New Mexico Classical Guitar Festival

New Mexico Classical Guitar Festival takes place in Albuquerque, NM, USA. It is held every year, usually in June.

Official website

https://www.guitarnewmexico.org/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Albuquerque

Cradled in the Rio Grande Valley beneath the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque, known as ABQ or the Duke City, is New Mexico's most populous and vibrant urban center. While often overshadowed by Santa Fe to the north, Albuquerque offers a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and a distinctive cultural scene that makes it a compelling destination. Here, the annual New Mexico Classical Guitar Festival draws enthusiasts to a city with a unique blend of Spanish colonial heritage, Native American roots, and a modern Southwestern spirit.

Getting there

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary gateway for all of New Mexico, serving as the state's only major airport. Southwest Airlines handles most of the traffic into ABQ, offering direct flights from many western cities and some hubs in the Midwest and eastern United States. Other airlines such as Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and JetBlue provide limited service from their respective major hubs. By car, Albuquerque is easily accessible via two interstate highways: I-40 runs east-west, and I-25 runs north-south, intersecting at a major junction known as "The Big I." The city's Central Avenue is also part of historic Route 66.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Albuquerque on Omio →

USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Albuquerque offers diverse lodging options across its sprawling landscape. For those attending the festival, staying in or near Old Town provides a charming historical experience, with its preserved Spanish villa pattern, central plaza, and San Felipe de Neri Church. This area is walkable and close to cultural attractions. Alternatively, the Downtown area, or "New Town" as it was historically known, offers a more modern urban feel, having grown up around the railroad in the 1880s. Albuquerque is generally a casual and friendly city, making it easy to settle in for a few days of music and exploration.

What you'll hear

The New Mexico Classical Guitar Festival brings together classical guitarists and enthusiasts, offering performances and likely masterclasses centered around the instrument. The festival provides an opportunity to hear emerging talent and established artists in a dedicated setting, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for guitar lovers.

Beyond the festival's classical focus, Albuquerque is recognized as a center of New Mexican music. The region's sound is distinct, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influences and later American genres. This creates a vibrant local scene that reflects the city's diverse heritage, which visitors can explore in various venues throughout the city.

The local table

Albuquerque's restaurant scene celebrates New Mexican cuisine, a distinct regional style influenced by Native American and Spanish traditions. Expect dishes rich with chiles, whether red or green, often served with local staples like beans, corn, and tortillas. The city's diverse population also means a wide array of global cuisines is available, from Vietnamese and Taiwanese to Central American and Middle Eastern, particularly in areas like the Southeast Heights.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Albuquerque →

While you're there

Between festival events, Albuquerque offers a wealth of attractions. Explore Old Town, the city's historic heart, with its traditional plaza, adobe architecture, and San Felipe de Neri Church, one of the oldest surviving buildings. Discover the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument on the city's west side, bearing witness to centuries of Native American presence. Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic views of the city and the Rio Grande Valley, or drive a section of historic Route 66, adorned with colorful neon signs. For a day trip, Santa Fe, the state capital, is just 60 miles (97 km) to the north, offering a different artistic and cultural experience in about an hour's drive.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Albuquerque →

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop

Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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