Whether you’re looking for a serious talk about disability or just trying to have some fun this weekend, look no further. There is something for everyone in the far Northeast Heights this weekend. Check out some of the happenings going on at a location near you:
1. On Friday, July 29, the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center will be hosting a youth talent show in the gym. There could be singing and dancing or even contortionists. Who knows? Come see the kids show off their skills from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Non-members can pay $20 for a year’s membership at the multigenerational center. Call 505-764-6475 or stop by at 7521 Carmel Ave. NE to get more information.
2. Now let’s get serious. Travis Davis will be talking about accessibility and inclusion in the disability space at the Cherry Hills Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 30. Davis is an educator with experience in marketing, speaking, event planning and writing. His mission “is to help others learn about disabilities in various capacities.” To learn more about Davis, visit travisdavis.net. Registration is required for Saturday’s event with 21 seats available. Go to abqlibrary.org/cherryhills and click on the event in the calendar to begin registration.
The library isn’t just for serious business. Take the Disney Trivia challenge from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Cherry Hills Library meeting room. Compete as an individual or in a team with up to five members for a chance to win prizes. Registration is required, and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit abqlibrary.org/cherryhills to learn more.
3. If the indoor fun isn’t for you, then how about a game of not-so-muddy grass volleyball? The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation Not-So-Muddy Grass Volleyball Tournament takes place Saturday, July 30, at Balloon Fiesta Park. Team registration closed July 22, but interested parties can sign up to be on the waiting list, and all are invited to come and watch. There will be a disco DJ, prizes, a 505/50 raffle, food trucks, beer garden and more. The first-place team will win $1,750 and second place $1,400. For more information, visit carrietingleyhospitalfoundation.org/cthf-events/not-so-muddy-grass-volleyball.
4. With high temperatures expected to dip down into the upper 80s this weekend, it might be just the time to get out and enjoy one of the many trails in the Sandia Foothills. Join the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy summer challenge by sharing your favorite trail on social media with the hashtag #TrailMoments or submit them online at railstotrails.org. Some trail moment ideas include swapping a car trip for a trail trip, learning about a new trail or visiting a local park by trail. Whether you do it for the prize pack or to just get some exercise doesn’t matter. Get out and enjoy all those trails right in far northeast Albuquerque’s backyard.
Citywide events
5. Albuquerque pays tribute to two of its best-known pop culture icons this weekend. On Friday, bronze statues of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, the anti-heroes of the hit TV series “Breaking Bad,” will be unveiled at 1 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who played the characters respectively, as well as series creator Vince Gilligan will be on hand with Mayor Tim Keller at the unveiling. While the ceremony itself will be private, doors to the convention center will remain open for public viewing at 2:30 p.m.
Gilligan and Sony Pictures commissioned the statues in 2019 from sculptor Trevor Grove as a thank you to the city for its prominent role in “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff prequel “Better Call Saul,” which is currently airing its final season. Then, on Saturday, Cranston and Paul will make an appearance at the the Albuquerque Isotopes game, raising money for two New Mexico-based charities — New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers and Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico — and to promote their joint venture Dos Hombres Mezcal, which is available for purchase at the stadium. They are scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in addition to hosting a silent auction, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs through the fifth inning. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:35 p.m. start. For tickets, click here.
6. It’s International Tiger Day Friday, and the ABQ BioPark is celebrating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In its annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation includes the opportunity to learn about tigers and problems they face in their natural habitat, watches they enjoy special enrichment activities, and learn how your actions matter in helping them. Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power and strength. However, it is estimated that only about 3,000 tigers exist in the wild. Tiger Day activities are included with the price of admission. For more information, click here.
7. The New Mexico Games BMX competition comes to Albuquerque Friday at Duke City BMX, 1011 Buena Vista Drive SE. BMX registration can be made online or walk-up at the event. The fee is $20 per class and cruises for single-point race. Several divisions and classes are available in a variety of age groups. T-shirts will be available for each participant. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Commission Justin Hawkinson at 505-250-2264 or visit newmexicogames.org/bmx
8. The Guild Cinema 18th annual Festival Film of Noir wraps up this weekend at 3405 Central Ave. NE. The festival complete its 10 nights of film noir programming on the cinema screen that span nearly 50 years of tales “not quite on the level.” Friday films include the theme of Enchantress Noir with “Strangers in the Night” at 4:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. and “Gilda” at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday is Carl Franklin Noir with “One False Move” at 3:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. and “Devil in a Blue Dress” at 6 p.m. For a full schedule, more information or tickets, click here.
