Old Town Portal Market

History

Casa de Armijo built in 1706, is one of the earliest surviving homes in Albuquerque’s Old Town. it was occupied by the Armijo family for years, and portions of the property served as an early trading post. Casa de Armijo, restored in 1930 and later home to La Placita Dining Rooms, became a recognizable landmark anchoring this growing artisan presence. Its location in the center of Old Town’s long tradition of trade, where goods had been exchanged since the 1700s and where, by the mid-20th century, Route 66 brought visitors seeking the “Southwest experience,” made it a natural gathering place for commerce. Local artisans, especially Native jewelers, potters, and silversmiths, began selling their work informally around the plaza. This informal artisan presence eventually led the City of Albuquerque to establish the official Old Town Portal Market in 1991, formalizing a vendor tradition that had been taking shape for decades. Today, the vendors who line the Portal continue the centuries old legacy of craftsmanship and commerce that has defined the plaza since its earliest days.

Operating Hours

Historic Old Town hosts the Portal Market located on the east side of the Old Town Plaza. The Market operates daily from 9:30 am to 9 pm however, the vendors sell at their discretion, so the number of vendors varies from day to day. The Market serves as an outlet for local artisans to sell their handmade jewelry. Turquoise, a popular New Mexican gem, along with other precious minerals can be found incorporated in bracelets, earrings, and necklaces alike. If you're looking to purchase authentic, handcrafted jewelry of the Southwest, the Old Town Portal Market is the place to be.

Applying to the Portal Market

Applications to participate in the Old Town Portal Market from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 are now open through Friday, May 15 by 5 pm!

Click Here to Apply

For more information on the program please email [email protected] or call (505) 768‑3561.

Old Town Portal Market Advisory Board

The Old Town Portal Market Advisory Board reviews the policy for solicitations and acts to promote communication and collaboration among the parties affected by the Portal Market activities in the Old Town HPO 5 Zone by conducting public meetings on a bi-monthly basis.

The Old Town Portal Market Advisory Board is composed of five members including two representatives of the merchants or property owners in the Old Town HPO 5 Zone, two representatives of the Portal Market and one member-at-large.