Jul. 3—Happy Fourth of July! While the holiday is synonymous with fireworks, there are plenty of other sparkling activities to take in this week.
Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com.
Gone country
Country musician Robert Earl Keen will be playing two shows in New Mexico this weekend. First Keen will make a stop at the Ruidoso Down Race Track & Casino, 26225 U.S. 70 in Ruidoso Downs, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Then he’ll play at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Kit Carson Park, 211 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos. Tickets start at $44.99 for the Ruidoso Downs show; and $51 for the Taos show at robertearlkeen.com.
‘A Magical Space’
Open at the Wild Hearts Gallery, “Karl and Mary Hofmann: A Magical Space,” runs through Aug. 1. The show features pottery and pastel work by the Hofmanns. Wild Hearts Gallery is located at 221-B State Highway 165. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Seeing some stars
The Albuquerque Astronomical Society is hosting a Star Party at the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 5. You can catch sight of the waxing gibbous Moon, Mars and many deep-sky objects with the help of TAAS telescopes. Visit taas.org for more information. The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is located at 7851 Second St. SW.
Things that go bloom in the night
Head out to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden for Night Walks at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. Learn about night-blooming plants and nighttime pollinators, along with different types of nocturnal animals during this guided tour. Tickets are $10.87-$17.05 at holdmyticket.com. The botanic garden is located at 2601 Central Ave. NW.
‘Let Freedom Ring!’
Celebrate the July Fourth weekend with the New Mexico Philharmonic as they bring you works by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, John Williams and more to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Tickets are $10-$25 at artsandculture.cabq.gov, with children 2 and under free. The botanic garden is located at 2601 Central Ave. NW.
Let’s go to the drive-in
Pull up to Balloon Fiesta Park and catch a free screening of “10 Things I Hate About You” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. Watch the film from your car and tune in through the radio. Those who take the nonviolence pledge can receive a free food voucher at participating food trucks at the event, but vouchers are first come, first served. Event parking is at Balloon Fiesta Park’s East Parking Lot, 9401 Balloon Museum Drive NE.
Wine time
The Santa Fe Wine Festival is coming to El Rancho de las Golondrinas from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6. Eventgoers can enjoy live music, artistan vendors and, of course, wine. Tickets are $11.83-$86.30 at holdmyticket.com, with children 12 and under and Blue Star Families free.
—