1 Twist and Shout.
Beatles fans, prepare for joy as the New Mexico Philharmonic performs two hours of the group’s hits exactly as they were recorded in the Saturday night concert, Classical Mystery Tour. “It is magical to be playing these timeless tunes we all love with an orchestra,” says Marian Tanau, executive director at the Phil.
Four lead musicians play the Beatles: Jim Owen as John Lennon on rhythm guitar, vocals, and piano; Neil Candelora as Paul McCartney on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; Robbie Berg as George Harrison on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri as Ringo Starr, rocking drums and vocals. They will serenade the audience with classic hits including “Penny Lane,” “Yesterday,” and “I Am the Walrus.” Catch the concert at Popejoy Hall. Get your ticket to ride here.
2 Go low and slow.
Good Friday in Española is a time to show off your slickest ride. “It’s really the first big cruise of the year,” says Joan Medina of the Española Lowrider Association. “I hear a lot of people say they’re working during the year to get their cars ready for Good Friday.” Cars ride into town around noon, “cruise through Riverside Drive, up highway 76, and on Juan Medina Drive toward the Santuario de Chimayó,” Medina says. “This year we are anticipating several hundred cars.”
The event is family-friendly, even reverential, and photographers are welcome. Look for classic cars, radical rides, lowriders, lifted 4x4 trucks, and more. Some participate in a “hop” when they use hydraulics to make the cars bounce up and down. “It’s not about competition,” Medina says. “It’s about unity.”
Lowriders will park at businesses throughout Española like Jiffy Lube, Home Run Pizza, and the Shoe Department. You can also see many along the drive to Chimayó and in the Santuario parking lot. “We always love celebrating our faith and our culture on this special day. It just keeps getting bigger and better,” Medina says. Follow him on Instagram @lowridernm to get live updates about when and where to find cars on Friday.
3 Find Renewal. Easter weekend events include:
Egg Hunt, Deming
Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny at the Luna County Courthouse park on Saturday and hunt for thousands of eggs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event includes free food, prizes, and a great gathering of community.
Easter Brunch, Santa Fe
The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado’s restaurant, Terra, hosts a sumptuous brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Curated by Chef José Fernandez, the menu includes grilled halibut, Chimayó chile pasta, baked shakshuka eggs, and lamb for two. Sip a seasonal cocktail like the What’s Up Doc?, made with gin, carrot, rosemary, lemon, and spicy bitters. Call to book a reservation.
Sunrise Service, Albuquerque
Celebrate Easter Sunday with On the Road, a religious service at the University of New Mexico Stadium. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.; the service begins at 7:30 a.m. It’s free and has a Spanish translation and deaf interpretation.
Egg Hunt, Santa Fe
Grab the kids and head to Chomp Food Hall on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Great Santa Fe Easter Egg Hunt. There will be over 2,000 eggs to find and different time slots for age groups. The littles kick things off at 11:15 a.m., middles at 12 noon, and tweens at 12:45 p.m. Look forward to food trucks, live music, local vendors, and drinks. The first 20 kiddos in each age bracket get a free easter bag.
4 Get fresh.
Albuquerque’s longest-running farmers’ market kicks off its 25th season Saturday at Robinson Park from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The Downtown Growers’ Market features an array of produce, honey, eggs, body care products, baked goods, and locally raised meat—plus delicious bites and drinks made on-site to enjoy while you shop.
5 Take a hike.
National Park Week starts this Saturday, during which NPS sites host events, special programs, and free days. In Los Alamos, you can experience three national parks in one day: Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and one of the three units of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Bandelier waives entrance fees on Saturday, meaning you could visit all three without paying a cent. “Each park offers a different glimpse into our area’s history, as well as distinct recreation opportunities and adventures,” says Kelly Stewart, marketing manager for Los Alamos County. “We encourage everyone to get back into nature and celebrate the amazing gems that are our national parks.”