The Rail Yards Market Returns May 3

Albuquerque’s iconic Rail Yards Market kicks off its 13th season May 3 with more than 200 local vendors selling everything from produce to paintings.

Located in the heart of the Barelas neighborhood, the non-profit grower’s market was established in 2014 by a group of volunteers and neighborhood residents who wanted to reflect their neighborhood, city and state with a vibrant display of culture, cuisine and art. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday through October.

Market-goers say the event helps to bring a positive identity to the city.

“It makes Albuquerque stand out in a way,” said Samantha Gonzales, who has been going to the Rail Yards Market for five years. “It is a way for people to make connections and feel good about supporting fellow locals.”

Samantha Gonzales (right) and friend pose with roasted green chile at the Rail Yards.

Mago Chairez of Mago’s Farm has been a vendor at the market for a decade. He loves the personal connections he makes at the market. “A big part of why I like being out there is just being a part of and serving the community.”

Mago’s is a family-owned farm based in the Hatch Valley, but they take part in some Albuquerque events including the Downtown Growers Market and the Rail Yards Market. They sell a range of field-to-market products from ristras to piñon and starting in late July they roast green chiles on site.

Mago’s Farm ristras hanging at the Rail Yards Market.

The market brings a pop of color to the industrial setting of the Rail Yards. What used to be the heartbeat of Albuquerque’s economy in the 1900s—employing up to 25% of the population— has now become host to this lively event, and a widely recognized filming location.

You may recognize the building’s industrial walls and green stained-glass windows from when the Incredible Hulk falls from the sky in The Avengers. Or you may recognize it as the place where Jesse Pinkman met up with Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad.

Each Sunday features a different theme where the Rail Yards Market collaborates with educators, musicians and community partners to enhance the experience of the event. Beyond the weekly markets in the summer and fall, the Rail Yards host holiday events and movie nights throughout the year.