Spotlight: Summer Art Classes
Take advantage of someone else’s air conditioning this summer and go create something! In Albuquerque, we’ve got an abundance of art courses, workshops, drop-in classes, and more scattered all around town, for all ages—even some for free. Continuing education programs through UNM and Albuquerque Oasis offer classes on a variety of artistic topics (portrait drawing, perhaps?). Organizations like Creativity Warehouse, The Groove Artspace, Harwood Art Center, New Mexico Art League, North Fourth Art Center, OffCenter Arts, Raven Art Center, and Working Classroom all offer excellent options as well, and keep an eye out for one-off events related to art, crafts, and other forms of creative expression at our city museums, public parks, and the BioPark.
And don’t forget your libraries and community centers this summer! For example, Holiday Park Community Center will host free watercolor classes this June and July, and Mesa Verde Community Center will host the free Arts & Crafts Teen Night on June 20.
Even more options:
Ceramics
Glass
Painting
Etc.
5 Things To Do in June
Quietly Proud
This month’s LGBTQIA+ celebrations include Blooming with Pride, a low-sensory evening at the BioPark Botanic Garden for adults 18 and older. On Friday, June 13 from 6:30 until 9:00 PM, enjoy the park with reduced noise and softer lighting, fewer crowds, and activities more accommodating to neurodivergent visitors or folks who simply prefer a quieter alternative to traditional Pride Month events. Tickets purchased ahead of time are required; tickets are $40 and include a beverage, fresh fruit, and ice cream, with other food and drink options available for additional purchase
Book Time with Dad
Celebrate Father’s Day by introducing yours to best-selling author and fellow dad Hampton Sides at Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW) on Sunday, June 15 at 1:00 PM. Sides, who lives in Santa Fe and is known for titles such as Blood and Thunder, In the Kingdom of Ice, and Ghost Soldiers, will talk about his latest book, The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, just released in paperback. The event, which will include a book signing and meet-and-greet, is free, and book copies will be available for purchase at the store.
Summerfest Returns!
The Heights Summerfest, the first of three Summerfests in Albuquerque, kicks off on Saturday, June 14 at 5:00 PM at North Domingo Baca Park. This free concert series welcomes all ages and features local food and drink vendors, face painting, family-friendly activities, and performances by The Ordinary Things, Nathaniel Krantz, and Cimafunk. The second Summerfest will be Saturday, July 19 in Nob Hill, and the third Summerfest will happen at Ventana Ranch Community Park on Saturday, August 2.
Juneteenth 2025
In partnership with the Albuquerque Museum and the Office of Black Community Engagement, the City of Albuquerque will host its Juneteenth celebrations at the museum on Thursday, June 19 from 5:00 to 8:30 PM. Come for food, shop creations from Ujima Collective, and check out performances by VIIIZON Academy and Ms. Marley’s House of Colors. Free and open to all ages.
Flamenco Festival 2025
The 38th annual Flamenco Festival Alburquerque spans June 20 through June 28 this year and includes workshops, flamenco camp for kids, and unforgettable performances from local and international flamenco stars. Performances primarily occur at either the Rodey Theater on UNM’s campus or in the Journal Theater at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. New Mexico residents receive a 35% discount on ticket packages; for ticket pricing and event details, visit the Flamenco Festival website.
