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12 things you have to do this February in Albuquerque

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Dancers perform the Lion Dance at a Vietnamese New Year Festival

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February is a busy month, not only is Valentine's Day coming up, but so are Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year.

Check out these low- and no-cost events celebrating the holidays in Albuquerque.

The Albuquerque Public Library has tons of free family-friendly events every week and some seasonal events for February.

Groundhog Day Adventures — A Special Preschool Story time

Learn about the groundhog's shadow with stories, activities and crafts.

LOCATION: Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 505-291-6295

HOURS: Feb. 1, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

COST: Free


Something You Love

Fill out a special heart with something you love, the hearts will be displayed in the library for a month.

LOCATION: Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 505-291-6264

HOURS: Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: Free


Fall in Love with Science

Enjoy family-friendly activities and learn from experts in paleontology, astronomy, geology and other subjects.

LOCATION: New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 505-841-2800

HOURS: Feb.2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

COST: $5 per person


“Animal Tales” with the BioPark

Learn about different animals and meet a few brought over from the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

LOCATION: Taylor Ranch Library, 5700 Bogart NW, 505-897-8816

HOURS: Feb. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

COST: Free


Mochitsuki Demonstration

This 1,000-year-old New Year's tradition from Japan is a celebration of the rice harvest, aiming to bring good luck in the new year. The process of making mochi is a slow one, involving the pounding of the grains until they form a sticky dough. This hands-on demonstration will use traditional mochi-making tools, a wooden mallet and stone basin.

LOCATION: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, 505-848-7180

HOURS: Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

COST: Price of park admission


Vietnamese New Year Celebration 2024

Join the Vietnamese community in celebrating Lunar New Year. The event will include lion dancing, musical performances and food stands.

LOCATION: Holy Ghost Church, 833 Arizona SE, 505-265-5957

HOURS: Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.

COST: Free


All you Need is Love ... and Chocolate

Create your own Valentine card wreath and enjoy some chocolate. This event has a limited number of spots available and registration is required.

LOCATION: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 505-888-8100

HOURS: Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

COST: Free


Valentine Market at the Rail Yards

Check out more than 100 food, farm and craft vendors selling their goods at this historic location. There will be plenty of local flowers, chocolates and goodies to explore.

LOCATION: 777 First SW, 505-600-1109

HOURS: Feb. 10 and 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.


Lunar New Year Celebration

This one's for the grownups, ages 18 and up. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a cup of tea while playing a card game based on the “Tea Dragon Society” book by Katie O'Neill. Registration is not required, but recommended, as there is a limited number of spots available.

LOCATION: Ernie Pyle Public Library, 900 Girard SE, 505-256-2065

HOURS: Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

COST: Free


Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids

Come make crafts, eat treats and welcome the Year of the Dragon. Registration is required, as seats are limited.

LOCATION: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE, 505-291-6260

HOURS: Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-noon

COST: Free


Lunar New Year Movie & Craft

Enjoy watching Disney's “Mulan” and decorate your own hongbao, a red envelope, and other crafts.

LOCATION: San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull SE, 505-256-2067

HOURS: Feb. 10, 1-3 p.m.

COST: Free


34th annual Chinese New Year Celebration

The Chinese Culture Center and Lin's Martial Arts Academy will present the 34th annual Chinese New Year Celebration. Students will demonstrate Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi, BaGua Zhang and Chi Kung. Thee will also be drumming, flag dancing, lion dancing, and the “Running of the Dragon” as well as dances from the Albuquerque Chinese Folk Dance Ensemble. 300 chairs will be provided, so come early to find a good seat.

LOCATION: 427 Adams SE, 505-268-7023

HOURS: Feb. 10, 1-2:30 p.m.

COST: Free


Mardi Gras at the Canteen

Enjoy King Cake, beads and masks with music by the Partizani Brass Band.

LOCATION: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec NE, 505-881-2737

HOURS: Feb. 10, 2-5 p.m.

COST: Free


Stories & Music in the Sky: Health Science — Heart Health / Valentine's Day

This story-time session features stories, music, movement and art produced by the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. Sessions are led by Maryse Lapierre, a storyteller and music educator who shares stories and music in multiple languages.

LOCATION: Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum NE, 505-768-6097

HOURS: Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-Noon

COST: Free, check in at the ticket booth


Valentine's Day Cards

Did you forget to buy a card? Drop by after work or school to make a last minute card for your loved one.

LOCATION: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE, 505-291-6260

HOURS: Feb. 14, 3:30-5 p.m.

COST: FREE


Teen/Tween Craft Anti-Valentine's Day Zombie Plush

No couples allowed at this Anti-Valentine's Day party. Kids ages 9 to 17 are invited to enjoy music, snacks and create a zombie plushie craft.

LOCATION: Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 505-291-6295

HOURS: Feb. 14, 4-5:30 p.m.

COST: Free


Lunar New Year - A Special Preschool Story Time

Celebrate Lunar New Year with stories, activities and crafts followed by a dragon parade.

LOCATION: Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 505-291-6295

HOURS: Feb. 15, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

COST: Free

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Vietnamese new year.jpg
Dancers perform the Lion Dance at a Vietnamese New Year Festival
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