advanced tickets (highly recommended) are available at eventbrite.com/e/aki-matsuri-2026-japanese-fall-festival-tickets-1990706548876 and run $14.48 to $17.12.
Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña (Saturday 26, Dance)
Albuquerque’s Flamenco Works is hosting its annual Fiesta Flamenca Burqueña, Sept. 22 through 27, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant cultural hub featuring world-class flamenco dance, live music, educational workshops, cultural experiences, food and community activities. It all culminates in a free flamenco showcase on Saturday, Sept. 26. at Civic Plaza (338 Marquette Ave. NW) from 6 to 9 p.m. This vibrant event showcases legendary Flamenco artist “El Torombo” alongside world-class artists from the U.S. and Spain under an iconic New Mexican sunset. To learn more about this and other festival events, go to flamencoworks.org/fiesta-flamenca-burquena.
Route 66: The Main Street of America (Thursday 1, Film)
Route 66: The Main Street of America is a cinematic celebration of the legendary highway’s 100 anniversary. It’s a moving, feature-length documentary that travels the route, sharing unforgettable stories along the way – from unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets. First + Main Films is currently in the midst of a 40-screening roadshow along Route 66, from Chicago to Santa Monica. Director John Paget will be in Albuquerque to present the doc on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets (artsandculture.cabq.gov/16603/16604) are $18.
Night of the Living Cover Bands (Friday 2, Music)
Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) throws open the crypt on a beloved Halloween tradition. Each October a horde of local bands gets recruited to perform cover tunes of their favorite national bands, some going so far as to dress up as the performers in question. Night of the Living Cover Bands happens every Friday and Saturday in October, starting Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. The starting lineup features Hula Ghost as Weezer, Reviva as Coldplay, The Asteroids as Rage Against the Machine, Gigi Bella and the Mental Illness as No Doubt, Ashes of Today as Pink Floyd and many more. Tickets (tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/466017) are $12 per night or $67.50 for the entire 10-night event!