Above: Dust off your boots for Gallup's Best of the Best Rodeo. Photography Courtesy Best of the Best Rodeo / Nakai Photography.

THE ROUTE IS ROCKIN’
Tucumcari basks in the neon glow of midcentury, Route 66–centered nostalgia. That’s why Simon Cantlon chose it as the location for Rockabilly on the Route, a four-day celebration of souped-up rides and revved-up rock ’n’ roll, June 1–4. The lineup includes 25 retro-rock bands from around the nation and 5,000 revelers from around the world—as well as circus sideshow acts, a car show, a pinup contest, a pool tournament, and even a beard-and-mustache competition. “We sort of take over the town for four days,” Cantlon says. “There’s always something going on.” rockabillyontheroute.com

MIXMASTERS
Some noteworthy mixologists—including King Cocktail himself, Dale DeGroff—shake (and stir) things up at the New Mexico Cocktails and Culture Festival, June 2–4 in Santa Fe. Chefs will pair food and cocktails, pit their street tacos against one another, and dole out plenty of inventive libations at events throughout the weekend, with proceeds going to worthy organizations. Salud! nmcocktailculture.com

CENTRAL BY SOUTHWEST
Cannes can keep its crowded beaches. From June 6 to 11, creatives from far and wide gather in the shadows of the Sandías for the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience. Screenings, concerts, panels, and parties give those interested in New Mexico’s cinematic scene a chance to rub elbows with industry insiders. Need any further recommendation? Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford is a fan. (505) 265-7866; abqfilmx.com

LOOKING SHARP
As a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, Joseph Henry Sharp created lasting images of the peoples of New Mexico, working closely alongside friend and fellow painter E. Irving Couse. That artistic heritage is commemorated during a gala weekend June 9–11 at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site in Taos, including the June 9 opening of Sharp’s newly renovated two-story adobe studio, which offers a look into a remarkable artist’s work space. For fans of New Mexico’s artistic history, it’s a must-see. (575) 751-0369; couse-sharp.org

FINEST IN FLAMENCO
North America’s largest flamenco event, Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque, returns June 10–17 for its 30th year. See 54 Spanish flamenco experts and six touring companies, as well as 35 workshops and 20 performances around town. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in el baile; special packages for beginners are available. (505) 242-7600; ffi30.org

FATHER’S WEEKEND
Take Dad on a road trip through the Enchanted Circle Father’s Day weekend, June 16–18. In Red River, the annual Art and Wine Festival brings 10 regional wineries to Brandenburg Park, along with a wine walk through town and lots of the live music Red River’s known for (575-754-2366; redriver.org). In Angel Fire, 40 hot-air balloons glide into the skies above the Moreno Valley each morning during Balloons over Angel Fire. (575) 377-6555; angelfirefun.com

HERE COMES THE SUN
For the Ancient Puebloan people who built the 400-room Great House at Aztec Ruins National Monument some 1,000 years ago, “it was important to connect culture to cosmos,” says lead interpretive ranger Danielle York. That’s why the north wall of the massive complex lines up perfectly with the rising sun during the Summer Solstice Sunrise Observation, June 20–21. Gates open at 5:30 a.m. for sun seekers who wish to walk with rangers through the Great Kiva and to the north wall and watch the sun usher in summer. Look for similar programs at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Salmon Ruins Museum, near Bloomfield. (505) 334-6174; nps.gov/azru

GIDDY-UP IN GALLUP
Gallup’s Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo, June 21–24, features some of the most talented high school students competing in six roping and racing events for big payouts, all in front of the captivating backdrop of Red Rock Park. Put the spurs to it and get there early—admission’s free. (505) 863-1270; gallupbest.com