1 See Taos bloom. 

The Paseo Project celebrates the season’s awakening during the Taos Spring Out on Friday and Saturday from sunset to 10 p.m. with flower-themed artwork projected onto buildings and performances surrounding the Plaza. “We are preparing to light up downtown with the color and enchantment of flowers,” says J. Matthew Thomas, the project’s executive director. The Harwood Museum of Art, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Course-Sharp Historic Site, and Millicent Rogers Museum will show works from their collections, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum will feature selections from the artist’s Series I White & Blue Flower Shapes. Poets from age 12 to 18 will perform their works as part of the Youth Voice Project.

Truth or Consequences lives it up at its annual fiesta. Photograph courtesy of Sierra County.

2 Party in Truth or Consequences.

Since 1950, Truth or Consequences has thrown a blowout fiesta the first weekend in May. The bonanza of activities includes a rubber duck race, petting zoo, volleyball tournament, disc golf competition, parade, and rodeo. Music from groups such as Sawmill Canyon, Tudy and the Silver Bullet, and Pint & a Half enliven the beer garden from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Events happen all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday centered around the Healing Waters Plaza downtown.

Painter Joan Fenicle is among the artists participating in the 25th annual Placitas Studio Tour. Photograph courtesy of the Placitas Studio Tour.

3 Visit artists in Placitas.

The 25th annual Placitas Studio Tour invites visitors into the spaces where 75 artists create their works. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the open studios provide a glimpse into the artists’ processes and inspirations. Purchase works ranging from painting and photography to ceramics and jewelry directly from their makers. “The tour reminds art enthusiasts that art begins in the studio, a place of process, creativity, and inspiration,” says Nancy Holley, chair of the tour. “Attendees are so impressed with the quality of art available and how friendly everyone is.” See a full list of participating artists on the tour’s website and follow the colorful signs throughout Placitas to find the studios.

The Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race comes to Cerrillos for the first time this weekend. Photograph courtesy of New Mexico Pack Burros.

4 Giddy-up to the burro races.

Cerrillos celebrates its mining history with the Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race on Saturday at 10 a.m. The 3-mile and 6-mile courses begin on First Street, wind through the hills around town, and return where they started. The Western Pack Burro Association oversees 14 burro races in California, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Each team consists of a burro and a runner, who controls the animal with a 15-foot length of rope using strict guidelines (no hitting or excessive pulling, for example). This is the first time the burro race has visited Cerrillos, but organizers hope to make it an annual event.

Find your chill place at Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Ruidoso or Gallup. Photograph by Unsplash.

5 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Ruidoso

The Ruidoso Convention Center hosts a Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Thursday and Friday featuring food, cocktails, and live music by Little Joe y la Familia (Thursday) and Ruben Ramos (Friday). Mariachis and folklorico dancers entertain before the concerts start at 8 p.m.

Gallup

Mariachis, dancers, and festive fun take over downtown Gallup on Saturday for the 21st annual Celebración de Cinco de Mayo. Head to Courthouse Square to catch the festivities from noon to 4 p.m., then hit Sammy C’s Rock n’ Sports Pub and Grille for more music and entertainment.