Welcome to our first publication!
My name is Anna, and I’m the founder and editor of Albuquerque Favorites List. Last year, I moved to Albuquerque and quickly fell in love with this city’s charm, sunshine, and community spirit.
From Balloon Fiesta skies to green chile breakfasts, there’s always something special happening here. Through our community postcard that reaches 20,000 homes and this growing weekly newsletter, I hope to share the places, people, local businesses, and awesome deals that make Albuquerque such an amazing place to live.
Each week, you’ll find fresh finds, can’t-miss events, and stories that highlight the heart of our city.
Now in today's addition:
Nominations Now Open To Celebrate New Mexico’s Best Teachers
New Critical Care Tower Opens at UNM Hospital
Balloon Fiesta Kicks Off
Multiple Events This Week and More!
Community Highlights:
Nominations Now Open to Celebrate New Mexico’s Best Teachers
Everyone has that one teacher they’ll never forget. The one who believed in you, stayed after class to help, or made you feel seen. This fall, you can say thank you in a big way. The Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico is accepting nominations for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Elementary School Educators.
Here’s what to know:
Nominations open Sept 17 and close Nov 8.
Eligibility: Nominees must be employed full‑time, have taught at least six years (with the last four in New Mexico) and work primarily in an elementary school.
Who can nominate? Parents, students, colleagues, and administrators are all welcome to submit nominations.
If an educator has made a difference in your child’s life—or your own—this is a wonderful way to recognize them. The kind words in a nomination form can mean just as much as the award itself.
Together with American Horror Dungeon
Albuquerque’s Haunted Scarecrow’s American Horror Dungeon turns October into a month of screams and thrills!
Located inside the 505 Central Food Hall, this no-touch haunted house brings fear to life with eerie visuals and haunting effects that keep visitors on edge from start to finish. Safe, scary, and unforgettable. It’s the Halloween experience everyone is talking about.
NEWS
New Critical‑Care Tower Opens at UNM Hospital
Source: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Newsroom
After years of planning and construction, the University of New Mexico Hospital’s Critical Care Tower officially opened to patients on October 5. University and hospital leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 26 to celebrate the completion of a facility that added much-needed capacity to New Mexico’s only level-I trauma center.
The 570,000-square-foot tower featured a 68-bed expansion to the adult emergency department, 96 new intensive-care beds, 18 operating rooms, and a second helipad. Much of the fourth floor was dedicated to education and training space. More than 1,000 team members were hired to staff the tower, which helped train doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals serving communities across the state.
Community Digest
Balloon Fiesta Kicks Off
It’s that time of year again! The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is in full swing! From the first glow of sunrise to the roar of burners overhead, the skies are alive with color, creativity, and community spirit.
Whether you’re watching from Balloon Fiesta Park or your own backyard, there’s nothing quite like seeing hundreds of balloons lift off against the Sandia Mountains.
If you haven’t gone yet, there's plenty of time to experience this magical time of year.
What’s Happening
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
Balloon Fiesta continues through Oct. 12 at Balloon Fiesta Park. Highlights this week include:
Flight of Nations Mass Ascension – Oct 8: A mid‑week mass ascension honoring visiting international pilots. Wednesday’s opening ceremony features pilots flying their countries’ flags.
Balloon Glows – Oct 9‑11: The park lights up October 9–11 when 200–300 balloons inflate in a static display and flicker under the evening stars.
Special Shape Rodeo™ & Glowdeo™: More than 100 special‑shape balloons—flying frogs, cows, pigs and other whimsical shapes—take to the skies.
Fiesta de Los Globitos (Oct 8 & 10): A remote‑control balloon rally featuring 80 tethered model balloons; mini‑mass ascensions occur from 7:30–11 a.m., with a mini glow at 6:30 p.m. on Oct 11.
Dawn Patrol & Show: Early‑morning launches in the dark give pilots a chance to gauge wind speeds and treat spectators to a magical pre‑dawn display
Harvest Festival | Oct 4–5 (Tickets)
-Location: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Aquarium & Farm
-Description: Celebrate fall at the ABQ BioPark’s annual Harvest Festival with artisan booths, live music from 20+ local bands, kids’ crafts, and fresh apple cider from the Heritage Farm. Admission is $13 for adults, $6.50 for seniors/youth, and free for children under 2. BioPark members receive half-price admission.
Foray Art Exhibition | Oct 3–Nov 2 (FREE)
-Location: FUSION | 708 Downtown
-Description: Explore the inaugural Foray exhibition presented by the Albuquerque Abstract Artists Alliance, featuring works by local abstract artists. Perfect for a quiet moment between Balloon Fiesta events.
Glow Shoot: Cosmic Indoor Shooting Experience | Oct 8 (Tickets)
-Location: Calibers Westside
-Description: Experience glow-in-the-dark marksmanship with safe, non-incendiary glowing ammo in a darkened range. Runs from 5–8 p.m. — a thrilling twist for adventure seekers looking for something different this October.
Spooky Season Charms Workshop | Oct 8 (TICKETS)
-Location: Snapdragon Tea
-Description: Create your own Halloween-themed polymer clay charms! Learn to mix colors, shape designs, and assemble your spooky accessories. No experience needed — just creativity and Halloween spirit.
Día de los Muertos Celebration | Oct 24–Nov 2 (FREE)
-Location: Old Town Albuquerque
-Description: Celebrate life and remembrance with ofrendas, marigolds, and traditional art throughout Old Town. Enjoy the Catrina Procession, Dance of the Matachines, Candlelight Glow, and free showings of Coco beneath a glowing Tree of Life.
Until next time,
Anna
