Your First Turquoise Party
What to Expect & How to Make the Most of Your Weekend
If you've found this guide, welcome.
Maybe you're thinking about coming to Turquoise Party.
Maybe you've already purchased your pass.
Maybe a friend sent you this article because they know it's your first circuit weekend.
However you got here, I'm glad you did.
When I attended my first circuit party, I spent a lot of time looking for information online. I wanted to know what to wear, what to expect, and whether I was going to fit in.
I found plenty of articles.
What I didn't find was one written for an event like Turquoise Party.
Most first-timer guides are written for massive circuit festivals with thousands of attendees. They're full of great advice, but they describe an experience that's very different from the one we're intentionally building here in New Mexico.
Turquoise Party certainly has incredible DJs, immersive production, pool parties, and unforgettable nightlife.
But we're also something else.
We're a community.
One where you'll begin recognizing familiar faces over the course of the weekend.
One where conversations matter just as much as the dance floor.
One where the people producing the festival aren't hidden behind the scenes.
One where we genuinely hope you'll leave with new friendships, new memories, and a feeling that you've found a place where you belong.
That's why I wanted to write this guide.
This isn't just a survival guide.
It's not just a schedule.
It's not just a packing list.
It's a walkthrough of what your first Turquoise Party weekend is really like, along with the practical advice I wish someone had shared with me before my own first circuit party in New Mexico.
Along the way, I'll share a few Josh's Tips. These are little pieces of advice I've picked up through experience, and I hope they'll help you enjoy the weekend just a little bit more.
So whether you're still deciding if Turquoise Party is right for you or already counting down the days until you arrive...
Welcome.
Let's get you ready for an unforgettable weekend.
Where Should I Stay?
Whether you're still deciding if Turquoise Party is right for you or you've already purchased your pass, one of the first questions you're probably asking is:
"Where should I stay?"
The simple answer is that there are plenty of great hotels throughout Albuquerque.
The answer I'd give a friend is a little different.
If it's within your budget, I highly recommend staying at the official host hotel.
Not because you have to.
Because it's where so much of the Turquoise Party experience happens.
Of course, it's convenient. Being able to walk back to your room to change clothes, take a quick break, or recharge before the next event is something you'll appreciate more than you might realize. During our inaugural festival, many of our venues were within walking distance of the hotel. Club Effex was just a couple of blocks away, the El Rey Theater was directly across the street, and returning to your room between events was easy.
But convenience isn't my favorite reason to stay there.
The host hotel becomes the heartbeat of the weekend.
It's where you'll see familiar faces every morning. It's where you'll run into someone you met the night before while waiting for the elevator. It's where conversations continue over breakfast, friendships grow by the pool, and plans for the next event come together in the lobby.
Some of my favorite memories from the first Turquoise Party didn't happen inside a venue.
They happened in those moments between the events.
One of the things I love most about our host hotel is DWTNR (Downtowner) Cocktail Bar & Lounge. The staff is genuinely welcoming, the food is excellent, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a real meal before heading to your next event. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply taking a break with friends, it's one of those places that naturally becomes part of the weekend experience.
Turquoise Party also works hard to negotiate a special room rate for our guests. We want staying at the host hotel to be as accessible as possible because we believe the festival experience doesn't begin when the DJ starts playing. It begins the moment our community starts coming together.
Could you stay somewhere else?
Absolutely.
If you already have another hotel you love or you're staying with friends, you'll still have an incredible weekend.
But if you're looking for the full Turquoise Party experience, I encourage you to stay where the community gathers.
You'll spend less time driving.
Less time looking for parking.
Less time coordinating where everyone is.
And a lot more time making memories.
Josh's Tip: If you're staying at the host hotel, don't spend all of your downtime in your room. Some of the best conversations you'll have all weekend won't happen on the dance floor. They'll happen over breakfast, while waiting for the elevator, relaxing by the pool, or talking with new friends before heading to the next event. Leave a little room in your schedule for those moments. They may end up being some of your favorite memories.
Why We Have a Host Hotel
The host hotel isn't just a hotel.
It's where our community comes together.
We intentionally center the weekend around it because we believe community is built just as much in the moments between the events as it is during them.
Those casual conversations, shared meals, unexpected encounters, and familiar faces are part of what makes Turquoise Party feel different.
It's one of the reasons so many people leave feeling like they didn't just attend a festival.
They became part of a community.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
What Should I Know Before I Arrive?
For many of you, Turquoise Party won't just be your first circuit party. It may also be your first visit to Albuquerque.
If that's the case, welcome.
We're excited to share our home with you.
Albuquerque is unlike anywhere else in the country. Nestled against the Sandia Mountains, our city is known for its incredible sunsets, wide-open skies, rich cultural heritage, and relaxed pace. Whether you're exploring Old Town, trying New Mexican cuisine for the first time, or simply taking in the mountain views between events, I hope you'll take a little time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.
There's one thing, however, that surprises many first-time visitors.
Our elevation.
Albuquerque sits at approximately 5,300 feet above sea level. While that doesn't sound dramatic, the combination of higher elevation, warm summer temperatures, and our dry desert climate can affect people who aren't accustomed to it.
Even if you're healthy and physically active, you may notice that you become thirsty more quickly, feel winded sooner than expected, or tire more easily during your first day or two.
Some people also experience mild altitude sickness while their bodies adjust. Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath with normal activity, difficulty sleeping, or simply feeling "off."
The good news is that these symptoms are usually mild and often easy to prevent.
Start drinking extra water before you arrive in Albuquerque and continue throughout the weekend. Eat regular meals instead of skipping them to get to the next event. Listen to your body if it tells you it needs a break, and don't underestimate the value of a good night's sleep.
You'll probably notice me repeating one phrase throughout this guide:
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Turquoise Party is designed as a weekend experience, not a single night out. You don't have to attend every minute of every event to have an incredible time. Some of the best memories you'll make may happen while you're relaxing by the pool, sharing a meal with new friends, or simply taking a few minutes to recharge before heading to the next event.
Most visitors adjust to Albuquerque's elevation without any major issues, especially if they're staying hydrated and taking care of themselves. However, if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing while resting, confusion, difficulty walking, chest pain, or persistent vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. While serious altitude illness is uncommon, it's always better to be safe and listen to your body.
Josh's Tip: Start hydrating before you ever arrive in New Mexico. I also recommend packing a few electrolyte packets in your suitcase or backpack. They take up almost no space, they're easy to mix into a bottle of water, and they can make a big difference after a long day in our high desert climate. The better you take care of yourself, the more you'll enjoy everything the weekend has to offer.
The Rhythm of the Weekend
What Does a Turquoise Party Weekend Feel Like?
Before my first Turquoise Party, I assumed a circuit weekend was one long party that lasted several days.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
One of the things that surprised me most was how naturally the weekend unfolded. There were moments of incredible energy and excitement, but there were also quieter moments where people slowed down, shared a meal, relaxed by the pool, or simply sat and talked.
That's when I realized a Turquoise Party weekend isn't about rushing from one event to the next.
It's about experiencing the journey.
Every year our venues, themes, and event schedule will evolve as the festival grows, so I don't want you to think of this as a fixed itinerary. Instead, think of it as an example of how the weekend flows.
During our inaugural festival, the weekend included eight events spread across four days.
Everything began with the Welcome Party.
I found this to be one of the easiest events to attend because everyone was arriving at the same time. Some people already knew each other, but many were introducing themselves for the first time. There wasn't any pressure to know exactly what you were doing. It was simply the beginning of the weekend.
The following evening brought a completely different atmosphere. The energy built naturally as everyone became more comfortable, and by Saturday it felt like the community had settled into its rhythm.
The pool parties ended up being one of my favorite surprises.
I expected them to be another party.
Instead, they became a place to slow down.
People gathered around the pool, shared stories about the night before, laughed over lunch, introduced friends to one another, and took a break before the evening's events. Looking back, some of the most meaningful conversations I had all weekend happened there.
Then came the signature evening event.
This is where the production really shines. The lighting, music, performers, visuals, and energy all come together to create something that's difficult to describe until you're standing in the middle of it.
If you still have energy after the main event, you'll usually have the opportunity to continue the night at eVOLVE AFTER DARK, presented by our partners at eVOLVE Strong. Some people love ending the night there.
Others decide it's time to get some sleep.
Both choices are perfectly okay.
By Sunday, something interesting had happened.
The people I had met on Thursday didn't feel like strangers anymore.
I'd seen them at breakfast.
I'd run into them at the pool.
We'd crossed paths at different events throughout the weekend.
The conversations became easier because we already had shared experiences to talk about.
That's one of the advantages of a smaller, more intimate festival.
You naturally begin recognizing familiar faces.
By the time the Farewell Party arrives, you're not saying goodbye to a room full of strangers.
You're saying goodbye to people you genuinely hope to see again next year.
I think that's what surprised me most about my first Turquoise Party.
It wasn't one unforgettable night.
It was four days that slowly built into something much bigger than I expected.
Why We Do This
You'll probably notice that every event has a different pace and a different atmosphere. That's intentional. We don't expect every guest to experience the weekend the same way. Some people love the excitement of the evening events. Others find their favorite moments over breakfast, at the pool, or during conversations between the parties. A weekend gives friendships time to grow in a way that a single event rarely can.
Josh's Tip: Don't measure your weekend by how many events you attended. Measure it by the memories you made and the people you met. Some of my favorite moments happened when nothing special was scheduled at all.
What Should I Bring?
What Should I Pack for the Weekend?
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What should I pack?"
The good news is that packing for Turquoise Party doesn't have to be complicated. A little planning before you leave home means you'll spend more time enjoying the weekend and less time wishing you had remembered something.
Let's start with the basics. Make sure you bring a valid government-issued photo ID, as all Turquoise Party events are for guests 21 and older. Your phone will probably become one of your most-used items throughout the weekend, so don't forget your charging cable and consider bringing a portable battery pack. Between taking photos, staying in touch with friends, checking schedules, and finding your way around, you'll likely use more battery than you expect.
Because of Albuquerque's high elevation and dry climate, I also recommend packing a reusable water bottle and a few electrolyte packets. If you take prescription medications, be sure to pack those, along with any over-the-counter items you regularly use, such as headache medicine, allergy medication, or antacids. It's always better to have them and not need them than the other way around.
Now for the fun part.
Planning your outfits is part of the Turquoise Party experience.
Every year we create event themes that help shape the personality of the weekend. They're meant to inspire your creativity, not make you feel like you have to buy a whole new wardrobe. During our inaugural festival, we celebrated themes like Fresh Off the Plane Chic for the Welcome Party, Heated Rivalry, Turquoise: Opulence, and Golden Hour for our Farewell Party. It was incredible to see how differently everyone interpreted those ideas. Some guests went all out, while others added a simple accessory or a splash of color that captured the spirit of the evening.
That's one of my favorite parts of getting ready for the festival. As the themes are announced, I start thinking about what I'd like to wear to each event. It's all part of building the excitement before the weekend even begins.
As Turquoise Party continues to grow, our venues, themes, and productions will continue to evolve, so every year will bring something new to look forward to.
While planning your outfits, don't forget the practical side of packing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You'll also want swimwear for the pool parties, sunglasses, a hat for daytime events, sunscreen, lip balm, and a light layer for the evenings when the temperature begins to cool.
For the evening events, I always recommend packing something that helps you stay cool and comfortable on the dance floor while still feeling confident. You're going to be moving, dancing, and enjoying yourself for hours, so choose clothing that lets you do exactly that.
One feature I really appreciate is that our signature events offer a clothing check. If you'd rather arrive wearing something comfortable and change once you're inside, or if you simply want to check a jacket or an extra layer, you'll have that flexibility. It makes planning your evening much easier and lets you enjoy the event without carrying everything with you.
Why We Do This
Themes aren't about creating expectations or making anyone feel like they have to dress a certain way. They're about creating a shared experience. Everyone interprets them differently, and that's part of the fun. We love seeing the creativity our community brings to each event, because no two people ever approach a theme exactly the same way.
Josh's Tip: I usually start planning my outfits a few weeks before the festival. It gives me plenty of time to see what I already have, pick up anything I'm missing, and avoid the last-minute stress of trying to throw everything together the night before I leave. Packing becomes part of the excitement, and by the time I zip up my suitcase, the weekend already feels like it's begun.
Coming Alone?
What If I Don't Know Anyone?
If you're coming to Turquoise Party by yourself, I want you to know something before you read another word.
You won't be the only one.
Every year, people arrive from all over the country, and many of them are traveling alone. Some are attending their very first circuit party. Others have been to festivals for years but don't have friends joining them this time. Some simply enjoy traveling on their own.
Whatever your reason, you're in good company.
I'll admit, the idea of walking into a room where you don't know anyone can feel intimidating. It's human nature to wonder if everyone else already has their group or if you'll spend the weekend standing by yourself.
The reality is usually very different.
One of the advantages of a more intimate festival is that you naturally begin recognizing people as the weekend unfolds. You might meet someone at the Welcome Party, see them again the next afternoon at the pool, run into them while grabbing breakfast, and end up dancing together that evening. Those repeated encounters make it much easier to continue conversations instead of feeling like you're constantly starting over.
You also don't have to become the most outgoing person in the room.
You don't have to meet twenty people during your first event.
You don't have to leave with a dozen new best friends.
Sometimes all it takes is one conversation.
Ask someone where they're visiting from.
Ask if it's their first Turquoise Party.
Compliment an outfit.
Talk about the music.
The conversation doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to begin.
One of the things I appreciate most about Turquoise Party is that our community tends to look out for one another. If it's your first time, tell someone. Introduce yourself to one of our volunteers, a member of the leadership team, or one of the Turquoise Boys. We'd much rather spend a few minutes helping you feel comfortable than have you wonder if you're on your own.
By the end of the weekend, don't be surprised if you've exchanged phone numbers, followed a few people on social media, or already started talking about seeing each other next year.
That's how communities grow.
Not through one big moment.
Through lots of little ones.
Why We Do This
One of the reasons Turquoise Party was created was to make it easier for people to build genuine connections. We believe friendships are just as important as the music, the production, and the parties. That's why you'll find opportunities to connect throughout the entire weekend, not just on the dance floor.
Josh's Tip: If you're attending alone, challenge yourself to introduce yourself to one new person at each event. That's it. Just one. By the end of the weekend, you'll be surprised how many familiar faces you've collected, and chances are one of those introductions will turn into a friendship that lasts long after the festival ends.
How Do I Meet People?
Starting Conversations Isn't as Hard as You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about meeting people at a festival is that everyone arrives with a large group of friends.
The reality is much different.
Some people are attending with a partner. Some are with a group of friends. Others came by themselves, and many are just as open to meeting new people as you are.
The hardest part is almost always saying the first hello.
The good news is that conversations at Turquoise Party tend to happen naturally because everyone is sharing the same experience. You're listening to the same music, attending the same events, and looking forward to the same weekend. You already have something in common before you ever speak.
If you're wondering how to start a conversation, keep it simple.
Ask someone where they're visiting from.
Ask if this is their first Turquoise Party.
Ask which event they're most excited about.
Compliment an outfit or ask how they interpreted one of the weekend's themes.
People generally enjoy talking about themselves, and you'll be surprised how often a simple question turns into a conversation that continues throughout the weekend.
One thing I've noticed is that the best conversations rarely happen because someone had the perfect opening line. They happen because someone was willing to be genuine.
Smile.
Introduce yourself.
Be curious.
Listen more than you talk.
Those simple things go a long way.
You'll also find that some of the easiest conversations happen away from the dance floor. Waiting for an event to begin, relaxing by the pool, having breakfast at the hotel, or walking between venues naturally creates opportunities to meet people without feeling like you're interrupting anyone.
And remember, you don't have to carry every conversation yourself.
If you meet someone and the conversation only lasts a few minutes, that's okay. Not every introduction has to become a lifelong friendship. Sometimes it's simply a pleasant conversation that makes the weekend feel a little smaller and a little more familiar.
Why We Do This
One of the reasons Turquoise Party includes a variety of events throughout the weekend is because different environments create different opportunities to connect. A high-energy dance floor is exciting, but a pool party, a meal between events, or a walk back to the hotel often creates the space where real conversations begin.
Josh's Tip: Don't worry about making a great first impression. Focus on making a genuine connection. People rarely remember the perfect conversation. They remember how you made them feel.
Taking Care of Yourself
How Do I Make It Through the Whole Weekend?
One of the things I love about Turquoise Party is that it's a full weekend experience. That's also why it's important to remember that your body has to make the journey with you.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement. You meet new people, discover another event you want to attend, and before you know it you've been awake much longer than you planned. There's nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, but you'll enjoy the entire weekend much more if you take care of yourself along the way.
You've probably noticed that I keep coming back to one phrase throughout this guide:
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
I say it because it's true.
Drink water throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Eat real meals instead of trying to get by on snacks. If you're tired, take a break. If you need an afternoon nap before an evening event, don't feel guilty about taking one. The music will still be there when you wake up.
Remember that every guest experiences the weekend differently. Some people love every late-night event. Others choose one or two and call it a night. Some spend hours at the pool, while others use that time to explore Albuquerque or simply relax. There isn't a "correct" way to experience Turquoise Party.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you've been dancing for hours, sit down for a few minutes. If you've spent the afternoon in the sun, cool off and rehydrate. If you've been going non-stop since breakfast, find a quiet moment before heading to the next event.
One of the nicest things about a weekend festival is that there are natural opportunities to slow down. Use them. Some of the best conversations happen over a meal, sitting by the pool, or relaxing with friends before everyone gets ready for the evening. Those moments are every bit as much a part of the festival as the parties themselves.
By Sunday, you'll be glad you paced yourself. Instead of feeling exhausted, you'll still have the energy to enjoy the Farewell Party, spend time with the friends you've made, and leave the weekend wishing you had just one more day.
Why We Do This
Turquoise Party isn't designed to test your endurance. It's designed to give you a full weekend of experiences. We believe the memories you'll treasure most come from enjoying the journey, not from trying to see how much you can fit into a single day.
Josh's Tip: Before you leave your hotel room each day, ask yourself three simple questions: "Have I eaten? Have I had enough water? Do I have everything I need?" It only takes a minute, but it's one of the easiest ways to make sure you're setting yourself up for a great day instead of playing catch-up later.
When the Weekend Comes to an End
What Happens After the Music Stops?
It's funny how quickly a weekend can go by.
When you first arrive, everything feels new. You're figuring out the schedule, learning where the venues are, and meeting people for the first time. Before you know it, it's Sunday afternoon, and you're wondering how the weekend passed so quickly.
One of the things that surprised me most about my first Turquoise Party was how different Sunday felt from Thursday.
When I arrived, I didn't know many people.
By the end of the weekend, I was saying goodbye to friends.
That's one of the things I love most about an intimate festival. You see the same faces throughout the weekend. You run into people at different events, continue conversations you started the day before, and gradually get to know one another. By the time the Farewell Party arrives, it doesn't feel like the end of a festival.
It feels like saying, "I'll see you again."
Before you head home, exchange contact information with the people you've met. Follow each other on social media. Send a message after you get home. Friendships don't have to end because the weekend does.
Some of the people you meet at Turquoise Party may become the friends you travel with next year.
Others may become people you look forward to seeing every summer.
A few may simply become a wonderful memory from a great weekend.
When you head home, I hope you take more than photos and souvenirs with you.
I hope you leave with stories.
With laughter.
With new friendships.
And with the feeling that you've found a place where you'll always be welcome.
Why We Do This
Our goal has never been to create a weekend people enjoy once.
Our goal is to build a community people want to come back to year after year. Every friendship, every conversation, and every shared experience becomes another thread in that community.
Josh's Tip: Before you head home, take a few minutes to thank the people who helped make your weekend special. Whether it's someone you met, one of our volunteers, or a member of the Turquoise Party team, a simple "thank you" goes a long way. You'll be surprised how many people remember those small moments of kindness.
Joshua's Take
When I sat down to write this guide, I realized something.
It's easy to write about schedules, packing lists, hotels, and what to expect during a weekend. Those things are important, and I hope they've helped answer some of your questions.
What isn't as easy to describe is how a place can make you feel.
Before my first Turquoise Party, I spent a lot of time wondering if I would fit in. Looking back, I wish I hadn't spent so much energy worrying about that. I wish I had trusted that if I simply showed up as myself, everything else would take care of itself.
And that's exactly what happened.
I found people who welcomed me.
I found conversations that felt genuine.
I found friendships that I never expected.
Most importantly, I found a community that reminded me I didn't have to be anyone other than myself.
Whether you're coming from across town or across the country, I hope you experience that same feeling.
Maybe you'll meet someone you'll stay in touch with long after the weekend ends.
Maybe you'll discover a new favorite DJ.
Maybe you'll dance until the lights come up.
Or maybe your favorite memory will be something completely unexpected, like a conversation over breakfast or laughing with new friends while walking back to the hotel.
Whatever your weekend becomes, I hope you give yourself permission to be present enough to enjoy it.
That's what I hope you take home with you.
Not just photos.
Not just memories.
But the feeling that you've found a place where you're always welcome.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. I hope it answered a few questions, eased a few nerves, and made your first Turquoise Party feel just a little less intimidating.
I can't wait to welcome you to New Mexico.
Until next time, if you see me at Turquoise Party, come say hello. I'd love to meet you. Until then, take care of yourself, take care of each other, and I'll see you on the dance floor.
Joshua Billiter
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