Morning
Albuquerque
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During Balloon Fiesta, Bookworks at 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW and Books on the Bosque at 6261 Riverside Plaza Ln NW will host an author event on Oct 4 with local writers at noon and touring author Lorena Hughes at 3 p.m. Albuquerque’s unique bookstores such as Quirky Books and Don’s Paperback Book Exchange offer rare finds — a treat for book lovers in our community. The Paper.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Recreational cannabis sales began in 2022 after legalization in 2021, and local dispensaries and national chains have been consolidating over the past three years to serve adults while following strict rules that limit public possession and require private consumption—some licensed lounges now offer safe consumption options—and authorities enforce these guidelines citywide. The Paper.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta welcomes visitors with over 600 hot air balloons rising over the Rio Grande Valley— a new guide gives a detailed daily schedule and local tips on where to eat and shop. The event has grown from a small 1972 gathering into a globally recognized celebration of hot air ballooning. The Paper.
- ➤ Albuquerque offers a range of souvenir shops where visitors can find local foods, clothing, and keepsakes—from vendors at the Balloon Fiesta grounds to Old Town shops like Wild West T’s & Gifts and the Indian Pueblo Store—each capturing a piece of the city's history. The Paper.
- ➤ Old Town Albuquerque remains a popular tourist destination since it was founded as La Villa de Alburquerque in 1706—its historic plaza and the San Felipe de Neri Church built in 1793 draw visitors to local galleries, shops, and family attractions. The Paper.
- ➤ Albuquerque is highlighting lesser-known brewpubs in a Balloon Fiesta guide that reviews spots like Hausammann Brewhaus near UNM, Thirsty Eye Brewing Company, Boxing Bear, and JUNO Brewery—each offering a unique blend of local beer, music, art, and food. The guide gives residents clear choices to explore hidden venues and enjoy the city’s vibrant brewpub culture. The Paper.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Six UNM researchers have been named winners of the 2025 Research and Creative Works Leadership Awards—recognizing innovative work across fields such as nuclear engineering, music theory, linguistics and health—at a Promoted Faculty Reception on Sept. 29 at University House. The awards honored distinguished faculty who advanced research and creative works, impacting studies on the brain, language preservation and energy storage. University of New Mexico
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers meet today to address federal food assistance cuts that will reduce SNAP benefits for 16,220 people, and state officials said the changes will force New Mexico to contribute an extra $203 million each year. Officials warned these adjustments—part of the Big Beautiful Bill—could worsen food insecurity as food banks face a tougher year ahead. Source NM
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ For those who want a change from beer, Albuquerque’s wine country offers upscale wineries and tasting rooms in the Los Ranchos and Corrales areas along the Rio Grande & near Balloon Fiesta Park. Visitors can sip local wines, hear live music, and enjoy food trucks while taking in the fall colors in the bosque. The Paper.
- ➤ Albuquerque has a lively nightlife that comes alive after sunset with clubs, bars, and music venues that attract local crowds. Venues like Dirty Bourbon, Effex, and the Route 66 cluster offer unique experiences—such as outdoor dancing at InsideOut and cover band shows at Launchpad—while nearby casinos host games and live performances. The Paper.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 23, a historic high school volleyball match was held when Albuquerque Academy hosted the La Cueva Bears outside on the football field under the stars—this event marked New Mexico's first outdoor high school game and drew between 500 and 600 fans. Coaches said the temporary court, brought in from Colorado, offered the players a once-in-a-lifetime experience that could pave the way for future annual events. KOAT
- ➤ The UNM men's and women's basketball teams will take part in a free Howl event on Saturday that features a dunk contest — and a 3-point contest instead of a scrimmage. The event will offer local fans a first look at the new team before its official debut. Albuquerque Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Paul McCartney: Got Back Tour
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Tickets required — Experience a legendary night with Paul McCartney's music in a spectacular setting.
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Fused Glass Dish Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Cost varies — Craft a unique 5" x 5" fused glass dish in this hands-on class.
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
5:00–6:30 p.m. — Balloon Fiesta Park — Free entry — Experience the spectacular sight of hot air balloons filling the skies over Albuquerque.
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Biohazard Concert
7-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the Divided We Fall Tour with Biohazard, Onyx, and more.
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Balloon Fiesta Pints and Painting
12-3 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — $30 includes all supplies + beer discounts — Unleash creativity while enjoying craft beer and painting a Balloon Fiesta theme.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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