1 Picture Route 66.

On Sunday, a new exhibition takes over the open-air gallery at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza. Sunday on Central Avenue features nine works by three photographers— Gabriela Campos, Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli, and Jessica Roybal—who turn their lenses toward Central Avenue to showcase the soul of Route 66 in the Duke City. The images show cityscapes, people, and lowriders along the historic route, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. “I feel like I am capturing little moments,” says Paolinelli. “They are fleeting moments in time that are organic and natural.” Two poems, by Levi Romero and Damien Flores, are also featured in Sunday on Central Avenue. The show opens with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. and remains on view throughout 2026.

An exhibition featuring a series of paintings by Lise Cook opens at the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College this weekend. Photograph courtesy of Henderson Fine Arts Center.

2 See natural art.

Artist Lise Cook takes inspiration from her surroundings in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, sifting visual details into paintings that reflect her love of the environment. Based in Pueblo, Cook uses a combination of old-school painting and cutting-edge technologies to create textured pieces where swaths of natural tones mimic waves and the swirling pattern of leaves in the wind. An exhibition featuring a series of her paintings opens at the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College, in Farmington, on Friday with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. See the exhibition through June 26.

Don't miss a presentation and book signing by authors Dorothy Denetclaw (Diné) and Matt Fitzsimons at the Bosque Redondo Memorial. Photograph courtesy of Friends of the Bosque Redondo Memorial.

3 Listen to authors.

On Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site, authors Dorothy Denetclaw (Diné) and Matt Fitzsimons offer a presentation and signing for the recently released book The Sons of Gunshooter: A Navajo Resistance Story. The story examines the 1919 murder of Charlie Hubbell, a member of the prominent Hubbell trading post family. In the aftermath, two young Navajo brothers were charged with the crime and later convicted at trial. Co-written by Denetclaw, a community activist and interpreter, and Fitzsimons, an investigative journalist, the book focuses on the event as a flashpoint for the many harmful effects and cultural misunderstandings of colonization.

Dive into the secrets of space at the New Mexico Museum of Space History with hands-on activities for all ages.

4 Dive into the secrets of space.

Have you ever wanted to see what colors reveal about different wavelengths of light? The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is teaming up with the Sunspot Solar Observatory to host a day filled with fun, hands-on activities demonstrating the way light is refracted and how different wavelengths behave. Happening Saturday at the museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event includes lessons about how scientists use their understanding of light and wavelengths to help astronauts in space. Kid-friendly versions of these experiments mean the whole family can learn together.

Savor juicy barbecue during Smokin' on the Plaza in Lovington. Photograph courtesy of Smokin' on the Plaza.

5 Savor juicy barbecue.

Embrace the beauty of a summer weekend in Lovington, where the sight, taste, and aroma of barbecue permeate the streets during Smokin’ on the Plaza. The culinary event celebrates its 15th year and includes competitions, live music, and fun for the whole family. The community gathering shines a light on the culture of the small town near the Texas border, with the main  attraction being the IBCA-sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off. On Friday, the festivities begin at 4 p.m., followed by a Hunter Hayes concert at 9 p.m. Saturday’s events begin at noon, with Conjunto Relincho performing at 9 p.m.

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