Favorite Things Friday

Finally!

The clouds have broken, the rain of constant deadlines has cleared, and the light of a three-day weekend is moving our way. And what better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with a family picnic in one of Albuquerque’s picturesque parks or open spaces?

Check out this roundup of our favorite places to pitch our pic-a-nic baskets in the Duke City:

Elena Gallegos Picnic Area

Elena Gallegos Picnic Area: There’s plenty of room for frisbee, tag, and fried chicken (hopefully not at the same time) within this secluded section of foothills near the Sandia Mountains. Visitors are invited to roam more than 640 acres of virtually untouched open space, making Elena Gallegos the perfect place for an afternoon hike, followed by a heaping helping of potato salad. The picnic area has seven covered tables (for the random summer sunburst) and two reservation areas with barbecue grills included. But be wary–if you choose to travel up the trails for your picnic, keep an eye out for the forest residents. Visitors have reported seeing evidence of coyotes, cougars, and the occasional bear. Unless the bear answers to “Yogi,” wears a purple tie, and has a sidekick named “Boo Boo,” you’ve got nothing to worry about.

For more info and directions, visit cabq.gov and search for “Elena Gallegos Picnic Area.”

Tiguex Park

Tiguex Park: If you want some open space but without all the hassle of getting out of the city, visit Tiguex Park–a perfect place for taking the children or partaking in some sports debauchery. Release the kiddos on the park’s concrete slide (not as intimidating as it sounds), woodchip-lined playground area, or let them make a few laps on their bikes, rollerskates, or scooters. The park has nearly a mile’s worth of eight-foot-wide sidewalks just begging to be walked or rolled on.

After stuffing yourself silly, burn some calories off exploring the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, which is directly across the street from the park. Make sure to check out Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition–a temporary exhibit that displays a somber assortment of artifacts recovered from the Titanic’s final resting place at the bottom of the Atlantic. Make sure to check out the recreated interior of the ship, as well.

For more info on Tiguex Park, visit cabq.gov and search for “Tiguex Park.”

McDuffie (Hidden) Park

McDuffie Park: It’s the park with a split personality. On one hand, this shady summer oasis is officially known as McDuffie Park, but to the locals, it’s simply called “Hidden Park.” No matter what name you choose to call it, the narrow, secluded strip-of-a-park provides a perfect haven for a quick picnic getaway. Relax and read a book under the shady eaves of deciduous trees, or discuss the future with your honey from atop the picnic blanket. As far as amenities go, this park is bare-bones; just grass and trees, so naturally, it makes a better destination for adult picnics and older children.

For more info, visit manzano.cabq.gov.

Walk it off!

It’s never too early to start thinking about how to tame that “picnic pooch.”

Why not walk or run it off for a good cause? Shake a leg and join in the Tuskegee Airmen’s first-annual 5k For Flight! Walk/Run on Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. Profits will be used for the General Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math scholarships and education programs, as well as for the placement of a Tuskegee Airmen statue at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial.

Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for children. To register, visit tai-albuquerque.org.

The only question is…what are you doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Happy May, everyone! Hope everyone has a very fun (and safe!) Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the things we will be doing this weekend:

Start Cinco de Mayo a day early at the Cinco de Mayo Folk Art and Music Festival. Held at La Parada Mercantile in the North Valley, the Cinco de Mayo Folk Art and Music Festival is a celebration you can not miss. With over 30 talented artists from New Mexico and the surrounding area and food and drink from Farm and Table Restaurant, your Cinco de Mayo will get off to a great start. Admission is free and runs between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Take the opportunity to experience some of Albuquerque’s most talented young minds. The Kids Variety Show is tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Outpost Performance Space. A program for and by kids of all ages and levels, the show features dance, musical, comedy, theater and more. The show will also feature the Outpost Home School Opera Program plus other performers. Admission is free. And remember, this show is “KG-rated”–so adults must be accompanied by a child.

Don’t forget Lobo baseball hat this weekend when the Lobos play Air Force tomorrow and Sunday. “May the Fourth Be With You” tomorrow for all you Lobo fans who want to dress up in Star Wars attire and only pay $3 for admission. The first 325 fans will also get a free Star Wars giveaway. And with a valid UNM I.D., students get free Dilly Bars Ice Cream courtesy of Dairy Queen. In light of Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, admission for active military and veterans will be $3. Both games start at 1 p.m.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

As we start counting down the days to summer, warm weather and no wind (please!), keep busy with some of these interesting events going on in and around Albuquerque. Here are some of the things we’ll be doing this weekend:

Today through Sunday, make time for a little bit of soul searching at the Mind Body Spirit Expo Celebration. At EXPO New Mexico, enjoy a great holistic celebration with $20, 20-minute readings, free talks, and seminars and interact with gifted astrologers, tarot readers, psychics, and more. Daily admission is $5.

Head to Outpost Performance Space tonight for Roust The House Teen Performance Night. It starts at 7:30 and will feature local teen bands and soloists showing off their musical talents. From punk rock to classical piano and hip hop, marvel in what these young performers can do for only $3 at the door.

As if someone really needs to pull an arm and a leg to get you to Taos and Santa Fe, The Northern New Mexico Modern Home Tour is tomorrow and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This self-guided tour features modern homes that are architecturally progressive and celebrate eco-friendly design. You can even meet the lead architects, builders and designers and garner ideas for your own home. Tickets purchased are good for both days; they’re $40 each.

Celebrate spring cleaning, recycling and art all at the same time this Saturday and Sunday for the 5th Annual Recycled Art Fair. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, check out the vendors selling arts and crafts, music, workshops and more. This event will take place at the Open Space Visitors Center and admission is free.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Oh New Mexico. Between the 10-20 degree drops in temperature and unbelievable, knock-you-down winds, I think we’re finally ready for some consistent weather. This weekend might be beginning of better things to come this spring–but for now, don’t forget to check out these events going on in Albuquerque this weekend:

Support the National Dance Institute of New Mexico Gala for the Imagine the Possibilities Performance tomorrow at 5:30. Head over to the Hiland Theatre for a whimsical, Seuss-themed evening featuring 500 students. The evening begins with the performance, followed by dinner and dancing in the Gala tent. For this Dr. Seuss-themed night, men are encouraged to wear bow ties and women to wear hats. It will be a funtastic night for all ages! Tickets: $150 and $1500 for a table.

If you are feeling a little country tonight, check out the Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall and Saloon tonight where the Rankin Twins will be performing starting at 8. These identical twins have been gaining popularity in Texas Countryand with their new full-length album,Moonshine and Maybes, they are breaking the barriers as they demonstrate what pure country really is.

Starting tomorrow, a week-long celebration of Native American culture begins in Old Town Albuquerque for the 34th Annual American Indian Week: Pueblo Days. The week includes two big Indian art markets, sale sin the IPCC gift shop, specials in the Pueblo Harvest Cafe & Bakery and more. Take advantage of this beautiful weekend and join in on this cultural celebration.

Run over to Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday for the Color Me Rad 5K. The run benefits NMX Youth Sports and you get a t-shirt, a pair of neon 80’s sunglasses as you get plastered by color every five minutes in the race, a “RAD” tattoo and more. Children seven and under run for free with a paying adult. The run starts at 9 a.m. and it’s $50 for late registration.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

You know it will be a good weekend when The Masters are on. But if you need a golf break this weekend, check out some of these events going on in Albuquerque:

Support a good cause this weekend and attend “The Crown, The Purse and The Silk,” presented by Silk Road Connection. Continuing today through tomorrow from 10 am to 6 pm, you can purchase a beautiful, one-of-a-kind derby hat for El Ranchito de los Ninos‘ “Run for the Roses.”Held at Silk Road Connection, don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase chic, fun and adorable hats, scarves and jewelry for a local charity.

Flamenco music, Spanish food and beer is the ultimate recipe for a perfect Saturday night. Instituto Cervantes and Marble Brewery are teaming up tomorrow night at 5 pm to support Cine Magnífico!, Albuquerque’s first Latino Film Festival, that will be held in May. The Supper Truck will serve a special menu of paella and tapas and a night full of Mexican and New Mexican dances and rhythms will keep the celebrations going. Line-up includes guitarist Robert Tanner, dancers from the National Institute of Flamenco and much more. Admission is free.

Outpost Performing Space presents vocalist Fatoumata Diawara on Sunday at 7:30 pm. Born in Cote d’Ivoire and raised in southern Mali, Diawara blends Wassalou traditions with wider influences. Since the release of her debut album, Bissa, in 2012, Diawara has been receiving rave reviews worldwide and even been called “the most beguiling talent to hit the world music scene in some time.” General admission is $30 and students and members are $25.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend and is ready to take on the month of April! Here are some things to do in Albuquerque to kick off the new month:

Extreme poetry doesn’t get anymore impressive than at the 2013 ABQ Grand Slam Poetry Slam Championship. Revel in the works of the top ten poets in the city as they compete for a spot in the 2013 Poetry Slam Team and will represent the Duke City at the National Poetry Slam in August. Support our Albuquerque poets and be at Outpost Performance Space tonight at 7.  Admission is $15 and $10 for students and Outpost members.

To all Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders, enjoy free weekend access tomorrow and Sunday to Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. This weekend kicks off the first of many for Museums on Us, which will continue every full first weekend of each month in 2013. All you have to do is present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card with photo I.D. to gain free general admission. Designed to provide a cultural benefit to Bank of America cardholders, Museums on Us was initiated to increase access to the arts across the United States.

Through April 26, donate your gently used and recycled clothing to the National Hispanic Cultural Center or to Diva D’Luxe. These donations are for Fashion for Field Trips where donated clothes items are transformed by fashion designers and shown on the runway. The outfits are then sold off the model and donations go to funds for bus transportation, artist fees and supplies so that the free School and Youth programs at the National Hispanic Cultural Center can grow.

The time has come baseball fans; the opening weekend of the Albuquerque Isotopes is upon us. Watch the Isotopes go head-to-head against the Iowa Cubs as you hang out with Orbit in this great Albuquerque weather. Go Isotopes!

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

It’s finally spring! I know many of you are probably battling those allergies or trying to tackle your Spring cleaning (or not), but in the meantime, check out these events and performances going on this weekend:

With six CDs under his belt, pianist Fred Sturm will be performing tonight at Outpost Performance Space. Sturm specializes in piano music of Latin America, and for this performance, Sturm takes his audience to Rio in the years just before 1920 when there was vibrant popular music called choro, a mixture of European and African influences. The performance starts at 7:30. Tickets are $20 and students and members get in for $15.

Who loves coffee and chocolate? If you’re doing the double-hand raise, head to the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest this Saturday and Sunday. At the EXPO New Mexico Fairgrounds, savor the finest chocolates, sweets and coffee from your favorite places in the Southwest. Vendors include Cake Fetish Cupcakes, Senior Murphy Santa Fe Candymaker and tons more. Open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., bring the whole family for this entertaining event. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under get in for free.

After chowing down on yummy sweets, participate in the Free to Breathe Albuquerque 2nd Annual Lung Cancer Bike Ride on Sunday. By participating and choosing to fundraise, you’re helping raise awareness and fund vital research programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. With a couple of different rides to choose from, bikers start at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the event closes with winners from the silent auction. The registration deadline is the day of the event at 9:30. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and younger.

Favorite Things Friday

It’s spring break for students all throughout Albuquerque, and with St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday and perfect temperatures this weekend, it’s going to be a busy few days! Here are just a few things we’re checking out this weekend:

Who doesn’t love a little bling? The 44th Annual Jewelry, Gem & Mineral Show will be at EXPO New Mexico Creative Arts Center today through Sunday. Mineral displays by various collectors, silent auction and the opportunity to learn about gem and mineral identification by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club and more will keep this event going. Also make sure to check out the fossils, jewelry, beads and gems for sale from over 45 exhibitors. Admission is a $1 today, $3 Saturday and Sunday and admission is free for children under the age of 13.

Skip the oatmeal and start your Saturday with a real breakfast at the Duke City Roller Derby Pancake Fundraiser at Applebees (3620 New Mexico State Hwy 528). For $7 a plate, you get 2 sausage links, 3 pancakes and coffee or tea; $10 gets you ALL you can eat and an automatic entry into the pancake eating contest. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. and the contest starts at 9 a.m. Support your local roller derby league by purchasing tickets at holdmyticket.com or at the door.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday with the kids at the Shamrock Shuffle. This iRun Fit event features 5 and 10k runs that will start and finish at the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center.  Races are available for all ages. You can register at  ends on Saturday at 11:59 a.m. Participation is between $20 and $35.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Who else was super excited to roll down the windows this week? It felt like spring! And although this gloomy Friday looks anything but springy (go away, clouds!), the weekend is still perfect for the fun activities Albuquerque has to offer this weekend:

Spring is never quite right without the Spring Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. Today through Sunday, celebrate 25 years of the festival with a lineup of more than 200 artists and craftsmen ready to flaunt their creations in a variety of mediums. A variety of live music, specialty foods and artist demonstrations keep the celebration going. The festival will be at the Lujan Exhibit Complex at Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission for a one day pass is $7. Kids get in for free.

Chew on this! Tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Taste of Rio Rancho at the Santa Ana Star Center. Sample some of Rio Rancho’s most popular eateries like Fat Squirrel Pub & Grille, Hot Tamales and Pho Bar. Live music will also be provided. Admission is $10 at the door, and kids 5 and under get in for free.

What education is more fun than learning how to make cocktails? Join in the fun tomorrow for Spring Cocktails 101: An Introduction to Local Spirits at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., this fun and informative hands on event will teach you how to make a number of libations and understand the various elements of cocktail design. Reservations are required and admission is $45.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Is anyone else ready for the weekend as much as we are? Thought so! It’s Friday, and Albuquerque has exactly what we need to relax, celebrate, and enjoy. Here’s what we’ll be doing this weekend:

Puccini

Reserve A Night with Puccini at the UNM Opera Theatre this weekend in Keller Hall. The program will consist of two operas, Suor Angelica and Le Villi, all thanks to the collaborative effort between the opera theatre students with the University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. The program runs tonight through Sunday and will be performed in Italian with supertitles. Tickets are $6-$10.

Santa Fe duo iNK oN pAPER will be in Albuquerque tonight at Synchro Studio for the twin CD release of their new album Official Demo. The mix of groove and technical skills appeals to both the head-nodders and music geeks as Carlos Santistevan and Milton Villarrubia III use electric manipulation on their instruments while, what they describe as, “dragging rhythm through the mud.” Admission is $5.

Take advantage of the moderate weather and beautiful scenery at Jemez Springs tomorrow for the Fire & Ice Winter Festival. Complete with bonfires and warm food, festivities include live music, professional chainsaw carving competition, arts and crafts booths and a beer garden for adults. An array of children’s activities and games are set up to make it a family-friendly and fun event for everyone. The festivities are free and it starts at 11 am.

Every movie lover will be tuning into their TVs Sunday night for the Oscars, but why not watch it on the big screen while benefiting a New Mexico organization?  Experience the thrills and excitement of the 85th Academy Awards at The Albuquerque Oscar Experience Party on Sunday night at the KiMo Theatre at 6 pm. Benefiting the New Mexico BioPark Society, The Albuquerque Oscar Experience is one of 47 parties officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that will be held across the country on Sunday night. Tickets are $40-$55.

What are YOU doing this weekend?