Morning
Albuquerque
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta starts today at Balloon Fiesta Park with parking opening at 3 a.m. and gates at 4:30 a.m.—attendees must pass metal detector checks and follow strict restrictions on weapons, drones, and glass. Organizers announced a special guest from Disney, a $15 ticket for adults with free entry for kids 12 and under, and on Oct. 6 New Mexico residents can enter for free by showing an ID or utility bill while a balloon glow lights up Los Ranchos on 4th Street between Pueblo Solano and Schulte. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Families celebrated a festive Balloon Fiesta eve at Albuquerque Aloft early this crisp fall morning—Principal Kathryn Ramsey from Mountain View Elementary prepared the event as roosters crowed and the sun rose. The celebration marks a joyful start to the season with local traditions in full swing. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Today, Balloon Fiesta may face wind impact during its mass ascension as a cold front moves through Albuquerque—if the front passes before daybreak, easterly winds are expected, but if it stalls north, winds will come from the south to north at 10 to 15 mph. Stronger winds aloft may also challenge the balloons before calmer conditions take over later in the morning. KOAT
- ➤ This weekend, Albuquerque hosts the 50th Greek Festival at St. George Church from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5 with Greek food, dance, and free park and ride from Lomas and University. Fall fun continues at Rio Rancho’s Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch—open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct. 31—and near Sandia Resort and Casino the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival will feature art booths in a large white tent for local families. KOAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On October 3, about 200 graduate student workers and their supporters picketed at the intersection of Yale Blvd. and Las Lomas Rd on the UNM campus to demand higher pay, dental and vision coverage, and fair contract negotiations—UNM stated it values the workers and remains committed to ongoing talks. KUNM
- ➤ Advocates say New Mexico’s public schools still lag behind despite $1.6 billion spent over seven years on education programs for students named in the Yazzie/Martinez suit. The Education Department has not followed through on its remedial plans—drafted orders have not been approved by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham—and the issue will be discussed on Let’s Talk New Mexico on October 12 at 8 a.m. KUNM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico’s MVD tightened its rules for noncitizens seeking commercial driver’s licenses by requiring valid H-2a + H-2b + E-2 visas to meet federal DOT mandates after fatal crash concerns. The DOE cancelled $135.2M in local energy projects amid political disputes and local credit unions are offering relief programs for workers affected by the government shutdown. KUNM
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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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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.
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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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Isabella Lovestory Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets from $44 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Isabella Lovestory in Albuquerque.
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Costaki Economopoulos Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket price varies — Enjoy an evening with Costaki Economopoulos, the football joke guy known for his performance in all 50 states.
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Marisela Concert
8:30-10:00 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary voice of Marisela, the Queen of Palenques, live in concert.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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