Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Meet Taos Pueblo artists.

Every year, Taos Pueblo welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. But it’s not always open to the public, and during one of those prolonged closures (happening now), artists can miss out on valuable sales. So, the Millicent Rogers Museum partners with the pueblo to host the Taos Pueblo Artists’ Winter Showcase, for one weekend each year.

“The idea is to provide a space for the artists to generate income through tourism,” says Claire Pelaez Motsinger, curator and interim executive director at the Millicent Rogers Museum. This weekend, 20 artists will show and sell their work, with traditional art forms like drum making and jewelry appearing alongside more contemporary practices, such as graphic design and cosmetics. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to come and meet the artists,” Motsinger explains. “You will see artists like fashion designer Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), and stone worker John Suazo (Taos Pueblo) who has had an incredible, decades-long career.”

The show opens with a reception Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the artists.

2 See future talent emerge.

More than 375 student artists from 10 schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) in and around Gallup have artwork in the 12th annual Youth Arts Show at Arts123 Gallery in downtown Gallup. “It’s different from other gallery shows that we do,” says Rose Eason, executive director at gallupARTS. “It’s like entering a different world. Kids have such unique and fresh perspectives on everything. It’s an immediate way to access a new perspective, and in a way it’s the most creative show we do each year.” The show opens with a reception Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. and runs through April 4.

3 Pick up some “trash” photos.

Santa Fe–based photographer Brandon Soder has focused his lens on some of the City Different’s best-known faces since he graduated from the now-defunct Santa Fe University of Art and Design. You may have seen his work on local singer-songwriter Esther Rose’s albums or inside the jacket of poet Natachee Momaday Grey’s poetry collection. On Friday, Mottainai vintage shop and gallery, in Santa Fe, hosts the opening reception for his new show, which features 13 prints and more than 150 images of trash that Soder sees and shoots on the ground. “It’s a funny collection,” he explains. “A lot of this work has never been shown before.” See the collection through April 19.

4 Enjoy—and support—live music.

The New Mexico Philharmonic has three events in Albuquerque this weekend, setting a symphonic mood for the springlike weather. Performances begin Friday at 10:45 a.m. with a coffee concert, Carnival of the Animals, at First Presbyterian Church. The setlist includes classics from Bach’s Concerto for Two Keyboards, and a series of songs from Jean-Baptiste Lully’s ballet La Triomphe de L’Amour, a celebration about the joy of love. Next, support the philharmonic ensemble at its Route 66 Gala on Saturday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The dressy evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, wine, auctions, and performances from Festival Ballet Albuquerque dancers, and tunes by King Mobile Music. Finally, on Sunday at 3 p.m., you have another chance to hear the Carnival of the Animals concert at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. 

5 Wear green at a St. Patrick’s Day party.

Lucky to Be Local Market, Albuquerque
More than 20 New Mexico small businesses pop up at El Vado Motel, in Albuquerque, on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., selling handmade goods at this family-friendly event. Catch performances by the dancers of Brightburn Academy of Irish Dance and live music by the Burque Bombadillos.

St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rallye, Belén
Saturday and Sunday in Belén, the 40th annual ballooning event brings a slew of fun to Eagle Park. The balloon launches happen around 7 a.m., with a classic car show, motorcycle displays by the Moose Riders, food, and vendors activities to follow.

Luck of the Irish! Drag Brunch, Santa Fe
Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery in Santa Fe offers this midday meal with renowned drag host Vanessa Patricks, and other drag and burlesque performers, including Coco Caliente, Judas Prudence, Phantom Nips, and more. Tickets are $30 at the door, and food and drinks can be purchased at the venue. Catch the fabulous fun Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day on 66, Gallup
The Coal Street Commons in downtown Gallup closes to traffic during this block party on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Expect food trucks, live music, and a car show. Don’t forget to wear green.

Lúnasa at the Lensic, Santa Fe
The Irish music supergroup makes its annual stop at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, in Santa Fe on Sunday. Catch a pre-show lecture by Caleb Richardson on the St. Patrick’s Day tradition, then be transported to an Emerald Isle pub with Lúnasa’s modern take on traditional Celtic tunes.

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