NE Heights weekend roundup Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

1. New Mexico Brew Fest, sponsored by New Mexico Harvest, brings together craft beer lovers for a day of local tastings, music and food. The 11th annual event during the balloon fiesta season serves thousands with more than 20 breweries, select drafts, local food vendors and local music. The 21-plus fest is 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Expo NM. Entry is $10 for designated drivers and $45 for early entry. 

2. Wine, Cider, and Mead Making Class hosted by Southwest Grape and Grain gives a basic course to learn how to get started with wine, cider and mead making at home. All of these beverages can be traced back for centuries, and the class delves into the history and creation process to give patrons the confidence to go home and make their own timeless drinks.. Tickets are $15 for the event that runs 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at 3401 Candelaria NE. 

3. Housing Crisis Support Group Meeting is a new endeavor from organizer April Flowers, who said she is passionate about helping people find places to live that doesn’t come at the cost of mental health, physical safety, or financial manipulation. With so many folks being displaced or rent growth being the highest ever in Albuquerque — in addition to online rental scams — this group helps people with tips and resources, as well as how to avoid the scammers out there. Both prospective tenants and landlords are welcome to the meeting. The group will meet 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Little Bear Coffee on 2632 Pennsylvania St. NE. 

Click image for link to event

Citywide events

4. Get a peek at the new Route 66 Visitor Center with a preview celebration and ribbon cutting Friday. City Councilor Klarissa Peña, Bernalillo County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada and the West Central Development Group will be on hand for the event, which runs from 3-9 p.m. at 12300 Central Ave. SW. There will also be live music, food trucks, vendors and “breathtaking views,” according to city officials. There will be no on-site parking at the event, but park and ride services will be offered at Herrera Coaches, 10605 Central Ave. NW, and the Unser Blvd. Transit Park & Ride lot.

5. A new live music series is hitting downtown Albuquerque. In conjunction with the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Burque Live is focused on invigorating the downtown area and will initially feature more than 60 performances over the next two weekends. Dozens of local artists will perform at a variety of venues, including family-friendly options, in the downtown area and will be free and open to the public. For a schedule of performances and information about the artists, visit burquelive.com.

6. Netflix in Your Neighborhood launches Friday at Skate-O-Mania’s Stranger Things Night. Spin through the Upside Down to retro anthems from the hit show in ‘80s looks inspired by Eleven and her pals. The night will include photo ops and chances to win Netflix prize packs. Sessions run from 4-6 p.m., 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Visit NetflixNM.com for more information.

7. It’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta time. The event officially kicks off its 50th anniversary Saturday at Balloon Fiesta Park and runs through Oct. 9. For a full schedule, tickets or parking information, visit balloon fiesta.com. If you would rather watch from afar, check out one of these options. Additionally, we’d love to see your photos. Share them at https://www.neighborhoodjournal.com/submit-a-photo/