Best Weekend Bets
Trains, Samurai music and Celtic craic are just a few of the events around town this weekend.
Burque Bop: Samuri.Machine.Gun
The Albuquerque band mixes performance writing with live music. Three emcees/spoken word poets and four musicians comprise the group. The music is a mix of hip-hop, jazz, funk and rock and roll. The Burque Bop series is a family friendly event and great for dancing. Oz Patisserie and The Zingaro food trucks will be on hand for eats. Friday, May 18.
Explora Adult Night: Under the Microscope
Kids 18 and over can experience Explora from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 18. Hear live music by Le Chat Lunatique; see Darwin come to life in a one act play; meet HAM radio operators and view the heavens with the Albuquerque Astronomical Society, who will be on hand with telescopes.
Spring Fling Quilt Show Featuring Centennial Quilts
The New Mexico Quilt Association will display quilts from artists throughout the state. This year in honor of the Centennial, there will be vintage and contemporary quilts honoring 100 years of Statehood. At the Convention Center May 18 and 19.
Railroad Fair
If the kids missed the Train celebrations downtown last weekend, don't despair. They can catch a huge model railroad exhibit at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 19. There will be more than 250 tables set up with working trains for them to enjoy.
Crawl Daddy Blues Festival
Hear national and local blues acts, and see Madrid for the day. Acts include the Desert Southwest Blues Band, Phil Arnold and Ray Griffin, Felix Y Los Gatos and more. Blues, funk, zydeco and good times await on May 19 and 20.
Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival and Highland Games
The annual Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival features food, dance, music, games and more. Live music, dancers, a classic British car show and more will be on hand at this annual favorite, to take place at Balloon Fiesta park. Enjoy vendor booths, competitions and events such as hurling, Gaelic football, celtic ponies, clan gatherings and more. It's happening this weekend, May 19 and 20. Call (505) 275-6633 for information.
National River Cleanup
Here's a chance to volunteer and see the river--from the inside out, on a raft. Cleanup takes place in the bosque and on the river, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.
Filipino Celebration
The annual celebration of Filipino culture begins with the traditional 5:30 p.m. Holy Mass at San Felipe de Neri church, followed by a procession around the plaza. A free event in Old Town on Saturday, May 19.
Festival of Asian Cultures
The free event takes place at Civic Plaza, with food vendors, educational activities, music and dance. Cultures include Cambodian, Japanese, Lao, Thai and more on Sunday, May 20.
Bark in the Park
Bark in the Park is for those fans who are both baseball and dog lovers. Take Fido out to the game and enjoy berm seating with that best friend. The Bark in the Park takes place Sunday, May 20, but the Isotopes are playing all weekend.
Beer Week is happening all over town--find out where to taste the latest and greatest.
Wondering where to see the fabulous annular eclipse? It's happening Sunday, so don't miss out.
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Beer Week Starts Today
Albuquerque Beer Week features ten days of food, fun and beer tasting in locations around town. There will be beer on tap from local breweries as well as special releases featured on different nights. Things kick off tonight at Chama River Brewing Company with a special dinner, and a special beer release from Ska Brewing at Imbibe in Nob Hill.
There will be tasting events, beer pong, competitions, and even an introduction to home brewing at SW Grape and Grain. It all culminates on Sunday, May 27 at the ABQ Blues & Brews at Sandia Casino Resort. Get your tickets asap, as they sell out prior to the event. And here's a tip: the Alibi has half price entry tickets.
Find out more about Beer Week in Albuquerque.
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Photo © Aileen O'Catherine, licensed to About.com
Solar Eclipse over Albuquerque
Albuquerque lies along the path of the annular solar eclipse that will pass through the southwest on May 20, 2012. In addition to that great good luck, the city also has clear skies that are great for astronomical viewing. The last annular eclipse was almost 18 years ago and the next one won't happen until 2023. This is a must see event.
There will be plenty of places to view the eclipse, which happens at maximum from 6:28 p.m. to 6:33 p.m. The UNM Campus Observatory will have a free event beginning at 6 p.m. that will host about 2,000 viewers. You'll definitely want to take a lawn chair. The observatory is on Yale just north of Lomas. Get more information about this event and eclipse viewing from my Annular Solar Eclipse article. The piece also includes talks featuring the annular eclipse.
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Photo Courtesy Helios/XRT
Isotopes Twelve Game Homestand Begins May 17
The weather feels like summer, which always makes me think of baseball. I can still remember being about five and hopping the train with my dad to see the Philadelphia Phillies. Peanuts, ice cream, the crack of a bat--what's not to love? Granted, bats aren't made of wood anymore, but baseball is still pure fun.
The Isotopes return home for a huge, 12 game home stand stretch of beginning Thursday, May 17. They'll take on the Sacramento River Cats, the Fresno Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Red Hawks. There will be a whole lot of promotional giveaways, including a replica jersey giveaway, a tin lunch box giveaway, a Jason Wood bobblehead giveaway, an adult fun run and more. Military Appreciation Weekend is May 26 and 27, and both nights feature fireworks. Be on the lookout for Bark in the Park on Sunday, May 20, and bring your best animal friend with you for a bit of the game.
Take a tour of Isotopes Stadium.
Photo © Aileen O'Catherine, licensed to About.com
Best Weekend Bets
Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere! Have a safe and wonderful weekend.
National Public Gardens Day
Join in a special celebration that includes talks, lectures, demonstrations and more. Learn about gardening, the environment, and how to conserve water. Get tips on landscape design. Free with admission at the Botanic Gardens, Friday, May 11.
Beauty is a Verb
Poets from the U.S. and Canada who have some kind of disability will read their poems. The reading celebrates the release of Beauty is a Verb: The New Poetry of Disability. Friday, May 11 at the Outpost.
Penn & Teller
The magicians known for their Las Vegas shows and television series will be at the Route 66 Casino on Friday, May 11.
Frankenstein at KiMo
The city will run three Friday Fright Nights, with this classic film starting off the set. Starring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein. Your ticket includes a box of popcorn. Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m.
Billy the Kid and Other Tall Tales
Festival Ballet presents Billy the Kid, about the ruthless but gallant outlaw, set to music by Aaron Copeland. Other original ballets are Homestead, the myth La Lloraoana and Equus Ferus. Special guest is award winning western singer/songrwriter Jim Jones. May 11 and 12 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
National Train Day
Visit the future site of the Wheels Museum and see model trains, hundreds of exhibits, a car show and demos. There will be food, raffles, auctions, live music and fun. Get a sneak peek at the rail years. Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Horse, Cat and Dog Shows
Three shows are happening this weekend at Expo New Mexico. The dog shows are happening at the Manuel Lujan Exhibit complex through May 14. The Feline Fiesta takes place May 12 and 13. And the horse shows feature Arabian and sport horses.
Herbfest
This springtime celebration brings together native plants, herbs and wildflowers, guided bosque tours, bird and nature walks, and activities for the kids. There will be live birds with Wildlife Rescue, a silent auction and live music. Bird walks begin at 8 a.m. Saturday May 12 and Sunday, May 13.
Placitas Studios Tours
If mom loves arts and crafts, then take her to the annual Placitas Studio Tour, where she can take a self-guided tour and visit 50 different artists who will open their studios for this special tour. Enjoy refreshments, demonstrations, or purchase art for mom. The charming village of Placitas has its fair share of artists and beauty to make this a special Mother's Day. Free. On May 12 and 13.
Solar Sunday
The Natural History Museum features our nearest star every second Sunday of the month. Stop by for hands-on activities for the whole family, and look for sunspots through the large telescope. This Solar Sunday will highlight the upcoming annular eclipse. Viewing will be safe. From noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 13.
Happy Mother's Day! Treat her to breakfast in bed, take her to brunch or dinner, take her to the zoo concert or someplace special, treat her to a spa special, but do be sure to treat her well.
Two NM Philharmonic Concerts this Weekend at the Zoo
The New Mexico Philharmonic has two concerts this weekend at the zoo. On Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m., the orchestra pays tribute to the composer John Williams, probably best known for film soundtrack hits such as Harry Potter, Jaws, E.T. and Star Wars. Tickets can be purchased online.
And on Sunday, the annual Mother's Day concert will take place beginning at 2 p.m. The concert lasts for one hour and is included with zoo admission. The orchestra will present Orchestra Spectaculars! with music by Dvorak, Sousa, Bizet and more. The Jackie McGehee youth competition winners will present solos at the concert as well. Hear Mario Bastea-Forte on cello and Gabriel Landstedt on piano; both are high school students.
Be sure to take a blanket, chairs and picnic to really enjoy the show. It's also International Migratory Bird day at the zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And you might want to take Mom to the Bonsai show at the Botanic Gardens, running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so purchase a combo ticket. If you do go to the Mother's Day concert at the zoo, be sure to use the free park and ride service offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the Aquarium parking lot at New York and Central, or from the parking structure at 2nd and Gold (keep your zoo ticket stub!). The parking at the zoo on Mother's Day is virtually nonexistent.
Purchase zoo admission tickets online to ensure you don't miss the concert.
Mother's Day Brunch
Sunday brunch is always fun and special, but Mother's Day brunch is even better. Check out some of the amazing spreads around town, with some places offering all you can eat buffets, others more specialized prix fixe menus. Whatever you may be hankering for, there is something to make Mom happy. Mother's Day is just days away!
Best Weekend Bets
Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, a day to celebrate and eat some favorite foods, like guacamole and tamales. Have a margarita and a wonderful weekend.
John McCutcheon
The beloved folksinger is back, performing at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Friday, May 4.
NM Centennial Festival - Youth in the Arts
Celebrate the art created by New Mexico's youth in Old Town. Hear music by a variety of performing groups at this free event, May 4 and 5.
AlbuQuirky House Tour
Get a close look at three of Albuquerque's most unique houses. One house has mosaic tiles inside and out, another is described as a "train wreck" of forms, and the last has a globetrotter's eye. A silent auction of little houses created by local artists will also help this fundraiser for OFFCenter, a community art center. Three new features are Leftovers from Wonderland, From Ordinary to Ornamental, and Delightful on a Dime. Reception Friday, May 4 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Sumner & Dene Gallery, 516 Central. Little Houses will be up for auction, featuring the work of Frank McCulloch and other Albuquerque artists. The tour is Saturday, May 5.
Cinco de Mayo
Find out about various events for Cinco de Mayo, to include Noche de Oro at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Saturday, May 5.
MADFest
The Menaul School celebrates its annual music, art and drama festival, or MADFest, where fine art will be on display around the campus. Fine artists will sell their wares, along with student artists. Local poet Hakim Bellamy will perform, along with Carlos Contreras, Tango dancers and the students of Menaul in a talent show. A night of dinner and dancing completes this Cinco de Mayo event, Saturday, May 5.
Cinco de Mayo Folk Art and Music Festival
Head to La Parada Mercantile on north Fourth Street for the annual folk art festival, where there will be music, art, food vendors and a whole lot of Cinco de Mayo fun. Saturday, May 5.
Robo Rave
The international robot competition has kids in grades 3 -12 pitting their robots against those from other teams. The challenges take place at the Convention Center on May 5.
New Mexico Children's Fair
There will be aerial displays, monster truck rides and Zumba at the fair, held at the Balloon Museum. Bring your bike for a free tune up, then do the bicycle obstacle course. Kids can plant seeds, meet wolves and more at this fun event, happening May 5 and 6.
Wind Festival and Green Energy Fair
The festival takes place at Wildlife West in Edgewood. Enjoy stunt kite flying demonstrations, kite flying contests, disc golf course, contests, and food. On May 5 & 6.
Orchid Ole Show and Sale
Don't miss the orchid show at the Botanic Gardens. Learn from experts from the New Mexico Orchid Guild to guide you and answer any questions you might have about these special blooms. The show features hundreds of orchids in the Mediterranean Conservatory, the Aquarium lobby, and the Garden Showroom, where they will be available for purchase. Consider purchasing an orchid for Mother's Day. The show is included in the price of regular admission, and runs May 5 and 6, with an Orchid Ole dinner at the Shark Reef Cafe on May 4.
Battlefield New Mexico: The Civil War and More
2012 is New Mexico's centennial, and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battles fought in the state. El Rancho de las Golondrinas will re-enact the times with military drills, camp life, lectures, demonstrations and battle reenactments, on May 5 and 6.
Corrales Studio Tour
The annual tour through Corrales brings you over 60 artists who open their studios and homes for the tour. See how art in various mediums is made, from sculpture to watercolors and oils. Several stops will feature multiple artists. Free, on May 5 and 6.
Ghost Stories
Local author Antonio Garcez will tell ghost stories he has gathered from those who have had direct encounters with spirits. Hear him at the Sandoval County Historical Society's monthly meeting on Sunday, May 6.
Say Goodnight Gracie
Spend time with the legendary George Burns in the form of Alan Safier, who brings the comedian to life in a one man show. See the show on Sunday, May 6 at Popejoy Hall.
Looking for an outdoor market where you can browse and spend a little down time? Both the Tijeras Market and Idalia Road Marketplace open this weekend.
Cause of the Week
Run for the Zoo
Run for the Zoo and raise funds, while getting fit. Participate in a 10K or 5K run, a 5K fitness run/walk and a one mile run/walk. Pre-registration is required. Fees allow participation in the run, a t-shirt and admission to the Zoo that day, Sunday, May 6.
25 Great Places to Host a Kids Birthday Party
Looking for a fun birthday party venue for your child? The Albuquerque area has a multitude of options for kids of all ages and interests. Your child will love these party places, which include go karting, lazer tag, mini golf, fencing, rock climbing and more. And if you're just looking for a party space with a little extra oomph, there's that too, at the new ABQ Party Space downtown.
Find out about places to host a kid's birthday party in the Albuquerque area.
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Photo © Aileen O'Catherine, licensed to About.com
Best Weekend Bets
This weekend has a clear theme: get outdoors and enjoy the natural world. Sunday is Arbor Day! Enjoy your weekend.
Gathering of Nations Powwow
The huge fest brings everything together: food, dance, music, shopping at the trader's market, and so much more. If you've never experienced this event, make this the year. At the Pit (UNM Arena) Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28.
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown
The Box Performance Space presents the story of an average day in the life of Charlie Brown. Friday April 27 through Sunday, April 29. Runs next weekend as well, May 4 - 6.
Opera Southwest: A Way Home
The contemporary opera for middle and high school students and families explores the roots of cultural identity. In English and Spanish, the opera will be showing Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at the National Hispanic Culutral Center.
Introduction to Beekeeping
Les Crowder has been keeping bees and teaching about them for decades. If you'd like to get in on the popular pastime, this is the person to learn from. He's having an introductory class on Saturday, April 28 at the Open Space Center on Coors, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., or on Sunday, April 29 at Skarsgard Farm (for the hobbyist).
Wildlife Day at Rio Grande Community Farm
Take a bird walk, hayride, plant wildflower seeds, go geocaching. It's all happening at the farm that's right in the heart of the city. From 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.
Storytime: When I Grow Up
Weird Al Yankovic may be a funny musician, but he's also the author of a children's book. Weird Al will be in town on Monday for a concert, so Bookworks is celebrating with a reading of Al's book and some great Weird Al giveaways. Saturday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Dia de los Ninos
The Loma Colorado Library will have storytelling, children's book authors, crafts, face painting and more fun at this celebration of young children and books. From 10:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. And it's free!
Food and Life
The fourth annual Food & Life series takes place Saturday, April 28 at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology on UNM campus. Special presentations will take place on the theme of the "three sisters" and a talk by native foods historian Lois Ellen Frank on corn, beans and squash (the three sisters.) From 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Skarsgard Farms Spring Plant Sale
For the gardeners out there, this plant sale is just the ticket. Support local farms by buying heirloom and hybrid tomato plants, along with other specialties, such as Nadia eggplant and Gala melon. Skarsgard Farms is run by the fellow who used to farm Los Pobalanos, but who now has his own spread in the south valley. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Tour the farm at 10 a.m., or go later and learn about drip irrigation, composting and more.
Arbor Day
Celebrate Arbor Day at a free event put on by the Bernalillo County Open Space. There will be different stations led by local experts. Learn about trees, their care and enjoy the live birds from Wildlife Rescue. From 10 a.m. - noon on Sunday, April 29 at the Bachechi Open Space near Alameda and Rio Grande.
Cause of the Week
Girls Night Out
The annual event for women 21 and over features a night of indulgences. There will be shopping, fashion and pampering galore. More than 100 vendors will be at the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday, April 27 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds support the Ronald McDonald House in New Mexico.