Good morning, Albuquerque.

ABQ Ride transit workers were celebrated on Sunday at the Mayor David Rusk Facility during the second annual Bus Roadeo, a cowboy-themed event that featured buses, cones and tennis balls—used in rodeo-like contests—to boost morale.

The fun-filled event also offered activities such as a bouncy house, face-painting and a dunk tank.

At the Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival in Albuquerque, people from many cultures come together to celebrate Japanese music, art and martial arts—and to enjoy sushi, beer and sake.

JACL sponsors say the event has boosted community spirit by offering a unique cultural exchange.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon presented the first movement of his citywide composition Tiguex at Sandia Peak Saturday morning, and a small crowd gathered to listen—his work united communities across Albuquerque with a celebration of the arts.

UNM students burned a 25‑foot paper mache Pistol Pete on Sept.

25 to honor the long-standing rivalry with NMSU Aggies — a tradition that began 22 years ago as part of the Red Rally celebrations.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Sept 26 that Pacific Fusion will build a $1 billion nuclear fusion research campus in the Mesa del Sol neighborhood.

The project will add more than 200 long-term jobs and many construction jobs—boosting clean energy work locally.

UNM’s Parking and Transportation Services launched a free bike valet program at the start of the fall semester to reduce bike theft and support greener commuting—students use one of 128 slots located between the Student Union Building and Popejoy Hall.

The valet operates weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and issues claim tags for secure retrieval.

A new Public Lands Interpretive Association Discovery Center will open in Old Town on Oct.

1 and will hold its grand opening on Oct. 3—designed to give the community maps, tools and educational programs on public lands. The center will help visitors learn about local public lands and encourage support for sites managed by federal agencies.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham planted a new garden with dahlias at the Governor's Mansion to honor former Governor Susana Martinez's sister (Lettie, who had cerebral palsy and died in 2021).

Martinez said she values this beautiful tribute (a place to come together and remember loved ones).

A recent poll showed that 37% of Albuquerque voters were undecided in the mayoral race while 29% planned to vote for incumbent mayor Tim Keller and 16% backed candidate Darren White—35% of undecided voters leaned toward Keller and 26% remained uncommitted.

Early voting will start at county clerks’ offices on October 7 and expand to more locations on October 18 through November 1 as cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe choose new mayors.

A live talk show will explore mayor roles and invite local questions—viewers can call in or send emails ahead of the Thursday 8 a.m. session.

The Albuquerque Community Safety Department opened its new Trauma Recovery Center on Sunday at 5006 Gibson Boulevard to help survivors of violence and trauma in a neighborhood marked by homelessness and drug use.

Director Jodie Esquibel and Mayor Tim Keller say the center will offer programs like GED, AA, and art therapy classes—designed to break the cycle of violence.

The Lobos rallied from a ten-point deficit to beat New Mexico State 38-20 with Jack Layne throwing for 303 yards and four touchdowns at University Stadium before a near sellout crowd.

They will face San Jose State in Mountain West conference play Friday—while New Mexico State hosts Sam Houston on Thursday night.

Jonas Brothers Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Tickets required — Celebrate two decades of the Jonas Brothers with a nostalgic journey through their biggest hits and milestones.

Fused Glass Suncatcher Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Materials included — Create your own beautiful suncatchers under the guidance of a talented instructor.

Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town

12-4 p.m. — Old Town Plaza — Free entry — Experience daily live music and cultural performances at Historic Old Town during Balloon Fiesta Week.

Dwight Yoakam Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Tickets starting at $128 — Enjoy an unforgettable night with the honky tonk legend as he performs his hits on the Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour.

Live Music Acoustic Gap

5-7 p.m. — Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience the graceful and elegant bass performance by Anne Luna at one of Albuquerque's favorite venues.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Balloon Fiesta Park — Check event details for pricing — Experience the stunning visuals of colorful hot air balloons filling the Albuquerque skies.

October Monday Afternoon Hand Building

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check event page for pricing — Hands-on pottery sessions for ages 14 to 120 in Albuquerque.

The Legendary Pink Dots Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of The Legendary Pink Dots with themes of connection and solitude in a post-pandemic world.

Michael Schenker with Armored Saint

7-8:30 p.m. — 120 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM — All Ages — Rock out with legendary guitarist Michael Schenker in an exciting evening of live music.

Buses and Balloons Campout

5 PM - 12 PM — Alameda Little League — Camping fee — Experience a unique campout during the Albuquerque International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta with stunning views from your campsite.