New Mexico's Beer Capital Is A Bustling City Know For Its Vibrant Culture And Iconic Festivals

If you're planning a New Mexico vacation, Albuquerque is one of the best destination options in the state. Not only is it the largest city in the Land of Enchantment, but it's also full of hidden gems and fabulous areas, like the High Desert neighborhood with desert landscapes and scenic trails. This city isn't all calm, though; Albuquerque also has a lively beer scene. 

While Albuquerque (commonly referred to as ABQ, or Burque) may be mostly known for its role on the hit TV series "Breaking Bad" and for being one of the best film cities in America, it should also be a top spot for beer lovers. From breweries and pubs to taverns and bars, Burque has a lot to offer. Better yet, you can plan your vacation to coincide with either the New Mexico Brew Fest or the Great New Mexico Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, both of which happen in the fall. So, if you're into craft beer and want to know how well it combines with Southwestern cuisine and culture, now is the perfect time to book a trip to Albuquerque.

When it comes to sampling beer, there are typically three places to hit up. First, there are breweries, which make their own beers and have a tasting room or storefront on-site. Next, there are pubs or taverns, which combine beer and comfort food in a casual, social setting. Finally, bars are designed to sell all kinds of alcoholic drinks and may or may not have food. In Albuquerque, you can find a wide assortment of all three establishments. Best of all, many of these spots showcase ABQ's unique cultural blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American influences.

One of the best ways to incorporate as many of these watering holes into your vacation as possible is to sign up for the Albuquerque Craft Beer Trail. Not only does this digital pass show you where to find your next pint, but you can also earn points and prizes by visiting more bars, pubs, and breweries. That said, most of the action is in the heart of downtown, between the Rio Grande, I-40, and I-25. Here, you can find awesome places like Bow & Arrow, Rio Bravo, Marble, Ex Novo, and Gravity Bound Brewing.

Out of the two big festivals that celebrate both beer and Albuquerque's vibrant cultural melting pot, the first is the New Mexico Brew Fest, which is usually held in October and coincides with the International Balloon Fiesta. At the festival, visitors get a pint glass and can sample beers, hard ciders, and wines from local merchants. While no festival will be held in 2025, there are plans to bring it back in 2026. The second major beer-centric event is the Great New Mexico Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, which occurs in November and hosts over 30 local food trucks to combine fresh Southwestern cuisine with delicious frosty brews.

Thankfully, since Albuquerque is a major city, you can easily fly into the ABQ International Airport no matter where you're traveling from. Also, the entire metro area is full of hotels, resorts, and vacation home rentals, so you can find something to fit your budget and preferences.

With so many beer options available, it's impossible to hit them all in one vacation. While the Craft Beer Trail can help you stay on track, don't try to sample every stop along the way. Instead, focus on areas where there are other attractions and amenities nearby so you can take a break between pints and experience more of the city's diverse cultural landscape.

For example, in the northern part of the city, you can explore the North Valley, one of Albuquerque's best neighborhoods that is also a riverside gem with trails and farm-to-table dining. Here, you can grab a drink at spots like La Reforma Brewery or Boxing Bear Brewing, then walk along the Rio Grande. This neighborhood is also home to the Balloon Fiesta Park, so if you're coming during the festival, it's the best place to stay.