Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Celebrate Zuni artistry.

Buy new art rooted in timeless traditions this Friday through Sunday at the Zuni Art Market along NM 53 in Zuni Pueblo. The market features many Zuni artisans selling traditional and contemporary works, including jewelry, pottery, carvings, paintings, beadwork, quillwork, sculpture, leatherwork, textiles, and more. Each piece represents time-honored techniques, sometimes incorporating modern twists and influences. “This is our third [Zuni Art Market],” says Chris Gchachu, an Ancestral Rich Traditions of Zuni (ARTZ) Cooperative artist. “This year, we’re looking to make more improvements and try to keep it an annual event for the Zuni community.” The market’s unique location stretches along the side of the highway to allow more space for vendors to park. Local food vendors, social dances, and live music round out the weekend festivities. “We will have other live entertainment here, where there will also be cultural and religious activities going on,” says Gchachu. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can participate in a raffle featuring prizes of original artwork and other surprises.

2 Reach for the stars.

Spend an evening under the stars during Dark Skies, Bright Stars! on Friday at the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. with a daytime solar observation and guided tours led by rangers through the Ancestral Puebloan and Spanish Colonial mission site of Abò. Hear the history of the site and how the Salinas Pueblo missions continue to shape the culture of central New Mexico. As the stars come out, peek into the universe during a deep-space telescope viewing. Then, learn how to photograph the night sky while keeping still the stars in clear focus during the Dark Sky Photography Workshop. Participants can get their favorite photos printed by the rangers before the night ends.

3 Explore South Valley history.

Discover historical roots and stomp your boots at the opening of Cultivating Life: Agriculture in the South Valley on Saturday at the Gutiérrez-Hubbell House in Albuquerque. The adobe museum and cultural center holds centuries of history as a former ranch, trading post, and post office along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. The new exhibition traces agricultural practices in the South Valley from the area’s first Indigenous farmers to present-day cultivators. From 3–5 p.m., the opening features square-dance lessons from the Wilde Bunch, hands-on crafts, and face painting for the kids. Explore the 10-acre grounds, which feature a traditional garden and a heritage garden, walking trails along the acequia madre, and farm plots.

4 Center Genízaro/a culture.

Enjoy a day of cultural celebration through art at the Threading the Rift festival on Saturday at 7k Studios in Taos. The festival focuses on the culture and traditions of Genízaro/a people and their intersecting communities. The event begins at 2 p.m. with educational panels led by educators, cultural stewards, artists, and cross-community leaders. Throughout the day, enjoy live musical performances, gallery exhibitions, film screenings, a cultural dance offering, and a lowrider car show. In the evening, experience a sunset runway show featuring a collection by organizer and fashion designer Josh Tafoya, accompanied by choreography from Nepantla Corazones Productions and an original musical score by Jupiter’s Baby.

5 Dance the weekend away.

She Rises 4 Music Festival, Taos 

Uplift women-led artistry while jamming out to live music at Andrea Magee’s She Rises 4 music festival, held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at DALEEE at KTAOS Solar Center in Taos. Celebrate more than 20 women musicians, including the Wonder Women of Country, Rosie Flores, the Mirabal Sisters, Ruthie Foster, and many more. All profits from the festival go toward Music Helps, a nonprofit organization that supports charities working for positive change. Get tickets here.

Red River Jamboree

Tip your hat and enjoy a weekend of country music during the Red River Jamboree at Brandenburg Park. Headliners include familiar faces such as Craig Wayne Boyd, Morgan Myles, and Casey James, along with local and national favorites, and a Gospel Jam on Sunday morning. The outdoor event also includes food trucks, family-friendly vendors, and activities for kids. Profits from the jamboree benefit the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center and the Red River Valley Charter School. Get your tickets here.

Route 66 Summerfest, Albuquerque

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 on Saturday during Route 66 Summerfest in Albuquerque. Situated along a one-mile stretch of the Mother Road in Nob Hill, the fest honors every era of Route 66 with live music from every decade performed by local artists, including Dezert Penguinz, Just Velvet, Drive-In Delinquents, and many more. Enjoy themed menus from local food vendors while shopping from 30 local artisans and admiring 100 show cars. The Docksiders-Yacht Rock Experience performs the grand finale of the night on the main stage.