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# Rio Grande Arts & Crafts & Monster Trucks
- URL: https://www.newmexicomadness.com/rio-grande-arts-crafts-monster-trucks/
- Published: 2026-03-13T23:03:19.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-13T23:03:19.000Z
- Author: News Ninja
- Tags: Culture

Albuquerque’s Expo grounds are doing double duty this weekend, with the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Fest and Monster Jam both packed into the same neighborhood. It’s a clean “park once, do both” setup that fits perfectly into a single day or split weekend.

## Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Fest

The Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Fest brings a big lineup of makers to Expo New Mexico’s Lujan Exhibit Complex, with everything from paintings and photography to metal, wood, glass, leather, and jewelry. You can walk it like a big indoor market: rows of booths, plenty of chances to actually talk to the artists, and lots of New Mexico and Southwest themes represented.

What to expect:

- 100+ booths of handmade work, not mass-produced stuff.
- Indoor setup, so it’s an easy option if the weather flips.
- Food and drink on-site, live music in the background, and a family-friendly crowd.

Quick tips:

- Go earlier in the day if you like a slower pace and easier browsing.
- Bring a backpack or tote if you think you’ll buy prints or smaller pieces.
- Have cash and card; most vendors take both, but reception can be spotty at busy events.

## Monster Jam at Tingley Coliseum

Right next door at Tingley Coliseum, Monster Jam is all about loud engines, dirt, and big-air trucks doing racing and freestyle runs. It’s a high-energy show built for families, gearheads, and anyone who wants some noise after a quiet workweek.

What to expect:

- Multiple shows across the weekend, including at least one daytime event that’s easier with kids.
- Big-name trucks, driver intros, racing, skills competition, and freestyle.
- A pit party session before certain shows where you can walk on the track and see the trucks up close.

Quick tips:

- Bring ear protection—especially for kids—but honestly it helps adults too.
- Plan to arrive early; parking at Expo can jam up when both events overlap.
- If you’re doing the pit party, give yourself extra time to get through lines and still hit concessions before the main show.

## How to run both in one outing

Because both events share the Expo New Mexico area, you can easily stack them:

- Day first, night second:

  - Hit the arts festival earlier in the day when you’ve got more patience for walking and browsing.
  - Grab food on-site or nearby, then head over to Tingley for the evening Monster Jam show.
- Family split plan:

  - One block for “slow” time at the art fest (kids’ activities, browsing, snacks).
  - One block for “loud” time at Monster Jam, then back home with everyone tired in a good way.
- Parking game:

  - Expect a wait both in and out if both events overlap in time.
  - Pay attention to the lot attendants—they’ll sometimes direct traffic differently depending on which event you’re going to.

Verify all info. Just trying to help the hood.

[Spring Show | Rio Grande Festival![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/e3/d9e3fcca-9108-4a38-9d42-561f64d55de1/content/images/icon/cropped-RioGrandeFestivals_2020-05-270x270.png)Rio Grande Festival![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/e3/d9e3fcca-9108-4a38-9d42-561f64d55de1/content/images/thumbnail/Rio-Grande-Festivals-Logo.jpg)](https://riograndefestivals.com/spring-show/?ref=newmexicomadness.com)