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July in Albuquerque
Your Guide to Albuquerque Events and Attractions July 2009

By Aileen O'Catherine, About.com

© Aileen O'Catherine
July starts off with a bang of a different sort, with fireworks and the snap, crackle and pop of July the Fourth. Find out where you want to sparkle that day, and find other July events, from a lavender festival to the bluegrass sounds of a summer music concert. No matter how you look at it, July in Albuquerque is a great month for relaxation and a bit of fun.

Ongoing
As part of the Experimental Geography group exhibition, a show on the photographs of Edward Ranney's Star Axis project will be on display at the Albuquerque Museum. Ranney has been taking photos of the Chupinas Mesa near Las Vegas, New Mexico since 1979. The photos have documented the construction of an eleven story Star Tunnel, and have been described as visual archaeology in reverse.
Time: Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road
Cost: $4 Adults, $2 Seniors +65, $1 children 4-12.

July 2
Old Town offers new fun with the Brazilian Samba sounds of the Odara Dance Ensemble. While live percussionists perform, the ensemble dances with the reggae style seen every year at the Carnival in Rio. And from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., there are arts and crafts for the kids.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town Gazebo
Cost: Free event

July 3
You won't want to miss the laughter for this Friday Night Block Party, aptly titled Comedy Night. Head out to Old Town for a comedic lineup that includes Wilbur Bowen, Eddie Tafoya, Adrian Martinez, Mike Boyle, Joe Quesada and Steven Michael Quezada, who is a five time winner of the NMHEA Comedian of the Year.
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Charlevoix Street in Old Town
Cost: Free

July 4
Fourth of July events are happening all over the Albuquerque area. Find out where to celebrate your Independence Day.

July 5
The first Sunday of every month, the Open Space Visitor Center hosts a free guided walk into the bosque, Bosque Wild. This month, Elsa Bumstead brings her knowledge of biology, birds and the natural world to the tour. Pre-registration is necessary and the walk fills up fast. Call (505) 897-8831 for information.
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Where: 6500 Coors NW (between Montano and Paseo del Norte) at the Open Space Visitor Center
Cost: Free

July 7
The zoo crackles with the noises of animals each day, but what happens after dark? Find out for yourself by going on a Twilight Tour. Follow a knowledgeable guide and discover the zoo after dark. Pre-registration is necessary. Call (505) 764-6214 for more information or to register. This is a rain or shine event. Meet at the zoo entrance.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Grande Zoo
Cost: $10 for adults $6 for children 3-12 and seniors 65 and older. All ages are welcome.

July 8 through 12
Experience the sights, sounds and lively music at the many events at this year's Mariachi Spectacular. The event includes workshops, public events and a special Sunday Mass.
Time: Showcase July 10 at 6:30 p.m.; Spectacular July 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Showcase at Civic Plaza; Spectacular at Sandia Resort and Casino
Cost: Showcase is free; spectacular tickets start at $45.

July 9
The City of Albuquerque’s Summer Music Series continues with the bluegrass sounds of the Infamous Stringdusters. Bring lawn chairs and a blanket for seating. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase. You may bring your own picnic.
Time: Garden gates open at 6:00 p.m.; Concert: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Botanic Gardens
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 seniors over 65; $2 for children 3 – 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free. BioPark members get tickets half price.

July 10
Tonight’s Zoo Music concert features the family sounds of Trout Fishing in America. You won’t want to miss this popular duo. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Grande Zoo
Cost: $8 for adult tickets, $4 for seniors 65 and older. Tickets for children 3-12 are $2; admission for kids 2 and under is free. BioPark member tickets are half price.

July 10 to July 12
Los Ranchos Lavender in the Village Festival
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Rio Grande Boulevard in Los Ranchos
Cost: $3 adults, $2 kids, children 10 and under are free.

July 12
Here's a perfect day of family fun, called Sky and Sun: Family Day. It combines Albuquerque's Hispanic heritage with hands-on science and art, and best of all, balloons. Activities include mariachi music, meeting hot air balloon pilots, creating a tissue paper balloon, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and even a little kite flying. Sounds like a perfect Sunday summer afternoon.
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive
Cost: Free event!

July 16
The Chris Dracup Band plays at tonight’s Summer Music event. Head out to the garden’s grass for some live folk sounds. You’ll be glad you did. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Beer and wine are available for purchase, as well as food, or you can bring your own picnic.
Time: Garden gates open at 6:00 p.m.; Concert: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Botanic Gardens
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 seniors over 65; $2 for children 3 – 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free. BioPark members get tickets half price.

July 17
Zoo music’s final concert this year is with the bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the animal exhibits stay open until 8:00 p.m. The concert lasts from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Beer and wine are available for purchase, as is food, or you can bring your own picnic.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Grande Zoo
Cost: $8 for adult tickets, $4 for seniors 65 and older. Tickets for children 3-12 are $2; admission for kids 2 and under is free. BioPark member tickets are half price.

July 17 - ongoing through January 10, 2010
A new group exhibit, NaturalMente, opens in the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Community Art Gallery. The work features artists who have incorporated organic materials into their work. This exhibit is in conjunction with the Land/Art exhibit.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center
Cost: Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and children 16 and under are free.

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