1 Ahoy to the weekend.

Set sail for the seventh annual Pirate Viking Summer Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. Created in 2019 after requests for a summer fantasy festival, it has grown to 75 vendors and 10,000 attendees. “We’re not just another festival,” says Eric Vigil, owner of Wildlife West. “We have a total immersive experience.”

The pirate- and Viking-themed events include gem and gold panning, historical re-enactors, axe throwing, a vendor marketplace, and incredible food. Five stages host entertainment including belly dancing, sword-fighting demonstrations, and live music. The interactive festival quest sends visitors on a journey through the entire grounds to interact with the vendors, live talent, and artists. “You don’t have to dress up like a pirate or Viking,” says Vigil, “but by the time you leave, you’re going to want to.” Visitors can purchase a weekend camping pass, which includes a 21+ afterparty. Tickets can be purchased online at nmmag.us/pirate-fest.

Mark the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's 50th anniversary with Pueblo dances, artists, food, vendors, and family activities. Photograph by Ramsay de Give.

2 Celebrate the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s golden anniversary.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A full day of free events and activities includes complimentary sweets, face painting, a photo booth, bingo, storytime, movie screenings, food trucks, and a special giveaway. Catch a full lineup of cultural dances in the courtyard from the Lightning Boy Foundation Hoop Dancers (Pojoaque), Cellicion Traditional Dancers (Zuni), and Tewa/Hopi Dance Group (Hopi), while shopping a marketplace of traditional, contemporary, and youth artists in the courtyard.

Catch the Gila Wild & Scenic Film Festival for films about the river and a post-screening discussion about its future. Photograph courtesy of the Town of Silvery City

3 Turn your inspiration into action.

Watch films celebrating the water sustaining New Mexico and the people protecting it during the Gila Wild and Scenic Film Festival at the Seedboat Collective in Silver City on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. The films focus on the Gila River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southwest, and showcase the ongoing efforts to maintain and protect the environment. Stay after the screening for a discussion with Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, who support the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act. The legislation provides permanent protection for more than 400 miles of streams and rivers in the Gila region, guaranteeing preservation for future generations. Tickets can be purchased online at nmmag.us/gila-filmfest.

Cheer runners and burros at the Sierra Blanca Burro Bonanza. Photograph courtesy of New Mexico Pack Burros.

4 BYOB: Bring your own burro.

Experience breathtaking sights and rugged competition on Saturday during the Sierra Blanca Burro Bonanza at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso. Starting at 11 a.m., runners compete side by side with their burro partners on a three-mile or 12.5-mile course that winds through the forested terrain of the Sierra Blanca Mountains. The experience provides a challenge with a stunning view and the lesson of teamwork, persistence, and grit. Spectators can cheer on the participants while checking out the vendors and family activities available all throughout the day.

See custom rides at the Cruces Car Show Fiesta in Las Cruces. Photograph courtesy of 575 Cars.

5 Steer your weekend in the right direction.

Cruces Car Show and Fiesta 2026

Start your engines, and your weekend, at the Sisbarro GMC in Las Cruces on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All makes and models are welcome to compete for cash prizes in categories including the best of show, best classic car, and best hot rod. Peruse the rides and enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, yard games, a bounce house for the kids, and more.

Wine and Shine Classic Car Show

Swirl your glass and check out a lineup of classic cars during the show on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at Wines of the San Juan in Blanco. The event draws some of the best classic, custom, and hot rod vehicles along with great food, award-winning wine and beer, and live music from the Shawn Arrington Blues Band. Despite being surrounded by hot rods, the event includes lots of shade to remain cool. Then stick around for the Sunday Music Series with Nina and Dan at 4 p.m. 

Looking for even more events? Check out our online calendar of events for more things to do.

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