Native plants, pints, pastries and Pink Warriors: 7 events for this weekend

The monsoon season seems to be ghosting the state, leaving New Mexico high and dry. But if you still want to grow a garden the Xeric Garden Club has you covered. Learn how to color your world with water-thrifty native plants.

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

1How does their garden grow?

The Xeric Garden Club of Albuquerque is hosting a tour of the club’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Demonstration Garden. Deborah Vogel will speak about “Native Plants and Their Fauna and Flora” and will also provide information on how to create a wildlife habitat garden in your own backyard. The event is free and runs from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. The Albuquerque Garden Center is located at 10120 Lomas Boulevard NE. Visit xericgardenclub.org for more information.

2Food, suds and fun

The 5th annual Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival returns to El Rancho de Las Golodrinas noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6. Tickets run $6-8, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com. Las Golodrinas members and children 12 and under free. Ticket prices increase day of event. Las Golodrinas is located at 334 Los Pinos Road in Santa Fe.

3Help conquer cancer

The Pink Warrior House is hosting a fundraising event at Topgolf from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Aug. 6. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Pink Warrior House programs which support New Mexico breast cancer thrivers. Topgolf is located at 1600 Desert Surf Circle NE. Visit pinkwarriorhouse.org for more information.

4Pastry & Pints

Marble Brewery is hosting a Pastry & Pints pairing event on its Sky Deck at the Downtown taproom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. Enjoy four courses of 7 ounce beers paired with a gourmet pastry. Tickets for the 21+ event are $28, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com. Marble Brewery is located at 111 Marble Ave. NW.

5Say cheese!

The Mac & Cheese Fest is coming to the Sid Cutter Pilot’s Pavilion at Balloon Fiesta Park from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Local chefs, restaurants and eateries will compete to be “The Big Cheese.” Eventgoers will get to sample the mac and cheese, and enjoy an afternoon of live music. Tickets for the 21+ event are $30, plus fees, eventbrite.com. Sid Cutter Pilot’s Pavilion is located at 4900 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE.

6Coming out swinging

The Albuquerque Isotopes are wrapping up the weekend against the Las Vegas Aviators. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5, and at 6:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. Fireworks will follow Saturday’s game, weather permitting. Tickets start at $9 at milb.com/albuquerque. Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park is located at 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez.

7For the niños

Head out to Fusion Meadows for the 5th annual Burque Niños Block Party from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Enjoy music from Red Light Cameras, The Mango Cakes, Def-i and more. Tickets run $10-$20, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com. Fusion Meadows is located at 708 First St. NW. Read more on page 5.