PHOTO STORY: Labubus take over ABQ food park

On Aug. 23, during a windy evening, the ABQ Food Park was overtaken by all kinds of Labubus, which are a form of plush doll. Vendors had booths with original Labubu dolls, others had artisan Labubu crafts made by local artists through mediums like crocheting and 3D printing. Labubu keychains, thermoses, purses, backpacks and other merchandise were everywhere on display.

Jessica Rodriguez,a local artist who was selling 3D printed Labubus, said she started her own business after she was laid off from her tech job.

“I bought my first 3D printer, started selling stuff on Tik Tok and it just took off from there,” Rodriguez said.

The Labubu booths were surrounded by several local food trucks and a kid-sized stage offered kids karaoke where children took charge of the mic and sang along to various popular songs, notably “Soda Pop” and “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which played repeatedly as children's favorites.

Alex Chavez, operations manager at ABQ Food Park, said the Labubu fest was the first of its kind in the city and was one of their most successful events.

“We had local artists that sell local arts and crafts like they normally do, but today was all about Labubu,” Chavez said.

Chavez said he was proud of the “kid-friendly” nature of the event. 

“This is a small boutique park in the North East heights, we plan on making this the destination for family friendly events of all sorts,” Chavez said.

Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa8