Hot summer days call for cool, mellow nights, and this weekend is all about the chilled-out vibe. Enjoy these Albuquerque-centric happenings this weekend, especially the sweet-sounding appearance from Melissa Rios!
Friday July 13
John Sumrow Art Opening
Albuquerque, Tractor Brewing Wells Park, July 13, 8 pm
Start your weekend off right by checking out this awesome Albuquerque-based illustrator’s art opening on Friday. Be on the lookout for prints and paintings (our fave is The Plumber Strikes Back, a Star Wars/Mario Bros. mashup) and some Undead Doughnut figurines! Free. (505) 243-6752; getplowed.com
Traditional Native Dances
Albuquerque, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, July 6, 2 pm, and July 7-8, 11 am and 2 pm
This weekend the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center presents a Nambe dance troupe, the Cloud Eagle Dance Group. The IPCC showcases traditional dancers, from across the 19 pueblos, throughout the summer so stay tuned for events! Free. indianpueblo.org
Salsa Under the Stars
Albuquerque, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, July 13, 7-10 pm
The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is set to serenade you and your honey Friday night with their New York-style salsa. Enjoy great music with food and beverages at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater. $25 Gen. (505) 255-9798 nmjazz.org
Saturday, July 14
Melissa Rios
Albuquerque, Tractor Brewing Wells Park, July 14, 5-7 pm
We can’t wait for this live show! The uber-talented (and soulful) Melissa Rios will be playing during happy hour at Tractor Brewing’s Nob Hill location. Free. (505) 243-6752; getplowed.com
Lavender Distillation Experience
Albuquerque, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, July 14, 10-11:30 am
Learn to make lavender essential oil through steam distillation. Cause a house can’t be a home without lavender oil. (505) 344-9297; lospoblanos.com
Mac and Cheese Fest
Albuquerque, EXPO New Mexico, July 14
Ok, so this is the one indulgent thing that we recommend doing this weekend, but who can resist a mac n’ cheese and craft beer festival? You got macaronis from over 20 restaurants, including this magazine’s new fave, Toltec Brewing, plus a few local and regional breweries for fun. With festivals like these, you just got to love living here. $45. themacandcheesefest.com
Gridding 101
Albuquerque, Mama’s Minerals, July 14, 1-2:30 pm
Learn how to manifest your intentions and transform your life. Learn the basics of intention, sacred geometry, and crystal patterns in the short class. You’ll even get 12 stones to keep, so you can continue to practice at home. $30. (505) 266-8443; mamasminerals.com
Sunday, July 15
Domingos en Arte: Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna
Albuquerque, National Hispanic Cultural Center, July 15, 7:30 pm
The Chilean singer-songwriter, Pascuala Ilabaca (and her band) take you on a musical tour of the world with sounds incorporating jazz, pop, and rock influences in the NHCC’s open-air Fountain Courtyard.
The summer music series, Domingos en Arte, is a great way to enjoy music on a Sunday with the whole family. $13 (Advance) / $18 (Day Of). (505) 246-2261; nhccnm.org