1 Have a classically cool time.
Classic car lovers take over downtown Artesia during the 25th annual Main Event Car Show and Cruise. It kicks off Friday at the Bulldog Bowl when a parade of cool rides hits Main Street at 6 p.m. “We are lining the cars up by the decade, oldest to newest,” says Jessica Bollema, communications coordinator at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. “You will get to see the evolution of cars right in front of your eyes.”
On Saturday, vehicles of all kinds surround Heritage Plaza, including classic rides, hot rods, lowriders, tractors, bikes, and motorcycles. Attendees can scan QR codes from the cars’ dashboard plaques to vote for their favorites. “Everybody who comes can vote. “It’s so much fun,” Bollema says. “It gets the whole community involved.”
The Viejitos car club takes over two blocks to celebrate their five-year anniversary, along with a sweet soundtrack by oldies-loving Mike Durler, host of the KHII morning show in Alamogordo. More than a dozen food trucks will set up shop in the parking lot on Fifth and Texas. “It’s a family-friendly event,” Bollema says. The car show is hoping to top last year’s car count with 300 vehicles.
2 Celebrate a renowned cultural center.
The Poeh Cultural Center in Pojoaque marks its 35th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition, Then & Now, opening with a reception Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. “We have photos taken over the last 30 years, artwork from students in our art classes, old signage from the ’80s and ’90s, and archival stuff like an old Apple computer, VHS tapes, and a Super 8 reel,” says Jacob Shije (Santa Clara Pueblo), marketing manager at the cultural center.
The exhibition, which runs through July 5, looks back at Poeh’s story starting with the original plans for the building and a miniature model of what architects hoped it would look like. A 15-minute film features interviews with community members who have had a role in making Poeh what it is today. “It’s cool to see everyone’s relationships, and the history here,” says Shije, who grew up coming to the cultural center with his grandmother. “I think this exhibit will showcase our cultural revitalization efforts.”
The word Poeh translates to “path,” and this exhibit documents the journey of the center itself in representing the Tewa culture that survives in the Pojoaque area—including Pojoaque, Tesuque, and Nambé pueblos. An accompanying book, also titled Then & Now, is forthcoming this summer.
3 Shop Native fashion.
The Wright Contemporary gallery in Taos features 25 innovative textiles and fashion pieces by the renowned fashion designer Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), on display through May 12. “For me, everything starts with a drawing,” Michaels says. “This exhibit brings the process of what a designer goes through to accomplish their vision to life.”
Michaels appeared on the hit TV competition show, Project Runway, in 2012, but she’s been designing for more than 20 years. Her garments incorporate Indigenous symbolism, like hand-painted feather designs on silk, as well as fresh motifs that honor her individuality. She says having her work shown in the context of fine art helps viewers see it for what it truly is—art. “I wanted to focus on my textiles as art,” she says. “I wanted to keep the integrity of artwork here in Taos. I think it’s important that we retain that level of representation in a beautiful space.”
New designs from Michaels will hit the runway at the inaugural Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe, May 2–5. The works in the exhibition were also made within the last two years, and everything in the show is available to purchase.
4 Bring on spring.
Welcome the joy of spring at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery in Ruidoso on Saturday during the Birds, Bees, and Butterflies Bash from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It includes spring-themed crafts, live music, food trucks, and lectures on sustainable agriculture. Noisy Water makes over 60 varieties of wine on site, so expect plenty of sipping choices, including some new releases.
“We want to get people in the mood for spring planting,” says Jasper Riddle, president at Noisy Water. “The Enchanted Vine has rescue animals on site, and we will have outdoor games. There’s plenty of room to wander and enjoy the outdoors.”
Expect live performances from Nova Rush from 1 to 3 p.m. and the Doso Dirtbags from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Vendors from Enchanted Vine’s weekly farmers and crafts market, which starts on Sunday, will preview their offerings on Saturday. Shop handmade glass art, organic dog treats, local honey, and more.
5 Support Diné weavers.
Hunt for things to spruce up your space at the Crownpoint Rug Auction at the Navajo Technical University, near Gallup, on Friday. The auction is a good place to bid on weavings made by Diné artists, who bring their works to the auction around 4 p.m. before the bidding begins at 7 p.m. Take the time to peruse the offerings and choose your favorite—they go fast. The auction is hosted by the Navajo Weavers’ Association, a group made up of weavers, community members, and volunteers. If you miss this one, another auction happens May 3. Find the auction in the university’s gymnasium.
Read more: For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.