Gardens, art and scenic tours: 7 events for this weekend

If we were playing The $100,000 Pyramid, you could use most of this weekend’s events to fill the category “types of parades.” We’ve got the State Fair Parade, parades at the Fiesta de Santa Fé, parades of runners, and parades of people checking out gardens and art. Whatever you chose, you’re in the winner’s circle.

Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com.

1I love a parade

It’s New Mexico State Fair time, which means it’s time for the biggest parade in the state. The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, around Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue, then it will head west to Girard Boulevard. Enjoy marching bands, horseback riders, clowns, floats and more.

2Fiesta time

Zozobra has burned and the 311th Fiesta de Santa Fé is coming to an end this weekend. You can catch the Bandstand on the Plaza, Desfile de Los Ninos pet parade, Desfile de la Gente historical parade, Fiesta Fine Arts and Crafts Market and more. The fiesta ends on Sunday, Sept. 10, with the closing ceremonies. Visit santafefiesta.org for more information.

3How their gardens grow

Get up close and personal with six plant-filled wonders with the Placitas Garden Tour. From 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, eventgoers can visit the garden spaces and each location will also feature an artist. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 day of. Visit placitasgardentour.com for more information and for online tickets or area locations selling tickets.

4Salsa shuffle

The 19th annual New Mexico Chips and Salsa Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids K is hitting the road Sunday, Sept. 10. The flat course will take runners and walkers through the North Valley and the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. The first race takes off at 7 a.m. from the Agri-Nature Center, 4920 Rio Grande Blvd. NW. Registration runs $20-$85, plus fees, at irunfit.org.

5Here come the Cherry and Silver

The University of New Mexico Lobo football team kicks off its first home game of the season at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, against Tennessee Tech. Tickets start at $16, plus fees, at golobos.com. University Stadium is located at 1111 University Blvd. SE.

6Tour de arte

Sandia Heights Artists are holding its 20th annual Studio Tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10. The Sandia Heights neighborhood, near Tramway Boulevard and Paseo del Norte will host 50 artists at 15 stops, featuring works for sale ranging from painting to jewelry to pottery and more. Visit sandiaheightsartists.com for a tour map, artist biographies and for more information. See page V6.

7Stars come out

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Reserve will co-host a star party from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. In addition to an evening of astronomical sights, visitors will also get information on the upcoming solar eclipse. The Valle de Oro Visitor Center is located at 7851 Second St. SW.