20 Albuquerque Event Venues That Your Attendees Will Love
Planning an event in The Duke City? Take a look at the top 20 event venues in the area!
Albuquerque, often abbreviated to ABQ, is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest in the United States, by population. It was founded in 1706 and nicknamed The Duke City in reference to Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, the 10th Duke of Albuquerque.
Today, Albuquerque is home to a range of diverse industries including the fields of science, medicine, technology, and entertainment. Fun fact: the first Marvel Avengers movie and the hit show Breaking Bad, amongst others, were filmed within city limits.
When Albuquerque isn’t producing scientific breakthroughs and Hollywood blockbusters, there’s a good chance it’s hosting stellar events. Keep reading to learn about 20 amazing event venues located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1. Albuquerque Balloon Museum
Source: Visit Albuquerque
Location: Wildflower Area
Capacity: 200
The Albuquerque Balloon Museum is a wonderful place to host any business or personal event. It features award-winning architecture, picturesque views of Sandia Mountain and Balloon Fiesta Park, as well as experienced event staff to help make sure your gathering goes off without a hitch. The museum also works with six different caterers, each of whom will create a custom menu for your gathering. And we haven’t even mentioned the amazing balloon exhibits yet! If you’re looking for a unique event venue, the Albuquerque Balloon Museum should definitely be at the top of your list.
2. Explora
Source: Wedding Spot
Location: Sawmill Area
Capacity: N/A
Similar to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, Explora is one of the more fun and unique Albuquerque event spaces on this list. Host your next business meeting, industry conference, wedding reception, or prom event here and get access to extraordinary, hands-on exhibits that are sure to wow your guests. Gatherings hosted here will also enjoy stunning architecture, great views of both the city and the mountains, and tasty food and drinks menus. We should also mention that Explora is totally flexible. You can rent out the entire facility, a single meeting room, or any amount of space in between. Choosing the right event venue is hard. Choosing Explora isn’t.
3. Marble Brewery
Source: Wikipedia
Location: Albuquerque
Capacity: N/A
Marble Brewery is a multiple award-winning brewery based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company’s Pilsner, Double White, and Cholo Stout brews have all been recognized for their excellence. But what about the actual Marble Brewery venue? We’re happy to report that each of the company’s taprooms excels in this area as well. Host your next corporate or personal gathering at either the Downtown, Westside, or NE Heights locations and enjoy the great atmosphere, top-of-the-line drinks, and mouth-watering food. Want to go out with your friends or colleagues, but aren’t interested in planning anything? Marble Brewery has you covered on that front as well. Just attend one of the Brewery’s regularly scheduled shindigs and enjoy.
4. Los Poblanos: Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Source: TripAdvisor
Location: Los Poblanos
Capacity: 180
Los Poblanos: Historic Inn and Organic Farm is “one of the most magnificent historic properties in the southwest.” Imagine hosting your next employee appreciation picnic, church gathering, or tie-the-knot ceremony amongst 25 acres of lush lavender fields, full-grown cotton trees, and expertly manicured gardens. Now stop imagining and start booking! Los Poblanos has been around since 1932 and the historic building features 50 rooms and the aforementioned grounds. When it comes to event venues in New Mexico, it doesn’t get more picturesque than Los Poblanos: Historic Inn and Organic Farm.
5. Historic El Rey Theatre
Source: Cinema Treasures
Location: Raynolds Addition
Capacity: 700
The Historic El Rey Theatre is a true Albuquerque treasure. The former movie theater first opened in 1941. Over the years, the building housed many different ventures including an adult film screening location and a night club. These days, the El Rey hosts live music from both regional and national touring artists and other events of all kinds. Bring your corporate meetings, fundraiser galas, and personal get-togethers here and enjoy the unique atmosphere and large stage area that the Historic El Rey Theatre offers.
6. Hotel Chaco
Source: Hotel Chaco
Location: Albuquerque
Capacity: 200
Looking for an elegant, upscale location for your next business or personal gathering? The Hotel Chaco reflects the best of Albuquerque with its mountain views, sophisticated meeting spaces, and a 360-degree rooftop restaurant. If you plan to host an intimate meetup, one of Hotel Chaco’s small gathering rooms should fit the bill nicely. Larger events will feel at home in the Terrace Suite, which is ideal for outdoor celebrations due to its easy access to the space’s courtyard and gardens. Hotel Chaco is also well-staffed, which means you’ll have an entire team of trained professionals to help ensure your event unfolds smoothly.
7. NOAH’S Event Venue
Source: NOAH’S Event Venue
Location: Eagle Ranch
Capacity: 200
NOAH’S Event Venue has locations all over the United States, including Albuquerque, New Mexico. While the venue regularly hosts gatherings of all kinds, it specializes in wedding ceremonies and receptions. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to profess your undying love, look no further than NOAH’S Event Venue. The customizable space is surrounded by a natural and picturesque desert landscape. NOAH’S also has an open-vendor policy, which means you won’t be restricted when it comes to catering, decorators, and other service providers. Just know that this venue’s calendar fills up quickly. If it sounds like the perfect place for your business or personal event, book it as soon as possible!
8. El Pinto Restaurant
Source: El Pinto Restaurant
Location: Alamedan Valley
Capacity: 200
What do you need to know about El Pinto? The local-favorite restaurant is owned by twin brothers and considered to be the spot for great chile! El Pinto also sells some killer nachos if that’s your thing. In regards to events, this restaurant venue specializes in crafting stress-free gatherings for both corporate functions and personal gatherings. No matter what kind of get-together you have in mind — employee appreciation dinner, business meeting, or birthday bash, El Pinto will host it with taste. Literally. Book today and enjoy your next event to the max.
9. National Hispanic Cultural Center
Source: Auerbach Consultants
Location: Barelas
Capacity: N/A
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is no stranger to event planning. The venue hosts more than 700 gatherings per year, in addition to the many private shindigs that happen within its walls. Will your business or personal get-together be next? It should be if you want access to great exhibits, classy architecture, and a magnificent performing arts center (pictured above)! Book the National Hispanic Cultural Center today and enjoy all that the event space has to offer.
10. Isleta Amphitheater
8/7 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater #MONUMENTOUR pic.twitter.com/M2XQyVlIEp
— Fall Out Boy (@falloutboy) August 12, 2014
Source: Twitter
Location: Mesa Del Sol Innovation Park
Capacity: 15,000
Need A LOT of space for your next event? The Isleta Amphitheater may be your best bet when it comes to Albuquerque event venues. With room for up to 15,000 people, this is where mega-artists like Maroon 5, Luke Combs, and Journey play when they tour through New Mexico. But you don’t have to be an internationally recognized musician to book the Isleta Amphitheater. If your event strategy calls for plenty of space, consider hosting your next gathering at Isleta.
11. Cliff’s Amusement Park
Source: YouTube
Location: Northwest Albuquerque
Capacity: 2,000
If the goal of your next event is to have as much fun as possible, consider hosting it at Cliff’s Amusement Park. Cliff’s has roller coasters, family rides, water attractions, plenty of midway games, and tasty food options — AKA everything you need to have a good time. You can always just take your friends and/or colleagues to the park and enjoy its many attractions. But you can also book the private event area and host a more intimate affair. Whichever option you choose, Cliff’s Amusement Park is happy and willing to host your gathering.
12. Old Town Farm
Source: Old Town Farm
Location: West Old Town
Capacity: N/A
Old Town Farm is known as the “green heart” of Albuquerque. It sits on 12 beautiful acres of historic city property and features a horse facility and produce farm. But that’s not all! Bike In Coffee, located on Old Town Farm, welcomes all “pedalers” to ride in, hang out, and enjoy a great cup of joe. From weddings to corporate functions to personal celebrations, this beautiful and eclectic venue will host your next gathering with rustic charm and class. Book it today and experience a slice of country peace and serenity in the middle of the city.
13. Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
Source: TripAdvisor
Location: Albuquerque
Capacity: 1,800
Marriott International is the third-largest hotel chain in the world and operates more than 7,000 locations in 131 different countries. Many of their properties make for excellent event spaces, including the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North. If you choose to host your next business meeting, industry conference, or wedding ceremony at the Marriott, you’ll get access to nearly 31,000 square feet of event space, 18 breakout rooms, 9 event rooms, quality A/V equipment, catering services, WiFi, and more. Each of Marriott’s rooms are customizable, too, so no matter what you have in mind for your next get-together, the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North will be able to make it a reality.
14. Gruet Winery
Source: Albuquerque Journal
Location: Northwest Albuquerque
Capacity: 70
Gilbert Gruet was born in 1931 in Bethon, France and began producing fine champagnes in 1952. In the 1980s, Gilbert decided to plant an experimental vineyard in New Mexico. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the award-winning Gruet Winery is also a top-notch event space. Host your next business meeting or private party in one of Gruet’s two indoor spaces or outdoor seasonal patio with views of the winery. Depending on which you choose, you’ll enjoy the venue’s carved wood tasting bar, cathedral-style ceilings, amber-toned walls, and an abundance of natural light. There’s also plenty of parking and WiFi available.
15. Gravity Park
Source: YouTube
Location: Wildflower Area
Capacity: 10+
Gravity Park is an event venue like no other and perfect for team-building activities, birthday parties, and more. Take your crew to this “trampoline paradise” and try to conquer the Ninja Obstacle Course, play Extreme Dodgeball, or jump in the foam pit. Once you’ve had your fun and worked up a sweat, retire to one of the private party rooms, order pizza and soda (or bring your own food for no additional fee) and relax with your friends and colleagues. Gravity Park isn’t suited for every event. But for those looking for an outside-the-box, insanely fun experience, we highly recommend this venue.
16. Prairie Star Restaurant
Source: TripAdvisor
Location: Santa Ana Pueblo
Capacity: 400
If you don’t mind a quick drive outside Albuquerque, the Prairie Star Restaurant is an excellent event venue choice! Book this space and experience “fine cuisine, incredible service, and New Mexico magic.” The building is a historic 90-year-old adobe with original viga ceilings — perfect for wowing guests — and its set on a lush immaculately kept golf course. As if that weren’t enough, all events at the Prairie Star get access to the restaurant’s culinary team, who will carefully craft unique dishes using local ingredients. Whether the event you’re planning is for corporate partners or long-time friends, the Prairie Star Restaurant is sure to delight.
17. NM Film Tours
Source: Film ABQ
Location: West Old Town
Capacity: N/A
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that Albuquerque served as the filming location for Hollywood blockbusters like the first Marvel Avengers movie and the Breaking Bad TV show. Well if you want to learn more about the filming process, as well as other movie projects shot in the area, you need to book time with NM Film Tours. The red bus (pictured above) will take you and your friends or colleagues to various film locations around the city so that you can relive the exciting movie magic. It’s a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon and a great event idea for both business and personal purposes.
18. ABQ BioPark
Source: Wikipedia
Location: West Park
Capacity: 200
The ABQ BioPark features a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden — each of which can be rented for your corporate conferences, business meetings, quinceaneras and birthday celebrations, weddings, or retirement parties. The BioPark has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for rent, giving you complete flexibility of your gathering. Plus, the venue’s professional event staff will help you craft an amazing and stress-free experience for your guests. Anything from formal banquets to laid-back picnics are welcome at the ABQ BioPark.
19. Sandia Golf Club
Source: Sandia Golf Club
Location: Sandia Pueblo
Capacity: 500
When it comes to golf in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot than the Sandia Golf Club. It turns out, the club is an excellent events venue as well — even if you can’t tell the difference between a driver and a nine iron. The Sandia Golf Club considers itself a “blank canvas with infinite possibilities,” meaning you, as an event planner, have a lot of control over any business or personal event you host at this location. Gain access to the venue’s state of the art A/V system, multiple breakout rooms, and free WiFi. Enjoy its picturesque views and spa-like amenities. And treat your guests to delicious food and drinks prepared by a passionate culinary team. It’s all available to you at the Sandia Golf Club.
20. Albuquerque Convention Center
Source: Visit Albuquerque
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 9,048
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Albuquerque Convention Center, which is an ideal spot for any kind of gathering, large or small. The venue is equipped with multiple spaces including intimate breakout rooms, a 31,000 square foot ballroom, and the 2,300 seat Kiva Auditorium. No matter which space you choose, you’ll have access to a stellar events team, A/V equipment, catering options, professional florists, and more. For a one of a kind event, book the Albuquerque Convention Center.
In Conclusion
Albuquerque has a lot to offer event planners of all kinds. Whether you hope to host your dream wedding, an important business meeting, or a fun personal gathering, this city has a range of diverse spaces to suit your needs.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your next event, don’t forget to also invest in event management software! This kind of tool will help you organize all the little details and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks during your get-together.
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