Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 See two exhibitions in one gallery.

Santa Fe’s Hecho Gallery celebrates the opening of two new exhibitions on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Award-winning author and illustrator Zahra Marwan presents 27 new pieces in A Night Like Sea Waves. “A lot of the work is riffing on stories about divination and fortune telling,” says Frank Rose, owner and curator at Hecho. “It’s about magic, and relationships, and the things that connect us and bring meaning and create culture.” Her art often feels narrative, he adds. “You get a whole story in these vignettes.” Marwan’s unique use of color, both bold and fine brushstrokes, and childlike wonder for the everyday bring a dreamlike quality that allows the viewer to feel like they’re stepping into her subconscious or memories. See the exhibition through July 28, and attend Marwan’s artist talk on Sunday at noon. 

Also on Friday, the group show Everybody’s Bolos features ties made by 30 artists from around the country and guest curated Brian Fleetwood (Muscogee Creek Nation), a professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts; metalsmith Hannah Reynoso Toussaint; and metalsmith, educator, and decorative arts scholar Ana M. Lopez. “This exhibit explores the bolos as an expansive jewelry form,” Rose says. “Bolos attract different genders, masculine folks, and are embraced by the queer community and made by Indigenous makers. They’re distinctly American, they originated here.” The exhibition, which runs through July 28, includes bolos made from Legos, shaped like slugs, and featuring cartoon characters. “These artists explore the margins of the bolo form,” Rose says.

2 Get out of this world.

Roswell, the unofficial UFO capital of the world, amps up its alien activity over the Fourth of July weekend during the Roswell UFO Festival. The fun includes alien costume contests for humans and pets alike, a UFO light parade on Saturday night, a drone show, a car show, live musical performances, community-created art installations, a cornhole tournament, and a ton of otherworldly fun. Find a full lineup of events on the festival’s website.

3 Cool off on a mountain art tour.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Lincoln County Art Loop Studio Tour takes you to 19 artists in their creative spaces. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the studio tour meanders along the cool mountain roads of Ruidoso, Carrizozo, and Capitán and showcases mediums ranging from pottery to painting and jewelry. See the map and a full list of participating artists on the event’s website.

4 Be the early bird.

Perched along the waters of the Río Grande in Alcalde, Los Luceros Historic Site offers special activities on Sunday from 5:50 a.m. to 8:20 p.m. during Dawn ’Til Dusk. Peruse the pastoral grounds when the temperatures are mild, and enjoy activities like guided bird walks, ranger talks, and storytime.. Sign up for the 7 a.m. bird walk here.

5 Celebrate the Fourth of July.

Freedom 4th, Albuquerque

Albuquerque throws an American birthday party at Balloon Fiesta Park on Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. It includes musical performances from Grammy-nominated pop-country artist Hunter Hayes, kids’ activities like face painting and rock climbing, a cantina stocked with refreshing drinks and beer, green chile cheeseburgers, and a fireworks finale.

4th of July, Angel Fire

Line the streets as decorated floats and party-goers kick off the Independence Day celebration in Angel Fire at 11 a.m. Then grab your blankets and camp chairs as musical storyteller Sim Balkey plays the Cool Summer Nights concert at Pioneer Park from 5 to 7 p.m. A drone show follows at dusk over Eagle Nest Lake.

Fireworks at Elephant Butte Lake

Starting at dusk on Saturday evening, see one of the largest fireworks shows in the state over Elephant Butte Lake State Park. They vibrant display launches from Rattlesnake Island during the patriotic party from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

4th of July Celebration, Socorro

The Socorro Rodeo & Sports Complex hosts a Fourth of July party with live musical performances from local favorites including Zia Soul, the Pacemakers, Suavecito, and headliners Peter Vigil and the All Stars. Enjoy a cornhole tournament, beer garden, and family-friendly activities at the free party co-hosted by the city and New Mexico Tech on Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with fireworks blasting off when the sun goes down.

Hometown 4th of July Celebration, Taos

A weekend filled with music in Taos kicks off Friday with a free concert at Kit Carson Park featuring the Dwayne Ortega Band, South by Southwest, Bob Schneider, and Junior Brown. Picnic blankets, chairs, and coolers are welcome. There will be food vendors on-site. Music starts at 4:30 p.m.

Pancakes on the Plaza, Santa Fe

A tradition almost 50 years strong, Santa Fe says celebrates America with the Rotary Club’s pancake breakfast on the plaza. The flapjacks start flying at 7 a.m. and festivities go all day with a vintage car show, music, art vendors, and more. The City Different’s fireworks display takes place at Santa Fe Place Mall at dusk.

Fourth of July, Las Cruces

At the Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park on the campus of New Mexico State University, celebrate the Fourth of July with a concert and fireworks. Food trucks and vendors make the event a full affair. Gates open at 4 p.m., music by Big Head Todd & the Monsters starts at 8 p.m., and the fireworks light the sky at 9:45 p.m.

Fourth of July, Artesia

Artesia goes all out, throwing a weekend-long party that includes a golf scramble, cornhole tournament, pickleball tournament, a parade at 9 a.m. Friday, a volleyball tournament, and more.

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