Albuquerque's Birthday CelebrationFestivities featuring all things Albuquerque.https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/special-events-festivals/albuquerques-birthday-celebrationhttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svgAlbuquerque's Birthday CelebrationFestivities featuring all things Albuquerque.https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/special-events-festivals/albuquerques-birthday-celebrationhttps://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/images/untitleddesign9.jpg
Albuquerque's Birthday Celebration
Festivities featuring all things Albuquerque.
Save the Date! | Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Noon-4 p.m. | Historic Old Town
The Department of Arts & Culture will celebrate Albuquerque's 320th Birthday with food, fun, live music, and local flair in the heart of the City. The party will feature birthday must-haves such as face painting, entertainment, and specials at a variety of participating Old Town stores.
Baila! Baila! is an internationally acclaimed Hispanic dance company known for its vibrant blend of flamenco, salsa, and folklórico traditions. Their high‑energy performances celebrate cultural storytelling and artistic excellence, making each performance an unforgettable experience.
Mariachi Xochitl is a vibrant ensemble dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of mariachi music through powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentation, and heartfelt performances. Known for bringing energy, authenticity, and cultural pride to every stage, the group blends classic mariachi repertoire with their own spirited style.
Severo y Grupo Fuego brings high‑energy Latin music rooted in New Mexico’s cultural traditions. Their electrifying performances have taken them across the Southwest and onto national stages, captivating audiences with a signature blend of cumbia, tropical rhythms, and soulful vocals.
Festivity Food
Enjoy a bite to eat from local food trucks including CCR Roasting, Latin Flavor, and more. Old Town restaurants will be joining in on the celebration, ready with their signature plates and specials.
Kids' Activities
It's going to be a party throughout Historic Old Town! Kids can do their best birthday look with free face painting.
Every April since 1988, the founding of Albuquerque has been celebrated by reflecting the historic eras: Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Territorial and Statehood. The celebration commemorates a unique and historic event: the birth of our city. The event honors Governor Cuervo y Valdes for his vision and honors the first community. It also pays tribute to every generation that has contributed to the growth and prosperity of this enchanted city that was named the Villa de Albuquerque in 1706. The founding of Albuquerque is a success story worth celebrating.
Getting to the Celebration
Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration is held in Historic Old Town. Streets around Old Town will be closed to traffic for the celebration. Please plan accordingly and be mindful of residents and all posted parking signs in the area. Free parking will be available at the Albuquerque Museum.
Party Details
Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration in Old Town is a rain or shine event. Well behaved pets on a leash are welcome.
Opportunities for vending at Old Town events are reserved for Old Town Merchants.
This link will take you to a site over which the City of Albuquerque has no control. The City assumes no responsibility for the content of the material contained at that site or for the accuracy of any information that is found there. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees.
