Elena Gallegos Open Space
This easygoing park offering a series of mountain biking and hiking trails, mountain views and picnic spots, located on Albuquerque eastern edge. The 640-acre park is a gem in the Open Space system. At an elevation of about 6,500 feet, visitors can view Mount Taylor to the west, the Jemez Mountains to the north and the vast Tijeras Arroyo to the south.
cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/elena-gallegos-open-space
Growers’ markets
With dozens of growers’ markets throughout the state, there are plenty of opportunities to experience New Mexico’s agricultural bounty. Many feature local artisans and live music in addition to the fresh food. And they’re free to browse. To find a market near you, go to farmersmarketsnm.org/find-a-market.
Public library
A wealth of books, CDs, movies and more to check out, along with public art at many of the 18 branches of The Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County system. Free summer programs for kids and adults as well as entertainment.
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
A peaceful sanctuary for native plants, a variety of local wildlife and visitors, the center encompasses 135 acres of striking landscapes and wildlife. Approximately 190 species of birds can be found in or over the various ecosystems of this sanctuary in Santa Fe.
Summerfest
A series of free community events in Albuquerque featuring live music, children’s activities, climbing walls, beer garden, food trucks and vendors selling local, handcrafted goods.
- Heights Summerfest: Saturday, June 10; North Domingo Baca Park
- Route 66 Summerfest: Saturday, July 22; Nob Hill
- Westside Summerfest: Saturday, Aug. 5; Ventana Ranch Community Park
cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest
Old Town
Historic Old Town’s narrow streets and century-old adobe houses are home to small shops selling jewelry, rugs, pottery and more, as well as restaurants serving New Mexico favorites. Old Town Plaza is a charming spot overlooked by the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church. Every weekend through August, Summer Music in Old Town brings free entertainment to the gazebo.
Albuquerque First Friday ARTScrawl
The first Friday of each month there will be gallery openings, artist receptions, demonstrations and more. Self-guided tours cover galleries from Old Town and Downtown to Nob Hill and the Northeast Heights.
Museums
Several museum have free days/hours. Check with individual museums for policies.
- New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe: 5-7 p.m. Fridays (N.M. residents)
- Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe: First Sunday of every month (N.M. residents)
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe: First Sunday of every month (N.M. residents)
- Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe: First Sunday of every month
- Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; first Friday of every month
- New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe: 5-7 p.m. Fridays; first Sunday of every month
- (N.M. residents)
- Albuquerque Museum: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; first Wednesday of every month
Rail Yards Market of Albuquerque
Every Sunday through October, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market celebrates New Mexico’s finest food, farm, artisan and healing vendors.
