Music fans across the Land of Enchantment have something exciting to look forward to this fall: Soundwave NM is coming back to the New Mexico State Fair in 2026. The New Mexico State Fair has officially announced the return of the second annual NM Music Festival, giving Albuquerque and statewide audiences another chance to celebrate live music in one of the region’s most beloved community gathering places.
The festival, known as Soundwave NM, made its debut at the State Fair last year and is returning for an encore in 2026. Both KOAT and KRQE reported the announcement this week, signaling strong community interest in the event’s comeback.
The New Mexico State Fair has long been a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the state each year. The addition of a dedicated music festival to the fair’s lineup reflects a growing enthusiasm for live entertainment and local community celebration in the Duke City.
Details on performers and specific dates have not yet been released, but the announcement alone is generating buzz among music lovers eager to mark their calendars. Stay tuned for more information as the State Fair season approaches — Soundwave NM is shaping up to be one of Albuquerque’s most anticipated events of the year.
