1 Stand for democracy.

A spotlight shines on the history of democracy in South America in the new exhibition Dictators and the Disappeared: Democracy Lost and Restored, opening at the Albuquerque Museum this weekend. Using a collection of more than 80 posters, textiles, and fictional works from the archives at the Center of Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico, the exhibit shows democracy’s rise and fall in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay during the 20th century. 

“As you go through the exhibit, you will see people expressing their dismay in the moment, but also their hope for rebuilding their countries, and democracy,” says Leslie Kim, co-curator of the show, which runs through February 11, 2024. “Some of the works celebrate solidarity throughout the international community coming together to protest, but also to help rebuild.”

At the opening reception on Saturday at 2 p.m., curators Russ Davidson and Leslie Kim discuss the fragility of democracy with New York Times correspondent Simon Romero, and UNM history professor Liz Hutchinson. “We look at how democracy has been imperiled in the last decade globally,” Kim says. “With all that’s happening in the world, we hope people will get there and see it.”

Heritage Spinning and Weaving at Casa San Ysidro will teach attendees how to use indigo dye. Photograph courtesy of Casa San Ysidro.

2 Weave art and culture.

Casa San Ysidro, in Corrales, explores the stories and traditions tied to New Mexico’s rich fiber arts tradition on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. At the hands-on workshop taught by Myra Chang Thompson, attendees can learn to use indigo dye in the stunning building, originally constructed in 1875.

Don't miss Gallup's 8th annual Best of the Best Rodeo featuring high schoolers, grades 6 to 12. Photograph courtesy of Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo.

3 Giddy up to the rodeo.

Students in grades 6 through 12 compete in rodeo classics like barrel racing, calf roping, goat tying, steer wrestling, and team roping during the eighth annual Best of the Best Rodeo, in Gallup. Events run through Saturday at the Red Rock Park Arena, where winners receive big cash prizes. Competitors come from all over the country to test their skills.

The Narutoza Puppet Theater Troupe will bring a unique opportunity to see a traditional Japanese artform to Santa Fe. Photograph courtesy of the Museum of International Folk Art.

4 Have a hand in a Japanese puppet show.

The Narutoza Puppet Theater Troupe brings a traditional Japanese puppet show to the stage for two performances at the Museum of International Folk Art this weekend. “Very few people will have a chance to see this type of traditional Japanese puppet performance in their lifetime,” says Leslie Fagre, director of education at the museum. “Usually you would have to go to Japan.”

The troupe received a grant from the Tokushima Prefecture to come to the United States and share their talents. The 90-minute presentations on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. include an explanation of the artform, a short video detailing its history, and a chance for the audience to try operating the large puppets, which were carved by renowned master puppet carver Ōe Minosuke IV.

5 Get jazzed for Latino music.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center spotlights the New Mexico Latino Music All Stars on Saturday at 7 p.m. The performance celebrates Latino musicians such as Geneva Esquibel, Benito Encinas, Christine V., and David Quintana, who perform Latin jazz, rancheras, boleros, and cumbias. The concert is a collaborative effort between the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the National Latino Behavioral Health Association.

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