'The Lion King Jr.,' poetry slams and the Valles Caldera: 7 events for this week

20250725-venue-v03weekly — Clockwise from top right, Genesis Mitchell as Scar, Nicole Kandie as Nala, Noah Lopez as Simba, and Marley Crump as Rafiki star in the Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company's production of “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.”

Beth Trujillo Beth Trujillo Beth Trujillo Asst. Features Editor

Published July 23, 2025 - 7:00 a.m. Modified July 25, 2025 - 3:27 p.m.

Editor's note: Due to the closure of the University of New Mexico campus, the Cardboard Playhouse Summer Series performance of "Disney's The Lion King Jr." for Friday, July 25, has been canceled. Please visit cardboardplayhouse.org for further updates.

Hawaii may have volcanos, but New Mexico has a supervolcano. The Valles Caldera is celebrating its silver anniversary as a national preserve this weekend. Or check out these other super events.

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

25 years young

The Valles Caldera is celebrating 25 years of national preserve status with a host of events this weekend. Visitor can enjoy cultural demonstrations, guest speakers and ranger programs, silent disco, stargazing and more on Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27. Several anniversary events require advance registration and park entrance fees, $15-$25, apply. Visit nps.gov/vall for the full schedule of events.

Howdy partners

Celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26. The free event features Western music, cowboy poetry, book readings and more. The Best Western is located at 1015 Rio Grande Blvd. NW.

Be prepared!

The Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company is bringing “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” to the University of New Mexico Rodey Theatre stage. You can “Feel the Love Tonight” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25; 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27; with repeats through Aug. 3. Tickets are $15, plus fees, at cardboardplayhouse.org.

Honoring history

The Historic Fairview Cemetery is collaborating with the New Mexico Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club in commemorating National Buffalo Soldiers Day at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26. The day honors the earliest African American troops in the U.S. military. The event will feature a guided tour of Buffalo Solider grave sites. Historic Fairview Cemetery is located at 700 Yale Blvd. SE.

Best of the best

The National Federation of State Poetry Societies’ Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam is bringing competitors from around the country to determine the U.S. representative at the World Poetry Slam. On Thursday, July 24, preliminaries are set for 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., followed by themed open mic at 10:30 p.m. The National Underground Poetry Individual Competition takes place at 11 p.m. Friday, July 25. On Saturday, July 26, eventgoers can watch the haiku slam at 6:30 p.m., the finals stage at 8:30 p.m. and open mic at 11 p.m. The event is free, but a donation of $20 is suggested. The Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel is located at 2910 Yale Blvd. SE. Visit nfsps.net for more information.

Tune in

The Albuquerque Concert Band is performing a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. Eventgoers can bring lawn chairs or blankets to New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE.

Defying expectations

Movies in the Park is bringing you a free Emerald City double feature Friday, July 25, with a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at 6 p.m. and “Wicked” at 8 p.m. Click your ruby slippers and say there’s no place like Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Balloon Fiesta Parkway.