1 Catch a tune in Red River.

The annual Red River Songwriters’ Festival gathers singer-songwriters to perform their original songs in the wintry northern mountains. Catch artists, including Nashville husband-and-wife duo Goldpine, contemporary country singer and festival founder Josh Grider, and Taos blues trio the Rifters, in intimate concerts and collaborations at the Motherlode Saloon through Saturday. Find tickets here.

Join Albuquerque poet laureate Damien Flores for a free ekphrastic poetry workshop. Photograph courtesy of Damien Flores.

2 Write poetry with a pro.

Albuquerque poet laureate Damien Flores leads a free ekphrastic poetry workshop at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Then, enter your creation in the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs ekphrastic poetry contest, which closes on February 27.

Sample craft beers from breweries across New Mexico during WinterBrew. Photograph courtesy of Winterbrew.

3 Enjoy a cold one.

Sip craft beers from 18 brewers throughout the state at WinterBrew in the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Hosted by New Mexico Brewers Guild, the festival allows attendees to try many styles of beers from local breweries such as Rowley Farmhouse Ales, La Cumbre Brewing Co., and Tractor Brewing Co. There will be food trucks, a heated patio, and VIP tickets allowing entry an hour early. Get your tickets here.

4 Party at a new art space.

Vital Spaces, a Santa Fe nonprofit organization that helps find affordable studio spaces for artists, particularly BIPOC artists, celebrates the opening of its newest community art space on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Featuring 25 studios, the Cerrillos Road location (formerly JoAnn Fabrics) includes a podcast studio, lending library, and photo studio. Join the organization and artists at a shindig to christen the new spot with music and bites.

Dress up and dance the night away at the Sadness, Madness & Mayhem costume ball with Dust City Opera. Photograph courtesy of Dust City Opera.

5 Have a haunted night out.

Shake off those winter blues, don a fabulous outfit, and head to the Historic El Rey Theater in Albuquerque for the third annual Sadness, Madness & Mayhem costume ball with Dust City Opera. The haunted extravaganza features circus performers, carnival games, photo booths, and live music by folk group Dust City Opera and the Giovanni String Quartet. Find tickets here.

For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.