ONLY SEVEN YEARS after the Stonewall uprising in New York City, almost 100 marchers came out in the summer of 1976 to celebrate the first-ever Pride march in Albuquerque. “We have a rich history of the queer community in New Mexico,” says Human Rights Alliance of Santa Fe executive director Kevin Bowen. “If that community was gone, the state wouldn’t be where it is today.” To continue that tradition, the Human Rights Alliance is hosting a month of Santa Fe events—including a kickoff breakfast on June 1, drag bingo at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery on June 27, and an After Burn closing party at the Mystic on June 30—to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and advocate for equality in New Mexico. Pride celebrations are important, says Bowen, “so that we can see the validation of people and members of the queer community, as well as the allies who celebrate Pride with us.” He highlights three Pride Month events not to miss in the City Different.
Royalty free. The magic of Meow Wolf Santa Fe sets the vibe for the Queer Prom, a reimagined high school highlight for all on June 14, with musical sets by the Sound Vibe, DJ Stereo Dirt, DJ Kuwani, and headliner DJ Oona.
Found footage. On June 21, the New Mexico History Museum hosts a screening of the 1977 documentary Word Is Out. In addition to the film, four never-before-seen interviews from New Mexico women, which were edited out the original, will also be shown. “It was 1977, but some of the stories sound the same that we hear today,” Bowen says.
March on. The Santa Fe Pride Parade and Festival on June 29 includes a float competition, two stages with live entertainment, and more than 100 booths and vendors on the Santa Fe Plaza.
Ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Photograph courtesy of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
CARLSBAD CAVERNFEST
June 7 & 8
Outlaw country singer Jesse Dayton and the Texas-bred Josh Abbott Band headline this free, two-day music festival that includes food trucks, vendors, and attractions.
GEOLOGY TRAIN #1
June 9
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad trip from Chama to Antonito, Colorado, navigates the Rio Grande Rift, San Juan Volcanic Field, and the Tusas Mountains. The all-day experience includes lectures from geologists and an exploration of Rock Tunnel.
SAN JUAN RIVER BALLOON RALLY
June 14-16
Watch hot-air balloons float into the morning air over Bloomfield, or catch a magical night glow for Father’s Day weekend.
SALMON RUINS SUMMER SOLSTICE
June 21
Archaeologists Brooks Marshall and Larry Baker host an early morning observation of solstice sunlight on a special 1,000-year-old feature at Salmon Ruins.
Strap in for the Wild Wild West Rodeo.
Photograph courtesy of the Wild Wild West Rodeo/Rick Anderson.
NO HORSIN’ AROUND
RODEO DE SANTA FE
June 19-22|
Celebrating 75 years, the event draws nearly 500 contestants, including many world champions, to battle it out in the City Different.
WILD WILD WEST RODEO
June 21 & 22
Saddle up to some buckin’ broncos, bull riding, and beautiful southern New Mexico sunsets at this annual Silver City rodeo.
Rock out to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Photograph courtesy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
