1 Let the flamenco move you.

The biggest gathering of flamenco artists in the country comes to Albuquerque during the 37th annual Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque June 21–29. Over eight days, some of the best flamenco dancers and musicians in the world perform—including Karime Amaya y Compañía from Barcelona, Adela Campallo y Compañía from Sevilla, and Vanesa Coloma y Compañía from Madrid—teach workshops, and mingle with fellow artists. The festival’s events happen throughout the Duke City on renowned stages. Find a full schedule of performances here

The Harwood Art Center in Albuquerque unveils "Surface: Emerging Artists of New Mexico," showcasing a diverse array of works by 14 artists, including Inga Hendrickson. Photograph courtesy of the Harwood Art Center.

2 Watch emerging artists surface.

The Harwood Art Center in Albuquerque premieres Surface: Emerging Artists of New Mexico, an exhibition featuring 14 artists working in a wide range of mediums, with an opening reception and artist talks on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

“One of the things we see in this year’s cohort is this really beautiful exploration of material,” says Helen Atkins, director of opportunity at the Harwood Art Center, and one of the three curators of Surface. She points to the installation pieces of New Mexico Magazine contributor Inga Hendrickson, who uses construction materials, potato sacks, and rope in her work, as an example. “She’s creating these almost-humanlike sculptures from them,” says Atkins. “There’s a material push that we see explored throughout the show.”

In sifting through hundreds of submissions for the exhibition, which runs through July 27, the curators noticed a shared color palette and important themes such as an exploration of identity and domestic spaces. “We want to have a visual connection so there is cohesion in the exhibit,” says Atkins. “There are these really beautiful colors, vibrant oranges and soft blues.”

The New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus presents "¡Orgullo!," a celebration of Latinx culture through music. Photograph courtesy of the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus.

3 Sing your pride.

The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus debuts their show ¡Orgullo! with performances on Friday at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, and Saturday and Sunday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The curated collection of music includes folk songs, Broadway tunes, and hits from the film Coco that celebrate the Latinx tradition. “It’s one of my favorite concerts I’ve ever put together,” says Aaron Howe, artistic director at the NMGC. “This music is so emotional and beautiful.”

The 52 chorus members will be joined by special guests including a mariachi group and professors from the University of New Mexico. “I wanted to celebrate the culture here in New Mexico,” Howe says. “We have always had LGBTQ+ people within each culture in the world. And sometimes they have not been able to be visible or vocal about their identities. But I think we’re moving into a time where we can be more open.”

Howe is especially excited to perform an arrangement of “Children of Sanchez,” the title theme to Chuck Mangione’s soundtrack for the 1978 film. “Most people think of it as a piece that bands play,” he says. “It has such a powerful message about pride.”

Celebrate the arrival of summer at the 75th annual Rodeo de Santa Fe, featuring top-tier rodeo competitions from barrel racing to bull riding. Photograph courtesy of William Kierce.

4 Giddy up to the rodeo.

Welcome summer by sporting your favorite cowboy hat at the 75th annual Rodeo de Santa Fe, Thursday through Sunday. The event attracts World Champion cowboys and cowgirls for barrel races, roping, bull riding, and more.

The Albuquerque Museum's "Vivarium" exhibition opens with a reception, featuring seven artists exploring the interplay between natural life and human-made environments, including Eloy Torrez. Photograph courtesy of the Albuquerque Museum.

5 See life through artists’ eyes.

Seven artists tackle big questions about natural life on earth in the new Albuquerque Museum exhibition, Vivarium: Exploring Intersections of Art, Storytelling, and the Resilience of the Living World, opening Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. with a reception and artist talk. Featuring works by Steven J. Yazzie (Diné/Santa Clara Pueblo), Eliza Naranjo Morse (Santa Clara Pueblo), Nathan Budoff, Patrick McGrath Muñiz, Stanley Natchez (Shoshone-Tataviam), Julie Buffalohead (Ponca Tribe Indians of Oklahoma), and Eloy Torrez, the exhibition juxtaposes the natural world with unnatural, manmade creations.

Vivarium is a journey through diverse perspectives and artistic expressions that converge to highlight the importance of environmental consciousness and cultural reflection,” says museum curator Josie Lopez in a press release. The exhibition, which runs through February 9, 2025, also includes paintings from the Tia Collection by renowned artists including Nanibah Chacon (Diné) and Julio Larraz.

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