Albuquerque Rolls Up Its Sleeves for City-Wide Cleanups

ALBUQUERQUE – City of Albuquerque employees will join cleanup efforts across the city in preparation for Balloon Fiesta beginning with Fiesta Fanatics on Saturday, September 26.

Community organizations, residents, and City of Albuquerque employees will partner in three cleanup efforts across the city; giving public spaces a little extra shine before the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The cleanup kickoff starts Saturday with Fiesta Fanatics, Keep Albuquerque Beautiful’s largest community cleanup of the year. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will gather at Balloon Fiesta Park to pick up litter and help prepare the field for the 2026 Fiesta. Volunteers will receive gloves, trash bags, and grabbers, followed by free snacks, beverages, and plants to take home courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department.

 “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Whether we are cleaning up Balloon Fiesta Park, our own neighborhood or one of our city parks, people are showing up and pitching in. That’s one way we make Albuquerque special.”

 And Balloon Fiesta Park isn't the only place getting some attention.

 Imagine ABQ Day, held annually on the last Saturday of September, will also bring residents together for community cleanup and beautification projects from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Five volunteer hubs throughout Albuquerque will provide supplies, allow volunteers to drop off collected trash and connect with neighborhood projects.

 “We have hubs with equipment, but the idea is to start where your feet are,” said Larry Espinoza, co-founder of Imagine. “Whether it’s your home, your business, or your local park, we’re trying to get everyone out and clean up around your area.”

 Imagine’s effort will come with some familiar faces: Luis and Daniel Moncada, who are better known as the Salamanca Cousins from “Breaking Bad,” will join in an after-cleaning celebration after volunteers finish their work. The cousins are appearing as part of the statewide “Breaking Bad Habits” litter-prevention campaign.

 Learn more at ImagineAbq.com.

 The cleanup effort continues next week, too, with the One ABQ Fall Clean Up. City employees volunteer at parks across Albuquerque to help get the city ready for Balloon Fiesta and will clean Arroyo del Oso Park, North Domingo Baca Park, and Academy Hills Park.

 Residents interested in volunteering for Fiesta Fanatics can register at oneabqvolunteers.com.

 From Balloon Fiesta Park to neighborhoods and parks, the message is simple: Albuquerque is getting ready to shine.