7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do at EXPO NM

Although we LOVE our corndogs and carnival rides, at EXPO New Mexico we often chat amongst ourselves that there are many things that happen at our 236 acres of property for which some folks may not be aware. Perhaps you’ve attended one of the many fabulous arts and culture events that call EXPO NM home such as the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, or a sold-out concert at Tingley Coliseum, or purchased some unique finds at the EXPO New Mexico Flea Market. But did you know there is EVEN MORE cool stuff to do at our campus? From civic engagement to getting married, to hitching your horse to a comfy spot on our grounds, the opportunities are limitless.

We’re highlighting just a handful of these super cool EXPO New Mexico offerings and opportunities!

#1 VOTE!

Since we have a primary election coming up this summer, this seems like a good place to start. Perhaps you didn’t know that EXPO New Mexico serves as an early voting site for Bernalillo County. If you’re looking for a convenient, central location to vote, feel free to stop by the mobile voting unit starting Monday, May 20 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Enter through Gate 3 off of San Pedro.

#2 Host your wedding or other private event!
You know you can attend our annual party each year when we celebrate the New Mexico State Fair, but did you know that you can throw a fabulous party of your own at EXPO New Mexico? What better backdrop for your special event than our lush green campus, rich cultural villages, or well-equipped meeting spaces. At EXPO New Mexico we have a variety of affordable venues to fit your every need! We offer specialized packages for any private event. We can do it all from weddings, to graduation parties, and family reunions. Check out the options and choose EXPO New Mexico as the site for your next special occasion.

#3 Hook up your RV and stay a while!

We aren’t suggesting that you spend your honeymoon camped out at EXPO NM but you certainly could. Our central location in Albuquerque makes for a convenient place to get a good night’s rest and is in close proximity to Albuquerque Uptown, the Downs at Albuquerque, Nob Hill and a host of other Albuquerque points of interest. Options include dry camping or with hook up to electricity, water and sewer.

You can book online anytime to reserve your spot.

#4 Maybe you don’t need a place to stay the night but perhaps your horse does!
We are home to many of the best horse shows in New Mexico so it stands to reason that we offer accommodations for your animals, too. You can lease a safe and comfortable spot for your horses and livestock in the form of a stall or tack room. Other than during our annual state fair event, rooms are available for rent year-round for a nominal fee. Check out the options to reserve a spot.

#5 Participate in a Youth ChalleNGe Academy

EXPO New Mexico is partnering with the New Mexico National Guard (NMNG) to be the future site of their Youth ChalleNGe Academy beginning in 2024. According to the NMNG, the academy is a free 17 ½ month program that includes a demanding 22-week quasi-military residential phase in which cadets live on site and receive mentoring support, life skills and job training. We are proud to host future sessions at our EXPO NM campus and dorms, which will result in more opportunities for youth in central New Mexico and have the added benefit of renovated and updated dorm spaces, which are also utilized by 4 H youth during the state fair event.

Keep an eye out for more details about this fantastic partnership in future blog stories.

#6 Don’t just buy, SELL!

By now you know that EXPO New Mexico offers the best flea market in New Mexico, year-round with the exception of fair time. Perhaps you’ve spent a lovely Saturday or Sunday morning perusing the interesting and one-of-a-kind treasures that are available for purchase. Did you know that anyone can lease a space as a means to make a little extra cash by selling at the EXPO flea market? There are a host of options to choose from. So if you’re crafty and creative, or just a collector of interesting items that you hope to re-sell, we offer the perfect place to display your wares. You can reserve a spot for the long term or pop in occasionally with the option for a daily space. Check out our website for pricing!

#7 Attend a limitless number of entertaining events year-round!

If you’re one of those people who frequently asks the question “What is there to do in Albuquerque this weekend?” then we’re here to help. From ski swap to brewfest, the best arts and crafts festivals to horseracing, monster trucks to winter wonderlands, we like to say that there is always something to do at EXPO NM! Follow us on social media or check out our website to stay up to date on the exciting events yet to come.