The annual Santa Fe Indian Market is the largest showing of Native American art in the world. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1986, the first museum of its kind to be built in over fifty years, joining the many reputable museums already located throughout the state. Galleries are scattered in every town. The New Mexico State Fair, held in Albuquerque every September, was attended by over 1.8 million people in 1995, making it one of the nation's largest such event. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts around 1.5 million visitors each October.
Outdoor pageants are common in New Mexico.
Of course, Roswell is home to the UFO Festival. Amateur team sports include soccer, rugby, bowling, softball, baseball, basketball and football. Spectator sports include professional hockey, baseball, soccer, boxing and rodeo, as well as quarterhorse and thoroughbred racing. University athletics offer 22 different varsity sports. For a closer look at a particular area or community, please refer to the Regional Overviews section.