With Independence Day happening midweek, this whole week is one big weekend. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to get out and see and do—that is if you can resist the call of the grill, of course.
Friday, July 6
Lavender Long Table Dinner
Albuquerque, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, July 6, 6 pm
Celebrate lavender season with Executive Chef Jonathan Perno at this four-course dinner showcasing the flavors of summer, lavender, and the North Valley. $150 (Per Person). (505) 344-9297; lospoblanos.com
Traditional Native Dances
Albuquerque, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, July 6, 2 pm, and July 7-8, 11 am and 2 pm
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center presents the Hopi-Tewa Sinom Dancers, a traditional Hopi dance group this entire weekend. The IPCC showcases traditional dancers, from across the 19 pueblos, throughout the summer so stay tuned for events! Free. (505) 843-7270; indianpueblo.org
Jade Leyva and Cheri Vilona
Santa Fe, Mill Contemporary, July 6, 5 pm
Artists Jade Leyva and Cheri Vilona will be show their new works at the Mill Contemporary in Santa Fe. Leyva, with her very bold use of colors and shape, is reminiscent of Mexican mural art, and Vilona, with her airy and abstract use of color and line, takes the viewer on a journey of culture, identity, and land. Free. (505) 983-6668; millcontemp.com
Gabriel Iglesias
Albuquerque, Sandia Casino Amphitheater, July 6, 8 pm
Mr. Fluffy himself graces the stage at Sandia Casino. Celebrating 20 years in the game, Iglesias will have you rolling on the floor with laughter by the end of the show. $45 Gen. (505) 796-7500; sandiacasino.com
First Fridays Stand up Comedy Contest
Albuquerque, Tractor Brewery, Wells Park, July 6, 8-10 am
On the first Friday of each month, Tractor hosts a stand-up comedy competition, where Albuquerque’s funniest comedians are pitted against each other in a stand-up style Thunderdome and patrons decide who’s the city’s funniest comedian. Free. (505) 243-6752; getplowed.com
Roswell UFO Festival
Roswell, Downtown Roswell, July 6-8
UFO enthusiasts descend on Roswell in celebration of everything cosmic and extraterrestrial. The three-day event features lectures, costume contest, parade, and even a pet costume contest. Bring the kids and explore the cosmos. Free. (575) 914-8018; ufofestivalroswell.com
Saturday, July 7
Bacon & Brew Festival
Taos, Taos Ski Valley, July 7, Noon–4 pm
Just when you thought you could drink one more IPA this weekend, along comes the Bacon & Brews Festival at Taos Ski Valley. Sample delicious beer and bacon (and live music too!) on a weekend where the fun don’t stop! $30 Gen. (575) 393-5028; taosskivalley.com
Santa Fe Artists Market
Santa Fe, Santa Fe Railyards, July 7 8-12 pm
What can we say, we’re a sucker for local craftsmanship. Explore the works of local potters, painters, jewelry makers, and more. Free. (505) 310-8766; santafeartistsmarket.com
Lavender in the Village
Albuquerque, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, July 6
You’ve waited all year for it to come back, and on Saturday, the 12th annual Lavender Festival returns! Featuring live music, yoga classes, kid-friendly activities, wellness seminars, and cooking demonstrations, this is an all-out love fest for lavender, and a must-visit for lavender lovers. $8 Adults / $3 Ages 4-12 / Free 3 and under. (505) 933-8650; lavenderinthevillage.org
Sunday, July 8
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Gallup, El Morro Theatre, July 8, 1 pm, 4:30 pm and 8 pm
Take a stroll down memory (yellow) brick road, with this fun classic. El Morro Theatre will be showing Dorothy and her little dog Todo trying to make their way back home, while braving the strange new land of Oz, this entire weekend. Bring the whole family! $5 for adults / Free for kids. (505) 726-7550; elmorrotheatre.com
Tempestad (2016)
Santa Fe, Violet Crown, July 8, 2 pm
This weekend, check out this timely film documenting the lives of two Mexican women and the aftershocks of human trafficking. An emotional journey of pain and loss, but also resilience, the documentary reflects the impact of the violence and corruption that plagues Mexico. The showing also ends with a discussion featuring members of The Santa Fe Dreamer's Project, whose organization will receive a portion of the proceeds. $10 Gen. (505) 216- 5678; santafe.violetcrown.com
Historical Downtown Walking Tour
Santa Fe, New Mexico History Museum, July 8
Learn something new about the City Different, by taking a fun walking tour led by guides from the New Mexico History Museum. Free. (505) 476-5200; nmhistorymuseum.org