Spotlight: World Cup 2026
The global phenomenon that is the FIFA World Cup brings us together like nothing else. This year’s soccer tournament, which happens every four years, is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It spans nearly 40 days in which 48 teams compete for the single trophy, culminating in the final game in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19. Catch the games at a number of local restaurants, bars, and other businesses, or bring a chair or blanket and some snacks to watch the games at Civic Plaza, free of charge! Free parking is also available for the Civic Plaza watch parties at the Albuquerque Convention Center Parking Garage. Olé olé olé!
5 Things To Do in July
Be Glassy
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.
Sing “Happy Birthday”
Fireworks are great and all, but have you ever heard Gershwin in the garden? To celebrate the United States turning a quarter of a millennium, the New Mexico Philharmonic will perform at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (2601 Central Avenue NW) on Friday, July 3 starting at 7:30 PM. Hear Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band,” Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” selections from “Summon the Heroes” by John Williams, selections from the musicals Chicago and Wicked, and much more! Concert guests are encouraged to bring picnicking supplies. Children 2 and under are free; children aged 3 to 12 are $10; and adults are $25.
Cruise Through Time
The Route 66 Summerfest is always a great time, but this year, get ready for even more fun to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial! On Saturday, July 18, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, head to Nob Hill where 100 local classic cars will be on display. Check out the fourteen food trucks too, which will offer legendary menu items like root beer floats, Duke City melts, and green chile lemonade. More than 30 local vendors will sell their goods along with Route 66 keepsakes, plus kids can participate in face painting, a climbing wall, and inflatable play areas. To cruise through the last century, four stages will host musical acts performing in tribute to specific decades. The Main Stage will feature music from the 1970s to today; the Wellesley stage will feature music from ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s; listen to music from the ’40s and ’50s on the New Mexico Jazz Festival Stage; and the East Stage will feature music from the ’20s and ’30s. Entrance to Summerfest is free. For concert details, information about Park & Ride services, and more, visit the CABQ website.
Go to Africa
On Tuesday, July 21, the ABQ BioPark Zoo will host Africa Family Night, an after-hours event featuring family-friendly education and entertainment. From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, only the Africa area of the zoo will remain open so visitors of all ages can learn about the continent’s unique wildlife and ecosystems; meet the team that takes care of the zoo’s giraffes; try out interactive stations, games, and crafts; and more. Africa Family Night will also serve as an easy opportunity to get rid of old devices like cell phones, smart watches, and tablets for recycling. As the zoo’s website states, “The ABQ BioPark is a participating member of the Gorillas on the Line campaign, which helps protect wild gorillas. Many electronics contain minerals that are mined in regions near gorilla habitats in Central Africa, including the Congo Rainforest. By recycling your devices, you help reduce the demand for newly mined materials while supporting gorilla conservation and environmental sustainability. Every recycled phone is a small action that can make a big difference for wildlife and their habitats!” Tickets must be purchased in advance and are on a timed entry. To purchase tickets and get additional Africa Family Night details, go to the City’s website.
Breathe in…
The sweet smell of lavender perfumes Albuquerque in the summertime. No wonder, then, that we’ve got the largest lavender festival in the Southwest! The 20th Annual Lavender in the Village Festival returns to Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, July 25. From 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM, explore goods from more than 100 lavender-focused vendors, sample lavender-infused foods and beverages, and listen to live music all day long. Staff from Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum will be on hand for free interactive fun, plus you can make your own lavender sachet, also for free. Learn about indigenous farming practices, basket weaving, and seasonal gardening through the festival’s seminars. The related Lavender Soirée: Tastes and Toasts of Los Ranchos will happen on Saturday, July 18 to benefit the Rio Grande Community Farm. For all event details, visit their website.
