The first official 2022 summer weekend is here, and the far Northeast Heights has plenty to offer. Hiking, sports, restaurants, bars, and community activities are just a stone’s throw away for many in Albuquerque’s far northeast quadrant. Here’s some ideas for this weekend:
1.The Stage III Forest Closure for Cibola National Forest will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday. Hiking and biking on approved national forest trails can once again be enjoyed by nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Come enjoy the natural beauty of the many forest trails throughout the Sandia Mountains and foothill areas without having to go too far from home. Hiking trails to and from the world-famous Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway will also be open to the public beginning Friday. Check the Sandia Ranger District’s recreational and trails maps at fs.usda.gov/cibola or book a ticket to take the tram up to the peak at sandiapeak.com. Be sure to check the weather and prepare for changing conditions in advance. Remember to pack out what’s packed in and to obey all fire restrictions and other rules while in the Cibola National Forest.
2. The North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center at 7521 Carmel Ave. is hosting a community dance night for members from 6-8 p.m. Friday. Annual membership at the center is $20 per year. Not into dancing? Then check out the presentation by UFO researcher Norio Hayakawa title “Mystery of the UFO Phenomenon.” The presentation takes place in room 4 of the NDB Multigenerational Center at 7 p.m. For more information about events at the center, call 505-764-6475.
3. The Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico and Stone Age Climbing are teaming up to offer climbing lessons for athletes with disabilities. Sign up for one of the free classes at Stone Age on Friday at adaptivesportsprogram.org. Group one will climb from 5-7 p.m. and group two from 6-8 p.m. Space is limited, and participants must be registered to attend. First-time attendees must also sign a liability waiver and media release. For questions about the program, email info@aspnm.or or call 505-570-5710, ext. 1. The adaptive climbing session will take place at Stone Age Climbing Gym North, located at 6200 Alameda Blvd. NE. Visit climbstoneage.com for more information on activities, prices and hours.
4. For those who are more of a bookworm, or just interested in worms for gardening purposes, then the Cherry Hills Library is the place to be. On Saturday, the library, located at 6901 Barstow NE, is hosting two events — Master Gardeners from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Budgeting and Planning an Irrigation System from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On Sunday, the library will host it’s recurring Sunday Sci-Fi Book Group from 2:30-4 p.m. This month’s selection is “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin. For more information and to register for the discussion on irrigation systems, visit abqlibrary.org/cherryhills and click on their its of events.
5. For those looking for some good old fun at the park, the Meetup group “Albuquerque Fun 30’s to 40’s” is hosting a kickball match at North Domingo Baca Park. The Meetup group currently has more than 740 members and is “looking for great people in their 30s and 40s who like to have fun and enjoy everything Albuquerque has to offer.” Sunday’s kickball match begins at 7 p.m., and participants are asked to sign a waiver and donate a small amount of cash for fees and additional equipment. To join the Meetup group, visit meetup.com/albuquerque-fun-30s-to-40s/.
Citywide events
6. Mayor Tim Keller will present his State of the City address at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Rail Yards Market, 777 First St. SW with events continuing until 2 p.m.. Connect with city departments and partner organizations, enjoy local food trucks and entertainment and hear how Keller’s administration plans to address issues in the city. There will be limited on-site parking, but there is a free park and ride from the Gold and Second Street parking garage as wells a a bike valet. While the event is free, RSVPs are requested and can be submitted https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mayor-kellers-state-of-the-city-tickets-338533792687
7. Head over to the Botanic Garden at ABQ BioPark Saturday for Pollinator Awareness Day. Attendees will discover the jobs of bees, birds, bats, beetles, butterflies and other pollinators. Activities and discovery stations will be under the garden tent and around the festival green. The session runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free with admission to the BioPark. For more information, visit https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/events/pollinator-celebration-at-the-botanic-garden
8. New Mexico United is hosting its Pride tailgate party and game night Saturday. Game time is 5 p.m. at Isotopes Park, 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE. The event is sponsored by the New Mexico Out Business Alliance. While there, check out the organization’s 2022 Pride Collection. For more information or tickets, visit https://www.newmexicoutd.com/.
9. “Artrageous” is coming to the African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro Drive NE, Saturday night. The one-of-a-kind all arts show has been performing for crowds around the globe and provides high-energy action as arts and music collide on one stage. The art and music circus is described as a rock concert meeting a street artist experience. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are available at https://app.promotix.com/events/details/Artreageous-tickets