MARKET | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 | 3–10 PM | $10 IN ADVANCE, $13 DAY OF (KIDS UNDER 12 FREE)
ABQ Headbangers Market 2026
An official event of the Rising High Arts Festival
The Headbangers Market is returning to FUSION on Saturday, October 17, from 3–10 PM, as part of the 2026 Rising High Arts Festival.
The ABQ Headbangers Market is Albuquerque’s annual celebration of heavy metal, local music, art, small businesses, and the community that surrounds them.
Created in 2021 as a grassroots gathering, the event brings together metalheads, musicians, artists, vendors, and fans for something that feels less like a traditional concert or marketplace and more like an annual metal family reunion. The event combines an afternoon and evening of live music with a large alternative and darker-themed vendor market featuring local artists, makers, and small businesses, along with contests, raffles, and other entertainment throughout the day, creating an experience where there is always something happening beyond the stage.
While the bands and activities change from year to year, the underlying purpose remains the same: support local music, support local artists and businesses, strengthen Albuquerque’s metal community, introduce people to something new, and give everyone a place to come together and have a good time!
Free parking is available in FUSION’s lot next to Burger King on Lomas and is also free along 1st Street after 6 PM (more parking info + map available here).
Admission is $10 with online presale tickets or $13 on the day of, with free entry for children under 12. Presale tickets offer reduced pricing for those who secure their spots ahead of time!
ABOUT ABQ HEADBANGERS MARKET
The ABQ Headbanger's Market is a self-funded, grassroots event founded in 2021 by Brenda and Michael Lopez. The idea began with Brenda, who had been involved in Albuquerque's artisan market community and envisioned combining the creativity of a curated art market with the energy of a heavy metal concert. Together with Michael, who brought his passion for live music and production, they turned that vision into a one-of-a-kind event where alternative art, handcrafted goods, and live heavy music come together in a welcoming, creative environment.
The first Headbanger's Market took place in October 2021 as Albuquerque's arts and music community was emerging from the pandemic. What began as a small passion project has grown into one of the city's most distinctive annual events, providing a space for local artists, makers, musicians, and fans of alternative culture to connect and celebrate creativity. In 2024, the event was proudly voted one of the Top 5 Annual Events by New Mexico Entertainment Magazine.
Now celebrating its 5-Year Anniversary, the ABQ Headbanger's Market returns to FUSION for its seventh event. Guests can explore more than 40 carefully curated artists and vendors featuring gothic, alternative, and underground-inspired art, apparel, jewelry, home decor, music merchandise, and handcrafted goods, while enjoying live performances from some of New Mexico's most electrifying heavy metal bands on FUSION's outdoor stage. The event also features special indoor acoustic performances, food, raffles, and activities throughout the day.
More than just a market or a concert, the ABQ Headbanger's Market is a celebration of a culture... one that values creativity, individuality, craftsmanship, and community. It offers a welcoming space where local talent can thrive and where visitors can discover the rich artistic spirit that exists within New Mexico's heavy music and alternative arts scene.
Slideshow from previous Headbangers Markets at FUSION.
Quality bar service will be provided by Safe House Distilling Co. and Teller Genuine Vodka. Click here for some nearby dining options.
The Rising High Arts Festival is possible thanks to the support from:
