1.Students from Marie Hughes Elementary School have their art on display at the Open Space Visitor Center at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW. Hundreds of drawings and photos inspired by the study of the Rio Grande, the Bosque, and the animals, plants and people that depend on it. The works, combined into a series of canvas mosaics, were created baby 67 first-, second- and third-graders from the school. The River Connects Us All display is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through June 25.
2. Head over to the Collector’s Zone Convention with Grayskull Toys at Collectibles at Cottonwood Mall this weekend. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday to shop local vendors for collectible and vintage toys, cards and games.
3. Trail Watch Volunteers can attend Fire Watch Training from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Open Space Visitors Center at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW. Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Open Space Division are hosting the event during an intense and early fire season in New Mexico. Lt. Joseph Kandel, Wildland Division coordinator for AFR will discuss expectations of fire watch volunteers as well as the possibility of assisting in warning hikers and creating barriers to inflamed areas. To register, visit https://www.onealbqvolunteers.com/agency/detail/openspace/ or email depps@cabq.gov. Those with additional questions can call 505-768-7951.
Citywide events
4. Albuquerque Pride is hosting the 46th PrideFest at EXPO New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Drive NE. Friday includes Pridefest free night and talent showcase from 5-9 p.m. Saturday is the main event featuring the Pride Parade at 10 a.m. along Central in Nob Hill. Dance and music will continue at the main event at EXPO New Mexico from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit abqpride.com
5. The Backstreet Boys are bringing their DNA World Tour to Isleta Resort & Casino, 5601 University Blvd. SE, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets to see the boy band sensation range in price from $39-$299.50 and can be purchased here.
6. This weekend marks the opening of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at EXPO New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Drive NE. The exhibition showcases one of man’s greatest artistic achievements while allowing visitors toe experience the art in an up-close, life-size and never-before-seen perspective. The ceiling paintings from the Sistine Chapel have bee reproduced using licensed, high-definition photos and have been brought to life with a special printing technique that emulates the look and fee of the original paintings. Audio guides are available to rent for those wanting a more in-depth experience. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays June 10 through Aug. 7. For more information, email info@seeglobalentertainment.com or click here.
7. The Festival Flamenco Albuquerque celebrates its 35th year as it gets under way Saturday. The eight-day event features performances, workshops, youth programs and Flamenco New Mexico lecture series. The festival is hosted by the National Institute of Flamenco and the University of New Mexico to preserve and promote flamenco’s artistry, history and culture. For more information, a full schedule of events or tickets, click here.
