This weekend provides a variety of experiences for people of all interests. The Summerfest series continues, it’s a weekend full of lavender, and organizations in northwest Albuquerque are hosting events to bring people and families together.
1.The Learning Experience (Paradise Hills) is hosting the Summer Splash Bash from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 4580 Nuncio Ave. NW. There will be games, water play stations, giveaways, music and pictures with bubbles, so bring your Townes and smiles to this free event.
2. Westside Cars and Coffee Albuquerque welcomes all car enthusiasts to its event at from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. All makes and models are welcome, but no burnouts, exhibitions of speed or loud engine revving will be allowed. The event will be held at Bask Bath Bar, 5750 McMahon Blvd., at the southeast corner of Unser and McMahon.
3. The Rio Grande Down syndrome Network is combining its under-7 and school-age playgroups fora a day of fun at Ventana Ranch Park with Playgroup at the Park. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, join in for networking and play.
Citywide events
4. Enjoy multiple stages full of local bands, food trucks, show vehicles and more at the Route 66 Summerfest Saturday. The free family-friendly event runs from 5-10 p.m. in along Central Avenue in Nob Hill (from Girard Blvd. to Washington Street). There will be activities for the kids, including free face painting, inflatable obstacle courses and two 25-foot climbing wall.s Look for rows of vendors as well. The event will be held rain or shine, and pets are welcome but should be on leashes. For more information or a full slate of entertainers, activities and vendors, click here.
5. Macaroni and cheese lovers are in luck. The Mac & Cheese Fest returns to Albuquerque from 1-5 p.m. Saturday New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE. The event features chefs and eateries as they compete for creating the best macaroni and cheese. There will also be craft beers, wind and live music from Animated Jukebox and DJ Cut. Tickets are $25 for this age 21-plus event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Locker #505, a student clothing bank. For more information or tickets, click here.
6. The largest lavender festival in the Southwest makes its return this weekend. Head over to the Lavender in the Village Festival at Hartnett Park, 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. While Saturday’s Lavender Night Market is sold out, the Lavender Festival, featuring more than 100 vendors of lavender and lavender products, live music, culinary demonstrations, growing seminars, kids’ activities and yoga classes, is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is a $10 donation (youth $5) with all proceeds benefitting the event and the Rio Grande Community Farm. For more information or tickets, click here.
7. Movies on the Plaza completes its 2022 season with a screening of “Selena” Friday night at Civic Plaza. Show time is 7 p.m. Admission is free.
