1. Dark in the Park Headphone dance party from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 will feature DJs K.OSS and Ren. This is a family-fun event where everyone is invited and is free with headphones provided, but donations are accepted with a portion going to the Albuquerque Indian Center. The dance party will commence at Snow Park at 9501 Indian School Road, just west of Eubank.
2. Red and Green Vegfest is for vegans, vegetarians and veggie lovers alike who want to learn more about their health when it comes to their diet. This is a live festival with vendors, speakers, cooking demos and giveaways. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming NE. The JCC’s mission is to bring people together to enjoy vegan food, hear from engaging speakers and explore ways to live more compassionately for the planet, animals and humankind. Cost is $10, and tickets can be found here.
3. Pirate Viking Summer Bash: Lizard Tail brewing company is inviting everyone to the largest Pirate Viking Summer Bash in New Mexico at the Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. There will be costume contests for kids and adults, water balloon wars, music with sea shanties, a mermaid lagoon show, as well as re-enactment style plays, the time travelers trading post and specified quests for the adventurous. There will be more than 100 vendors including Lizard Tail, food trucks, as well as games and craft merchants. The event aims to embrace the history of world cultures from the 11th to 17th centuries in a fun, entertaining and educational environment. Children 17 and under are free while adult admission is $25 for a day or $45 for the weekend. To get advanced tickets online, which will end at midnight, click here.
Citywide events
4. The Asian Expo + Marketplace runs this weekend at Balloon Fiesta Park. The Business Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with workshops to grow your business and round tables with business resources; the New Mexico Asian Film Festival runs 6-9 p.m. Friday featuring Asian short films produced by API directors, an awards ceremony and feature film celebrating Asians in film; and API Showcase and Marketplace from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. The marketplace features taiko drummers, lion dancers, music, panes on API history and culture, food and drink by Asian-owned restaurants, and Asian vendors and artists. For more information or tickets, visit https://asianexponm.com.
5. In the mood for some roasted chiles? It’s opening weekend for the Shrine of the Little Flower, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Parish’s annual drive-thru chile roasting. The Knights of Columbus will be selling freshly harvested chiles from Hatch and Lemitar in various heat levels. They can roast while you wait, or you can phone your order ahead of time by calling 505-235-4791. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For additional dates and details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
6. The Route 66 Visitor Center is hosting its ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at 12300 Central Ave. SW. For more details about the center, visit https://www.wccdg.org/route-66-visitors-center.
7. It’s going to be a Starry Night in Corrales Saturday. The balloon glow fundraiser for Corrales Main Street begins at 5:30 p.m. at Trees of Corrales. Enjoy music, drinks, dinner from M’tucci’s and a live auction. Tickets are $150 and are available for purchase through Thursday, Aug. 18. For tickets or more information, visit https://visitcorrales.com/starry-night.
