Every spring, the New Mexico Expo Manuel Lujan building is transformed into a wonderland of arts, crafts and demonstrations. See artists at work. Handcrafted items include jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodworks, clothing and other items. There is a creation station for kids, culinary arts booths, and food concession booths. There will be the soothing music of a grand piano. For 2012, the festival runs March 9 through March 11. The Expo is located at 300 San Pedro NE, between Central and Lomas.
Hours
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission
$6 adults, free for children under 12.
A three day pass is $8.
Parking at NM Expo is $5 per vehicle.
Each October, the big white tent off the interstate at I-25 and Paseo del Norte signals to passersby that the festival is on. With nearly 300 artists, entertainment, art demonstrations and activities for the kids, there's plenty to do.
October Festival
The Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival runs each weekend of balloon fiesta. For 2011, the balloon fiesta runs October 1 - 9, and the arts and crafts festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sundays on September 30, October 1 and 2, and October 7, 8, and 9.
Hours
Fridays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission
Admission is $7 for adults, but save money by purchasing a multi-pass. A festival pass during balloon fiesta is $10 for six days, or a grande pass for $14 gets you in to the October, November and March 2012 shows.
Children under 12 are free.
Parking
Parking is free.
Holiday Fiesta Schedule
The Holiday Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival takes place for three days, on November 25, 26 and 27. The event takes place at Expo New Mexico, in the Manuel Lujan exhibit building. Take gates 3 or 4 off San Pedro, just south of Lomas.
The festival has artists demonstrations in glass blowing and pottery, as well as a special Holiday Creation Station for the kids. Children can create their own presents for family and friends. There will also be magic shows and a chance to talk to Santa Claus.
For the kids, there is a holiday Creation Station, adjacent to the two exhibit halls, where kids can get creative with crafts and projects.
Cookie Walk
The festival has an annual Cookie Walk that is a win/win for the holidays. Purchase a box of cookies for $15, and fill the box with your choice of many holiday cookies. Proceeds go to Community Health Charities of New Mexico.
Hours
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission
Admission is $6 for adults, or $8 for a three day pass. Kids 12 and under are free.
Parking
Parking at Expo New Mexico is $5 per vehicle.
