1 Experiment with science.

Experience the fun side of science during the annual Los Alamos ScienceFest, which engages people of all ages in science-based activities. The festival’s main event, Discovery Day, takes over Ashley Pond Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a multitude of kids’ activities.

“We have lots of robots and tech pieces this year,” says Jacquelyn Connolly, executive director at Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District. “We have solar car kits that can be built on site, and then people can enter competitions with them.”

The science shindig also includes concerts, a night market, performance art, and a stargazing party at Overlook Park. Plus, this year’s Discover Day adds an adult element that takes place at several businesses after 4 p.m. “There’s serial killer science, and other hands-on science and arts activities,” Connolly says. “It’s meant for adults to get to play and have something fun to do beyond hanging out at a bar.”

It’s also a way to help connect the community with the Secret City innovations happening right on their doorsteps. “There’s a lot of creative content you don’t always have access to,” says Connolly, who points to lectures on the geology of the Jemez Mountains to startups being spun out of Los Alamos National Laboratory and the future of technology. “We are a town known for science, but this is a public facing opportunity.”

Discover world culture at Santa Fe's 20th International Folk Art Market in Railyard Park, with 160+ artists from 51 countries, food, live music, and special events. Photograph courtesy of the International Folk Art Market.

2 Travel without the jet lag.

Examine the globe’s hotspots without leaving Santa Fe’s Railyard Park during the 20th annual International Folk Art Market. The three-day event includes a preview party, a night market, lectures, and other events that showcase more than 160 artists from 51 countries who represent their unique artisanship. Grab sustenance from Jambo Café’s food truck, Freshie’s Juice, Betterday Coffee, and Platero Frybread while enjoying live music from many ensembles throughout the three days. (Pro tip: Check out our interview with Stacey Edgar, IFAM executive director, for advice on how to get the most and best from the market.)

Albuquerque's Sandia Resort & Casino presents Mariachi Spectacular, featuring international mariachi talents, a concert with Mariachi Estrella de México, and ballet folklórico dancers. Photograph courtesy of Mariachi Spectacular.

3 Move to the music. 

Mariachi fills the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque this weekend during Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque, which brings musicians and ensembles from around the world to the Duke City. With the mission to highlight and continue the mariachi folk tradition, the event curates an impressive roster of maestros and mariachi masters. The main event, the Spectacular Concert, takes the amphitheater stage Saturday at 7 p.m. and features headliners Mariachi Estrella de México, ballet folklórico dancers, and more.

The Santa Fe Opera premieres "The Righteous," a collaboration by composer Gregory Spears and librettist and former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith. Photograph courtesy of the Santa Fe Opera.

4 See an opera’s debut.

The world-renowned Santa Fe Opera stages the global premiere of The Righteous, a joint effort between composer Gregory Spears and librettist and former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, on its opening night, Saturday at 8:30 p.m. The Santa Fe Opera’s 19th world premiere follows David, a preacher, as he navigates the intersection of faith and politics in the 1980s Southwest. “Many of the characters in the story are on a spiritual search,” says Spears in a press release. Say you were there then.

Taos Pueblo invites visitors to a weekend celebration with traditional dances, arts, crafts, and food, featuring main events on Saturday at noon and 7 p.m. Photograph courtesy of Taos Pueblo.

5 Attend a powwow.

Taos Pueblo welcomes visitors during a celebratory gathering on Saturday and Sunday. See traditional dances in 24 categories, visit arts, crafts, and food booths, and experience Indigenous joy and culture in a truly stunning setting. Grand entry drum and dance contests take place at noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tie-breakers happen on Sunday at noon.

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