ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new gathering and entertainment space will debut at the 2024 New Mexico State Fair. Event organizers have transformed part of the Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex into a steampunk-themed speakeasy.
“We want to have something where people, it’s not as exclusive as it sounds, but you’re going to have to kind of work for it to get a word, the password to get into the area. But you’re going to love it when you get here,” said Dan Mourning, general manager of the New Mexico State Fair and Expo New Mexico.
The Speakeasy will serve up both cocktails and mocktails and will be the only place that will have the official beer of the 2024 state fair on draft. “This is a place where you kind of take a breath, get an idea of a nice, relaxing area. We have CNM Prop House, who has been unbelievable with us, providing us a lot of the chairs and tables. And we have the bar from Better Call Saul,” Mourning said.
While the location of the speakeasy is not so top secret. Guests will have to provide a password to get in. That password will be located at spots around the fair and on the fair’s website and app.
In addition to serving drinks, the speakeasy will also feature live entertainment, including jazz, comedy, and more. Kids are allowed in the venue, but alcohol will only be served to those of legal drinking age.
In the years past, Mourning and his staff have transformed the Lujan Complex room “C” into different attractions. In 2023, there was a display dedicated to movies and shows filmed in New Mexico, and in 2022, the room housed an exhibit on cannabis.
