1.The Great Southwestern Antique and Vintage Show returns to EXPO New Mexico this weekend. Shop and vista with more than 100 antique dealers from across the country while learning about the Southwest and the art of investing in fine art, antiques, Native American art, ethnographic art, textiles, furniture, historic photos, rare books, jewelry and more. The 23rd edition of the show is open to the general public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $12 or $20 for a two-day pass. For the most avid treasure hunters and collectors, a Sneak Preview for charity is set for 1-6 p.m. Friday for a $100 donation at the door and includes and all-access weekend pass; proceeds benefit New Mexico educational programs on New Mexico PBS. For more information, click here.
2. NM Wedding Expo 2022 gives soon-to-be brides a chance to see an abundance of gowns, design ideas for their own weddings with experts answering questions, and fashion shows throughout the day on from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North. Vendors such as David’s Bridal and Uptown Bride along with cake tastings and florists from local vendors will also be in full swing. Photographers and reception venues will also be there for bookings. Tickets are $15 or $10 after 2:30 p.m. For more information or to buy to tickets, click here.
3. Summer Spiritual Fair at Abitha’s Apothecary and Metaphysical Shop will give patrons the chance to learn about herbs, crystals and more. Tarot readings, aura photos as well as art, jewelry, coffee and cotton candy from more than 18 vendors will give the modern mystics an array of goodies to find. The fair will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at 2231 Wyoming Blvd. NE. For more info, click here.
Citywide events
4. The USA Cycling 2022 Masters Road National Championships have rolled into Albuquerque. More than 800 athletes will be visiting this national event for the second year in a row. Events got underway Thursday and continue though Sunday. Locations of competition include Atrisco Vista Blvd., San Antonio Elementary School and Balloon Fiesta Park. The event is free to the public, and detailed information and event schedule are available by visiting USACycling.org.
5. The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival opens Friday and runs through Sept. 3. Presented by the Vortex Theatre and the city of Albuquerque, it is one of 14 free Shakespeare festivals in the nation. The plays of William Shakespeare will be performed by company professionals at Veterans Memorial Park. This year’s plays include “King Lear” and “As You Like It.” All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held weekly on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the festival’s run. No tickets are required, and all seats are free. Audience members may bring lawn chairs, cushions and stadium seats for the benches as well as blankets, picnics and dogs on leashes; no alcohol is allowed. For more information, visit here.
6. It’s time for “Cruizin’ into the School Year” once again in Albuquerque. The fifth annual event, hosted by One ABQ: Youth Connect department and other community partners, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Civic Plaza. The event features free resources for students for back-to-school season, including haircuts, clothes vouchers, backpacks filled with school supplies, information about before- and after-school programming and more. There will also be a car show, music, prizes and more. Local providers will also be on site to perform vaccinations and sports physical exams, and several city departments will host informational booths with information on resources and services offered to children and families throughout the school year. Pre-registration is required for the free event, with families needing to register each individual child. Registered participants must be present in order to receive resources as quantities are limited. For more information and to register, visit cabq.gov/cruzin.
7. Ready for some back-to-school savings? It’s tax-free weekend in New Mexico, with the tax holiday running Aug. 5-7. Head out to your favorite stores or even shop from home online to complete your back-to-school shopping. For a list of what’s exempt from taxes this weekend, click here.
