Albuquerque is New Mexico’s biggest city, a unique desert metropolis with a long modern history that can be traced back to its Spanish colonial beginnings. The area’s history can be traced much further back to its days as a settlement for Native Americans, which is reflected in the many museums and galleries in Albuquerque that show off Native American arts and crafts. This is one significant part of a larger art scene in Albuquerque. Albuquerque has a great legacy of being a regional artistic hub, and one of the highlights of the Albuquerque art scene is the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival.
The Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival has three iterations throughout the year, each of which is ranked in the top 100 arts festivals in the country. The Rio Grande Holiday Show takes place during Thanksgiving, the Balloon Fiesta Show, which takes place in October and features hot air balloons and other wondrous balloon crafts, and finally, the Spring Show. The Spring Show ushers in the beginning of warmer weather and longer days with some incredible and colorful art displays.
The Spring Show is set to bring tourists and art lovers to the streets of Albuquerque to view some of the most talented creators in the region. It will be a spectacular showcase of what makes Albuquerque such a unique and wonderful artistic city. The 2022 iteration of the Spring Show will take place from March 11th to March 13th at EXPO New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Tickets range from $8-11, and the event is a blast for young and old alike.
The Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival started in 1988 to celebrate spring in a family-friendly, exciting way. At first, the spring show was the only one, and the first iteration of the festival had 141 artists and craftsmen exhibiting their wares. The first Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival was a success, put on by a local family that wanted to celebrate Albuquerque’s art culture, and it has rapidly grown since that first event. It is now an exceedingly popular local event that brings large crowds from the city and across the state and country.
There is much to do and enjoy at the Spring Show. There will be over 175 exhibitors at the event displaying their latest and greatest creations across artistic mediums. This is a juried event, meaning winners will be selected, but it is not a competitive environment. It is a fun and festive atmosphere where attendees can browse some of the many great works done by local artists and shop for incredible pieces of arts and crafts. There will be paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and much more. Whether you are hoping to just look around and admire great work or want a great conversation piece for your house, the Spring Show will have a lot to offer.
To add to the fun and the overall upbeat environment, there will be live music and food vendors. While the first-ever iteration of the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival didn’t have live music and had the family who created it grilling food for guests on a barbecue, it has grown a lot since then. There will be multiple music performances, including a likely set from Watermelon Mountain Jug Band, a festival staple since live music began being played. There will also be great food options.
This event is a must-visit for families. It fosters a child-friendly environment while also giving parents much to enjoy. There are magicians and acrobats that walk through the event entertaining and performing. There is also a kid’s area, where children get to try their hands at creating arts and crafts of their own. There are numerous great activities intended for young ones, and it is a day that makes for a bundle of fun for the whole family.
Albuquerque has a stunning natural environment, surrounded by deserts and mountains. This backdrop makes it the perfect place for artists to flock to, and, because of that, they have an incredible, thriving arts scene. While the many museums and galleries in Albuquerque remain open throughout the year, the big attraction might be the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. With talented local artists, live performances, and a family-friendly atmosphere, the Spring Show is not to be missed.
