2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Background Illustration for Performing Arts

Albuquerque has a remarkable wealth of local talent, but it also draws a surprising number of world-class stage performers from just about every discipline imaginable. Check the listings mentioned at the introduction to this section for everything from poetry readings, impromptu chamber music recitals, folk, jazz, and blues festivals, and formal symphony performances to film festivals, Flamenco Internacional, and theater.

Popejoy Hall

University of New Mexico Fodor's choice

Of the three notable performance halls in UNM's Center for the Arts, Popejoy Hall, with just under 2,000 seats, is the city's go-to for the New Mexico Philharmonic, blockbuster Broadway touring shows, dance performances, concerts, comedy acts, and lectures. Rodey Theatre, a smaller, 420-seat house in the same complex, stages experimental and niche works throughout the year while Keller Hall, a 274-seater with superb acoustics, is the perfect home for the much-acclaimed annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium for new music (in spring) and the university's excellent chamber music program.

FUSION

Downtown

Housed in the 100-seat Cell Theatre, FUSION Theatre Company has been central to the professional theatrical scene here ever since its 2001 founding. Building on its acclaimed annual “Seven Works” short-works play festival, FUSION has doubled down with creative initiatives that serve its deep commitment to community, from art shows and AMP Concerts productions to film screenings and more. Set in a historic railroad-industrial area (on the city’s developing Rail Trail), FUSION’s programming takes place in the Cell, their 708 performance/gallery space, and the 1,200-seat outdoor Meadow facility.