As summer approaches, so do all of the fun events coming to New Mexico this year. In this New Mexico Summer Guide, we’ve compiled some of the most exciting events happening near you. Whether you’re in the mood to enjoy some live music or indulge in local eats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, keep reading to see what events are happening near you this summer in New Mexico.
Albuquerque
June
Show Your Colors: Pride Kick-off Party
When: June 1st at 12 pm
Where: Green Jeans – 3600 Cutler Ave
First in our New Mexico Summer Guide of events is the Show Your Colors: Pride Kick-off Party. This pride kick-off party serves to celebrate self-expression and unity within the community. This event is not only a celebration of diversity but also a fundraiser for local non-profits. This event will have music, drag performances, and more. So, come together, show your true colors, and kick off this pride season in Albuquerque!
Festival Flamenco
When: June 21st – 29th
Where: National Institute of Flamenco – 1771 Bellamah Ave Suite A
Another exciting event in this New Mexico Summer Guide is the Festival Flamenco. This year marks the 37th annual Festival Flamenco — an unforgettable celebration of vibrant culture and the soul-stirring art of flamenco. Produced and presented by the National Institute of Flamenco, Festival Flamenco Albuquerque offers a unique opportunity to witness world-class performances, learn from renowned artists, and connect with a vibrant community of flamenco students, fans, and aficionados. Get ready to be captivated and come together to celebrate the rich heritage and timeless allure of flamenco in the Land of Enchantment.
July
Ziggy Marley’s Circle of Peace Tour
When: June 26th from 8 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Isleta Resort & Casino – 11000 Broadway SE
Another fun-filled event in this New Mexico Summer Guide is Ziggy Marley’s Circle of Peace Tour. This tour is the quintessential summer concert that you won’t want to miss out on. Soak up some rays as you listen to Marley perform some of his greatest hits!
Zoo Music
When: June 7th | June 21st | July 12th | July 26th from 6pm to 8:30pm
Where: ABQ BioPark Zoo – 903 10th St.
Further down our New Mexico Summer Guide is Zoo Music at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Bring the family to Zoo Music during the summer to enjoy performances by national touring entertainment. Plan to spend an evening with wildlife while enjoying food, music, and fun. Kids will have fun getting their faces painted and adults can order a drink from the variety of bars at the Zoo. Plus, dusk is one of the more active times for animals and a great time to learn about the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.
August
The Macaroni & Cheese Festival
When: August 24th
Where: Sid Cutter Pilot’s Pavilion at Balloon Fiesta Park – 4900 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy
Do you love cheese? Do you love beer? What about both? Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions, get ready to hit The Macaroni & Cheese Festival! At the Macaroni & Cheese Festival, you get to experience delicious gourmet macaroni and cheese, great tastings of fantastic wine and smooth craft beer all in one sitting. Nowadays, The Macaroni & Cheese Festival is getting bigger and bigger. Great food, great wine and beer tastings, great music and entertainment, and great friends. What’s not to love?
Freaks on Parade Tour
When: August 20th at 6 pm
Where: Isleta Ampitheather – 5601 University Blvd
If you’re a metalhead, you won’t want to miss this next event in our New Mexico Summer Guide. The legendary talents of Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie are coming together to put on the show of a lifetime during their Freaks on Parade tour. If you love loud music and horror-inspired theatrics, this show is sure to knock your socks off.
Las Cruces
June
Farmer’s & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
When: Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Where: 7 City Blocks along Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces
or
When: Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Plaza de Las Cruces – 100 N Main St
For our Las Cruces readers, don’t miss out on the Farmer’s & Crafts Market of Las Cruces! For over 50 years, the Farmers & Crafts Markets of Las Cruces has featured hundreds of vendors selling locally made food, crafts, and produce. In fact, all of the goods sold by vendors are hand-made and local. There is also a steady supply of local produce from growers offering a range of products. As a result, this event serves as a great way to connect with and support your local community members.
Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival
When: June 22nd from 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Branigan Cultural Center – 505 N Downtown Mall
Another incredible event in our New Mexico Summer Guide is the 4th Annual Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival. Get ready to hear incredible jazz music performances from talented performers. Festival organizer and NM Music commissioner, Derrick Lee, says that “this music is rooted in the traditions of improvisational expression, storytelling, and community, and has a rich history that has shaped our nation. This music is alive, and as it evolves, it continues to evolve us. Jazz history is black history. Jazz history is American history.”
July
The Annual 4th of July Electric Parade
When: July 3rd at 9 pm
Where: [Starts at] Apodaca Park – 801 E. Madrid Ave.
When it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, Las Cruces is known for pulling out all the stops. The celebration officially begins on the evening of July 3rd with The Electric Light Parade. This event is hosted annually by the City of Las Cruces and New Mexico State University. This beautiful spectacle brings the surrounding community together to watch creatively decorated floats covered in hundreds of twinkling lights as they brighten up the night under the starry skies. Each year, the parade is given a different theme. This year, the parade theme is “Rockin’ in the USA!”.
Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Festival
When: Saturday July 13th
Where: Plaza de Las Cruces – 100 N Main St
This next event in our New Mexico Summer Guide is something southern New Mexico eagerly awaits every year, The Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Festival. Alongside delicious tacos, tequila, and beer, this event offers a full day of entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, and family-friendly games. For the 6th year in a row, the Tequila, Taco & Cereveza Festival will be turning the Plaza de Las Cruces into fiesta central on Saturday, July 13th. This event will showcase a wide variety of over 100 Mexican beers and samples of over 40 different tequilas from around the world. In addition, there will be food trucks giving their own signature spin on the classic taco. Red beers and margaritas are also on tap, along with other tasty treats.
August
Las Cruces Comic Con
When: August 17th to 18th
Where: Las Cruces Convention Center – 680 E University Ave
Another spectacular event in our New Mexico Summer Guide is Las Cruces Comic Con. This pop culture convention celebrates comic books, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, cosplay, and other elements of pop culture. You can expect to see celebrity guests from the world of comics, film, and television. Additionally, there will be panels and workshops with industry professionals, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and vendors selling a wide range of merchandise and collectibles.
Las Cruces Beer Fest
When: August 10th from 6 pm to 12 am
Where: Plaza De Las Cruces – 100 N Main St
Lastly, the final entry in our New Mexico Summer Guide is the Las Cruces Beer Fest. Established in 2015, the Las Cruces Beer Fest is quickly becoming a staple in the die-hard downtown festival circuit. After all, there’s no better way to beat the heat than an ice-cold brewski. Featuring 240 beer selections available for sampling and purchase from some of the biggest names in brewing, this is every beer lover’s dream fiesta.
Please consume responsibly. For use only by adults 21 and older; Keep out of reach of children; Additionally, this product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Further, the FDA has not evaluated this product for safety, effectiveness, and quality; Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery while under the influence of cannabis; In addition, there may be long-term adverse health effects from consumption of cannabis, including additional risks for women who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.