Fun Outings

Bandelier To Host Fall Fiesta—Changing Leaves, Enduring Traditions, Oct. 11-12

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NPS News:

Bandelier National Monument will host Fall Fiesta – Changing Leaves, Enduring Traditions, Oct. 11-12, 2025. This is a two-day event with over 70 artists/vendors from various Pueblos and Tribes, scheduled programs, dance groups and much more.

Bandelier’s Fall Fiesta theme for 2025 is Changing Leaves, Enduring Traditions. Come join this special event and enjoy Frijoles Canyon in the new season! Fall Fiesta will be from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., both Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12.

Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. In Frijoles Canyon, the park visitor Read More

ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Announces Special Shape Balloons Attending 53rd Event

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Tupuna-Moai balloon from Brazil. Courtesy photo

BALLOON FIESTA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The 53rd ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will host the
largest gathering of special shape balloons as a part of the world’s premier balloon event, October 4-12,
2025. This year’s event will include 100 special shape balloons; 11 of those shapes will make their first
Balloon Fiesta appearance.

With twelve countries represented in this year’s event, three countries will be showcasing their new
special shapes. Pilots from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America Read More

Annual El Rito Arts Festival To Feature Exciting Newcomers, Tour Favorites Saturday Sept. 27 & Sunday Sept. 28

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‘Take This and Eat it’ by John Diehl. Courtesy/ERAA

‘Dolly at Jim’s House. Photo by David McClister

ART News:

A New Mexico tradition since 1986, the 2025 El Rito Studio Tour and Mercado will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28.

This year’s tour has expanded to more than 20 artists in studios throughout El Rito, including exciting newcomers such as:

  • John Diehl, well-known character actor who has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows, including the locally filmed Dark Winds, and is acclaimed for his sculptural pieces; 
  • David McClister, music photographer
Read More

Scenes From Special Retirement Event Honoring Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew At Fuller Lodge

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Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone, center, Deputy Chief James Rodriguez, center, left, police command staff, officers, and other personnel gathered Thursday at Fuller Lodge to honor Cmdr. Preston Ballew, back row center, as he retires from a 26-year career in law enforcement. Many officials, including County Manager Anne Laurent, along with family members and friends, filled Fuller Lodge to celebrate with Cmdr. Ballew on his final day on the job. Cmdr. Ballew said he has a couple of hunting and fishing trips scheduled, adding that he and his wife Marisha love Los Alamos and intend to Read More

Posts From The Road: Pikes Peak Cog Railway

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View From Peak: Visitors can enjoy views in every direction from the summit of Pike Peak. This view from a deck at the peak shows the mountains and scenery looking toward the northwest. The steel plaque encased in stone at the lower right portion of the photo honors a notable soldier and pioneer explorer who first saw Pike Peak when exploring the west in 1806. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

City View: A visitor views the city of Colorado Springs from a viewpoint near the tracks where the Pikes Peak Cog Railway comes to a stop. The elevation at the summit is 14,115, which is about 7,800 feet higher Read More

Spaceport America To Hold Open House Sept. 21

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Spaceport America on County Road A021 in the Jornada del Muerto desert basin, 20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences and 45 miles north of Las Cruces. Courtesy photo

Spaceport America News:

LAS CRUCES – Spaceport America is hosting a free open house event, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, during the Las Cruces Space Festival. 
 
Attendees of all ages are welcome to visit the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport to learn about the site, its tenants, and its operations.
 
Vendors (food and non-food), static aircraft displays, exhibitors, STEM-related activities, and guest presenters, Read More

NM MainStreet To Travelers: Get Your Kicks On Route 66

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NMEDD News:

SANTA FE — From Tucumcari to Gallup, 10 New Mexico MainStreet districts along the iconic Route 66 highway welcome visitors to rediscover their small businesses, evocative places, and family-friendly events during the 2026 Centennial celebration.

MainStreet’s community economic development leaders anticipate a significant boost in tourism next year as they’ve planned memorable events, invested in public art installations, organized community clean-ups, and more to welcome travel enthusiasts and cultural explorers to their vibrant districts.

“New Mexico’s stretch Read More

Keller: Wildflower Extravaganza Blooming Right Now!

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By CHICK KELLER
PEEC Los Alamos Nature Center

Late summer is always a good time to see our wonderful wildflower numbers. Right now there is a particularly large number of blooms (some 50 species!) on the Walnut Canyon Rim Trail.

This trail goes between the golf course and Walnut Canyon. It begins just off of San Ildefonso Road, just beyond the roundabout. One goes up a dirt road for about a hundred yards, then turns left onto a trail. A bit farther on, that trail splits with the Walnut Canyon Rim Trail going right.

The blooming wildflowers begin where you park and continue all along. The trail goes for Read More

‘The Black Hole: A Unique Slice Of Los Alamos’ Heritage’ Films, Panel, Q&A Sept. 18 At SALA

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COMMUNITY News:

Places & Spaces Los Alamos invites the public to a community forum titled “The Black Hole: A Unique Slice of Los Alamos’ Heritage”, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the SALA Event Center.

The event, part of SALA’s Parallel Cinema Series, will provide a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the history of one of Los Alamos’ legendary landmarks and citizens and learn about an initiative to preserve that history. 

This event is free and open to the community.

Films and Discussion Panel

  • The evening will begin with a brief video about the Places & Spaces Black Hole Museum
Read More

Save The Date: Big Reveal Of New Mexico Beef Council Hot Air Balloon Oct. 3 In Albuquerque

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New Mexico Beef Council News:

The New Mexico Beef Council’s new hot air balloon will make its official debut 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3 at the 2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The hot air balloon will be piloted by a New Mexico native and display the iconic “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” logo.

This special project will take beef promotion to new heights, literally spreading New Mexico Beef Council’s message across the skies and on the ground, celebrating ranching, community, and the spirit of New Mexico. Read More