Camping is a fantastic summer time activity, but sometimes, you’d rather be around people in a lively environment. If that’s the case, here are a few events throughout the state we think you’ll enjoy:
ALBUQUERQUE
May 15, 2015 – Sept. 25, 2015 | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Civic Plaza | Admission: $10
Prime your taste buds for the weekend by sampling new eats and craft beer during this pop-up-kitchen style gathering. It’s an open-air event on Civic Plaza, so you’ll have the ambiance of a refreshing New Mexico summer evening too.
Apr. 15, 2014 – Aug. 25, 2015 | 11 a.m. – 1:30pm | Civic Plaza | Admission: Free
If you work downtown and want to try something new on your lunch break, check out Truckin’ Tuesdays, a weekly gathering of Albuquerque’s best food trucks.
July 1 – Aug. 26, 2015 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Civic Plaza | Admission: Free
Energize the middle of your workweek by browsing a unique array of food and handmade art, jewelry and more from local artists and food vendors. This event is held every Wednesday.
July 10-12, 2015 | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Isleta Casino & Resort | Admission: $20 (day) or $25 (weekend)
If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, adding some new ink or if you just want to mingle with like-minded, tatted-up kin, this event is for you. There will be tattoo contests, DJs, flamenco dances and, of course, after parties.
July 14, 2015 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tingley Café Train Station | Admission: $6-$10
Indulge your inner-night owl on this guided tour. Spots are limited so the ABQ BioPark recommends reserving your spot ASAP.
July 16, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Total Wine & More | Admission: $5
It’s like school sans homework. Learn all about Samuel Adams, one of America’s most popular breweries. Hands-on learning (a/k/a drinking beer) is involved.
July 18, 2015 | 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Nob Hill | Admission: Free
The city’s biggest and best party of the year. It’s a mile-long stretch of bands, food trucks, art, beer and fun. There is also a group wedding ceremony, should you feel inclined.
July 23 – Aug. 2, 2015 | 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. | South Broadway Cultural Center | Admission: $10
Bring the kiddos to a live performance of a DreamWorks Animation film loved by young’uns and adults alike.
Aug. 14, 2015 | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park | Entry fee: Prices vary
Add some color to your exercise routine and raise money for a good cause: 50% of the proceeds go to PB&J Family Services. Arrive early to participate in dance and hula-hoop competitions.
BITE OF ABQ: Food and Craft Beer Festival
Aug. 22, 2015 | 11 a. m. – 8 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park | Tickets: $5
Albuquerque’s first and only craft beer event. Food and entertainment will be provided.
Pirate and Princess Waterslide Picnic
Aug. 29-30, 2015 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park | Admission: $10 (kids 3 and under are free)
Don’t be shy: this event has waterslides for kids of all ages, including those over 30.
BELEN AND LOS LUNAS
Outdoor Adventures Summer 2015
July 27-31, 2015 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Los Lunas River Park | Cost: $40
The kids will hike, explore plant life, fish and rock climb all before lunch time!
LAS VEGAS
43rd Annual Rough Rider Golf Tournament
July 18-19, 2015 | The Gene Torres Golf Course | Entry fee: $150
Contestants must register with a GHIN number by July 16.
The Rock 1-Year Anniversary Party
July 18, 2015 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | The Rock Taproom & Grill | Admission: Free
Everyone loves a good birthday party, especially when the honoree is a bar. Celebrate The Rock Taproom & Grill turning 1-year old.
10th Annual Rough Rider Motorcycle Rally
July 24-26, 2015 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Historic Plaza Park | Admission: Free
Not even a New Mexico summer can stop a true biker from wearing leather. Join the fun and see some awesome bikes during this popular event.
Las Vegas’ NM Cowboys’ Reunion Centennial Celebration
Aug. 1-9, 2015 | Las Vegas, NM | Admission: Free
Giddy on up to one of the largest gatherings of cowboys in the state. There will be a 100-horse (non-motorized) parade, gallery exhibits, music, food and, of course, a rodeo. Yee-haw.
Amnesty International Run (5K Run-Walk, 1K Children’s Fun Run)
Aug. 15, 2015 | 8 a.m. | Historic Plaza Park | Entry Fee: $25
Run or walk for two good causes: good health and human rights.
RIO RANCHO
Try Something New: Make a Collage
July 11, 2015 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Esther Bone Memorial Library | Price: Free
Make a collage with Rio Rancho Art Association member Paula Scott.
June 5, 2015 – July 31, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. | Cabezon Park | Admission: Free
Bring family and friends together for a picnic and a movie. Bring a blanket and snacks.
Haynes Music in the Park Summer Concert Series
June 7, 2015 – Sept. 6, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. | Haynes Park | Admission: Free
Lounge on a blanket and listen to tunes from New Mexico’s best local musicians. You can also have a picnic or play a game of Frisbee.
SANTA FE
June 10, 2015 – July 22, 2015 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | St. John’s College/Museum Hill | Admission: Free
Music on the Hill is one of Santa Fe’s most popular summer events. Get treated to some of New Mexico’s top musical acts while hanging out with family and friends. It gets crowded, so get there early.
July 7, 2015 – Aug. 28, 2015 | Between 6-7 p.m. | Santa Fe Plaza | Admission: Free
A lineup of free live performances from 80 musical acts is a great reason to dance in public. Food and beverage vendors will also be there.
2015 International Folk Market
July 8-12, 2015 | Museum Hill | Admission: $15-$20
Be one of the more than 20,000 attendees who experience and celebrate folk art, food and music from around the world each year at this event.
July 25-26, 2015 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Santa Fe Plaza | Admission: Free
250 artists will be exhibiting hand-made artwork for sale. Browse beautiful crafts while listening to live music and noshing on Hispanic cuisine.
“Ranch Tours” at the Santa Fe Opera
July 31, 2015 & Aug. 28, 2015 | 10 a.m. | The Santa Fe Opera | Cost: $10
The Santa Fe Opera has on-stage and off-stage entertainment. Go behind the scenes and take a tour of the world-famous Santa Fe Opera. Reservations are not required.
Aug. 6-9, 2015 | Scottish Rite Temple | Admission: Prices vary
Perfect your downward dog and then groove to the tunes of Michael Franti & Spearhead.
Aug. 12-15, 2015 | El Museo Cultural De Santa Fe | Admission: $12
Art comprises an infinite number of mediums, styles, techniques and genres. Experience a vast range of materials presented by more than 70 galleries and exhibitors. Material ranges from contemporary to historic, antique to modern, tribal to folk, American Indian to African and Asian. The event presents paintings, sculpture, furniture, books, fashion, jewelry, textiles and more.
Aug. 22-23, 2015 | 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Santa Fe Plaza | Admission: Free
No, you can’t buy the same thing at the airport. Get real-deal hand-made crafts from Native artists, craftspeople and designers. There will also be dancing, food, film and fashion.
What events are you attending this summer? I’d love to know. Tell me in the comments section below.
A New Mexican Perspective
