Doggy Paddle, picnics and books: 7 events for the week

Beth Trujillo Beth Trujillo Beth Trujillo Asst. Features Editor

Published August 7, 2025 - 7:00 a.m. Modified August 7, 2025 - 7:00 a.m.

I feel like the dog days of summer end with the very appropriate Doggy Paddle at Montgomery Pool. Where else could you see a papillon do their best Michael Phelps impression? Or you could check out one of these other events making a splash.

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Finding refuge

Laurel Ladwig, ABQ Backyard Refuge program director for Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, is putting a “Science Spotlight” on backyard refuges 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. Tickets to the event are $5 at my.nmculture.org, but space is limited. The talk will be held at Blackbird Coffeehouse, 206 San Felipe St. NW in Old Town.

In the same basket

It’s Family Picnic Night at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. You can buy dinner at the Shark Reef Café or one of the other food vendors, or bring in a picnic to enjoy. There will also be live music. Tickets are $7.60-$15, at artsandculture.cabq.gov, and free for children 2 and under. The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is located at 2601 Central Ave. NW.

Trip to Asia

Discover Asia at the ABQ BioPark Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. Learn about the animals living in the zoo’s Asia expansion, including Malayan tigers, orangutans, snow leopards and more. Admission to the zoo is $1-$19.50 at artsandculture.cabq.gov, and free for qualified individuals. The zoo is located at 903 Tenth St. SW.

Just add water

Montgomery Pool is going to the dogs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. Visit cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/events for the rules, waiver and admission. Dogs are $5 per pet, with humans getting in for free with their canine. Montgomery Pool is located at 5301 Palo Duro Ave. NE.

Getting into motion

Get moving at the Albuquerque Museum from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 10, with Movement at the Museum: Site-Specific Dance. The free, outdoor workshop explores a sensorial approach to choreography. Albuquerque Museum is located at 2000 Mountain Road NW.

Turn the page

Friends of the Public Library’s annual Science Fiction Spectacular Sale is coming to the Main Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. Hunt for bargains in the sci-fi, fantasy and horror genres. Admission is $2 before noon, and free for Friends members. The library is located at 501 Copper Ave. NW.

Art immersion

The Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show is coming to the Santa Fe Community Center from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11. Tickets start at $18 at whitehawkshows.com. The Santa Fe Community Convention Center is located at 201 W. Marcy St. in Santa Fe.