People dance at the Launchpad venue during a performance by Albuquerque-based band Midnight Stew. While the band is taking time to witness all the happenings during Gathering, the downtown venue is hosting several events showcasing Native American musicians. (Photo by Sharon Chischilly for Source NM)
Every April, the Gathering of Nations Powwow takes place on unceded Tiwa lands in Albuquerque. The city welcomes guests from all over the world to celebrate Indigenous arts, music and songs, dances and all other creative expressions that define who we are as Native peoples.
These celebrations of Native identity are not just limited to the powwow — you can also find them in comedy shows, theater plays, hip-hop beat battles, heavy metal concerts and more.
Whether you’re visiting or a local Burqueño, organizers encourage everyone to support the local Native arts scene, as well.
The list of events below is put together intentionally to show readers events happening outside the powwow and some off the main stage. If you want to get your event posted, email [email protected] We’ll update as we get new submissions.
Wednesday April 26
Stage Reading of “Dancing with Fire” by Kim Delfina Gleason (Diné)
Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE.
$5+ suggested donation; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday April 27
Community Cultural Meeting by Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd.
Free, 5 p.m.
Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. invite you and your family to a Community Cultural Meeting. Join us for an evening of culture, including social dancing, a craft make-and-take class and various service booths. For more information, visit chocta.ws/community-meetings.
Native American All Star Comedy Night
South Broadway Cultural Center 1025 Broadway Blvd SE
$35/$55/$75, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Featuring Tatanka Means, Auntie Beatrice/Tonia Jo Hall, Josh Fournier, Chizz Bah, Adrianne Chalepah, Corey Herrera.
The Rez Sisters
The Vortex Theater 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE
$19/$24, 7:30 p.m.
“Ribald, harrowing and mystical, this seminal work of Indigenous drama celebrates the spirit of resilience and the powerful beauty these women bring to the tough world in which they live.”
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light
Experimental Theater, Univ. of New Mexico
$15 general, 7:30 p.m.
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light by the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States Joy Harjo is a story of challenges on the road to determination and healing using storytelling and ceremony.
Native Guitars Tour: Under the Native Stars
Marble Brewery 111 Marble Ave NW
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Including The Oceola Brothers, Digging Roots, Scotti Clifford and Jir Project
Native Guitars Tour Festival features over 30 musical acts from across Turtle Island, Native vendors, fashion designers, & models, community outreach booths and more.
Duke City Beat Battle & Gathering of MCs Release Party
Launchpad 618 Central Ave. SW
$15 advance, $20 at door, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday April 28
Greasy Frybread – Sten Joddi Live + Guests
The Jam Spot 415 Central Ave SW
$20-$40 pre-sale, 3 p.m. – All Ages
The Rez Sisters
The Vortex Theater 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE
$19/$24, 7:30 p.m.
Innastate & Burque Soul
Uptown Funk @ Revel ABQ 4720 Alexander Blvd NE
Free, 8 p.m.
Merciless Metal Savages
The Historic El Rey Theater 622 Central Ave SW
$20, 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Music by: Suspended, Signal 99, laughing dog, Mutated Tyrany, Heart Museum, Under Exile, High Hover, I Dont Konform
Native Guitars Tour: Rising Stars
Tractor Brewing 1800 4th St NW
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Music by: Wanbli Ohitika Win, Nocturne, Micah Thunder and White White Buffalo
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light
Experimental Theater, Univ. of New Mexico
$15 general, 7:30 p.m.
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light by the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States Joy Harjo is a story of challenges on the road to determination and healing using storytelling and ceremony.
Black Belt Eagle Scout
Sister
$20 presale, $25 at door, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Black Belt Eagle Scout with special guests Claire Glass and Adobo
Power Plant LLC Presents: Earth Surface People with Olivia Komahcheet, Sage Nizhoni and Hataałii
Power Plant, 3719 Fourth St. NW
$12, Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
11th Annual Gathering of MCs
Launchpad 618 Central Ave. SW
$20/$50, 6pm, Meet & Greet, Show 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturday April 29
Indigiqueer Community Open Call In Studio Event
Light House Studio
Free, 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Pre-Game Party: Killah T’s Debut EP “Master Peace”
Juno 1501 1st St. NW
$10, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Nataanii Means, Drww Christopher, Zay_islike, Nick Bliss, Barrach, Spur Pourier, Macchiato
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light
Experimental Theater, Univ. of New Mexico
$15 general, 4 p.m.
Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light by the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States Joy Harjo is a story of challenges on the road to determination and healing using storytelling and ceremony.
Electric 49
Sister Bar 407 Central Ave. NW
Suspended, Innastate, Scotti Clifford, Lindy Vision, Tha Yoties
$10, 7 p.m.
The Rez Sisters
The Vortex Theater 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE
$19/$24, 7:30 p.m.
Native Guitars Tour: The Main Event
Sunshine Theater
$25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Ailani, Dach Martin, Welby June, Djarin, August Remedy
7 p.m. – 12 p.m.: Levi Platero, OTTTO, Side Montero, Mozart Gabriel, The Flossies, The Old Main
Merciless Savages 2023
The Historic El Rey Theater
$40, 6 p.m. doors, 6:30 p.m. show
Music by: Antoine X, Nataanii Means, Lindy Vision, Jacob Shije, C.L.A.N. Darksiderz, Hataałii, Sage Bond, Gunner Jules, DJ Young Native, Sage Cornelius, The Sillyettes, Earth Surface People, Bad Fix, One Way Sky, Ethan 103, Frayzie
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