Spotlight: Fall 2026 Classes at the Albuquerque Museum
Starting on August 5, registration opens for a variety of classes offered at the Albuquerque Museum for this fall. Focused mainly around the age groups of 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, and 11 to 14, classes for this coming season include “Portraits, Places and Costumes,” “Nature, Art and the Places We Love,” and “A Ticket Back in Time,” which looks to the history of the New Mexico State Fair and encourages students aged 9 through 12 to create vintage-inspired art and build their own miniature state fair attractions. This season’s classes also feature Route 66-themed classes in celebration of the centennial, such as “Road Trips, Rides and Neon!” In this class, which is for kids aged 6 through 9, students will learn about Route 66 history and neon signs, then build their own mini highway with landmarks. Classes start at $70. The ongoing, online program Teen Corner is free. In August, the Albuquerque Museum will also offer one class for anyone aged 18 and older, titled “Coiled Creations for Adults,” which will focus on basket-weaving and vessel-making. For all class details and registration, contact the Albuquerque Museum or visit cabq.gov.
5 Things To Do in August
Head Back to School
The NM Glass Arts Festival spans the whole month of July, with the opening reception for Refractions kicking things off at The Groove Artspace (309 Gold Avenue SW) from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, July 3. As part of the festival, the Groove Artspace will also host a stained glass workshop with Linda Guernsey, glass-blowing classes with Doug Ostroff, a talk with Dori Settles, and more. Additional events will take place at other locations around Albuquerque as well as in Santa Fe. For full event details, plus more information about The Groove Artspace, visit their website.
Slip into the Vortex
On August 20, 23, 27, and 29, the Vortex Theatre (2900 Carlisle Blvd NE) presents New Playfest, a festival of short plays written by New Mexicans. The first two dates will feature seven 15-minute plays while the last two dates will feature two one-act plays. General admission tickets are $26; tickets for students and SAG/AFTRA members are $21. For play details and tickets, visit vortexabq.org or call 505-247-8600.
Visualize History
As part of the ongoing Route 66 Lecture Series at the Albuquerque Museum, Head Curator & Curator of History Dr. Alicia Romero will host a panel of photojournalists and documentary photographers discussing how to capture Route 66 in New Mexico through photos. On Sunday, August 23, starting at 2:00 PM, hear from guests including Roberto Rosales, journalist for the Albuquerque Journal and adjunct faculty of photojournalism and photography at the University of New Mexico, and from documentary photographer Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli, author of the recently published Seventh and Central: Lowriders (University of New Mexico Press). After the lecture, Paolinelli will sign copies of his book, which can be purchased at the event. Admission to the event is free with tickets to the museum. For details about ticket pricing and museum hours, visit the museum website.
Find Your Rhythm
Celebrate the power of community, music, and movement at the 2026 In Rhythm Fest, a three-day celebration taking place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on August 28, 29, and 30 in partnership with the Albuquerque Museum, Fusion, and National Hispanic Cultural Center. The festival features more than 30 dance workshops led by acclaimed local and international instructors, with classes in bachata, cumbia, salsa, and much more for all skill levels. Single classes cost $24 with discounts available. The fest also includes DJ sets, social dancing, and a performance from the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra. For full event details and tickets, visit https://nhccnm.org.
Collaborate Quickly
Do you have what it takes to write or produce a play—in just one day? Get ready for the 24-Hour Sketch Fest, organized by The Box Performance Space and Improv Theatre! Starting at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 28, writers will gather at The Box (100 Gold Ave SW, Suite 112) to pitch ideas and draft a play overnight. Actors will then rehearse on Saturday while the production team prepares the stage. The live performance of this brand-new play will start at 6:00 PM that Saturday, August 29. Just want to see the play? Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $15. To be part of the creative crew, sign up before August 16 or contact The Box.
