October 3, 2025—Albuquerque, NM—The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is pleased to be hosting 11 days of special events to coincide with this year’s Balloon Fiesta, starting on Friday, October 3 and running through Monday, October 13. Activities include the American Indian Arts Festival during Balloon Fiesta’s opening weekend on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 from 9 AM-5 PM, as well as an expanded schedule of cultural dances that kicks off on Friday, October 3 and culminates with Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, October 13. All of these events will be included with the price of admission. IPCC will also host an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Monday, October 13 that will include events both at IPCC and at Avanyu Plaza across 12th Street.
The American Indian Arts Festival is the only authentic, all–Native American art show in town during the Balloon Fiesta. This event will showcase the work of over 50 artists and give visitors the opportunity to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists. The two day festival also will also include cultural dances and artist demonstrations.
Each day from 9 AM-5 PM, IPCC’S mural-lined courtyard will have multiple Native dances and be filled with Native artists selling their handcrafted art and jewelry. Guests can also shop for authentic Native art at the Indian Pueblo Store and are also invited to experience immersive exhibits and learn about Pueblo history and culture in the IPCC museum. In addition, visitors can dine at IPCC’s acclaimed Indigenous restaurant, the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which is extending its hours from 9 AM-6 PM for this special 11-day celebration.
IPCC’s current museum exhibits include the permanent exhibit We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story and rotating exhibits Indigenous Freeways and Restorying our HeartPlaces: Conteporary Pueblo Architecture. Guests can also experience the Artists Circle Gallery, which is now showing Sentient Structures: The Art of Skye Tafoya + SABA.
Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 13 celebrates the cultures and resilience of the Indigenous People of the Western Hemisphere as we work to build a future where Indigenous voices are heard and respected. IPCC will be hosting special events on this day from 9 AM-5 PM, including cultural dances, comedy from iconic cartoonist and comedian Ricardo Caté, and art from Native vendors. Following the events at the Cultural Center, IPCC will continue the celebrations with a free, family-friendly event from 5 PM-9 PM at Avanyu Plaza, directly across the street from the Center. Avanyu Plaza events will include special performances featuring award winning emcee Def-I (Diné), DJ set by Wae Funky (Pueblo of Jemez), and art by Jesse Littlebird (Pueblos of Laguna and Kewa). Along with live music, there will be a community car show and over 50 local and Native vendors.
For more information on Balloon Fiesta Week events, please contact Marianne Billy at mbilly@indianpueblo.com or 505-212-7033. For information on the American Indian Arts Market, please contact Monique Silva at msilva@indianpueblo.org or 505-212-7046.