It may be hot, but that isn’t stopping adventurers from getting out and enjoying the wonders of the far Northeast Heights. Forest trails are open, restaurants are spicing it up, and music continues to flow from the speakers. Get in on the fun and check out some of these events in and around the far northeast part of the Duke City:
1. Saturday will be busy at the Cherry Hills branch library, starting off with another Master Gardeners session from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ask the master gardeners how to keep those veggies growing with the intense heat baking the metro. From 2-3 p.m., teens and adults will be avoiding booby traps and giant sea creatures in search of One Eyed Willy’s lost treasure. The advanced Goonies Escape Room requires registration, with no seats currently open but a waiting list available. Another Goonies Escape Room for adults begins an hour after the teen event is over, running from 4-5 p.m. Visit abqlibrary.org/cherryhills for more information or call the library at 505-857-8322 to see about getting on the wait list.
2. Country electric rock group The Mavericks will be playing at Sandia Resort & Casino on Saturday, July 23, with special guests Vicente Griego Revozo and Isaac Aragon & The Healing. The show begins at 7 p.m. with tickets ranging in price from $29-$79. The Mavericks’ first-ever all-Spanish album “En Español” crosses a variety of genres from salsa and ska to norteño and mariachi. To purchase tickets, visit sandiacasino.com/event/the-mavericks.
3. North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center members are invited to boogie down during the community dance night from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Annual membership fees are $20 and provide access to all the amenities the center has to offer. Call 505-764-6475 for more details.
4. Nature lovers wanting to spend more time outdoors can venture into the wilderness along the La Luz Trail. The trail head and parking area was previously closed due to fire restrictions but is now open to the public. The difficult and strenuous nine-mile trail takes hikers to above 10,000 feet, where they can overlook the city from the Sandia Crest. Bring plenty of water as there is little shade and a lot of sun along the steep and rocky path. For those too tired to hike back down, grab a bite to eat at Ten 3 restaurant and then cruise down the mountain on the Sandia Peak Tramway, where riders can enjoy amazing views and get a little rest for the legs. For more information, visit laluztrail.com.
Those in the mood for some summer beverages can check out these options..
5. Start the weekend off right with a lavender lemonade and some Nashville hot fried chicken at Boese Bros Brewpub on Tramway. Seasonal beers on tap include Zeus Juice – White IPA, Watermelon Sour, and the Hazy Pale Ale – East Coast Pale Ale. The brew pub is open 3-10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. To find out what else is on the menu, visit boesebrothersbrewery.com/neheightsbrewpub.
6. Grab a beer and some munchies while listening to live music with Rick Rael from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 24. The food court/brew pub made from shipping containers offers local food, drinks, gifts, and games for all. Tin Can Alley is located at 6110 Alameda Blvd. NE. Visit tincanalleyabq.com to learn more.
Citywide events
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
