The New Mexico Philharmonic has two concerts this weekend at the zoo. On Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m., the orchestra pays tribute to the composer John Williams, probably best known for film soundtrack hits such as Harry Potter, Jaws, E.T. and Star Wars. Tickets can be purchased online.
And on Sunday, the annual Mother's Day concert will take place beginning at 2 p.m. The concert lasts for one hour and is included with zoo admission. The orchestra will present Orchestra Spectaculars! with music by Dvorak, Sousa, Bizet and more. The Jackie McGehee youth competition winners will present solos at the concert as well. Hear Mario Bastea-Forte on cello and Gabriel Landstedt on piano; both are high school students.
Be sure to take a blanket, chairs and picnic to really enjoy the show. It's also International Migratory Bird day at the zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And you might want to take Mom to the Bonsai show at the Botanic Gardens, running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so purchase a combo ticket.
If you do go to the Mother's Day concert at the zoo, be sure to use the free park and ride service offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the Aquarium parking lot at New York and Central, or from the parking structure at 2nd and Gold (keep your zoo ticket stub!). The parking at the zoo on Mother's Day is virtually nonexistent.
Purchase zoo admission tickets online to ensure you don't miss the concert.
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Sunday brunch is always fun and special, but Mother's Day brunch is even better. Check out some of the amazing spreads around town, with some places offering all you can eat buffets, others more specialized prix fixe menus. Whatever you may be hankering for, there is something to make Mom happy. Mother's Day is just days away!
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Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, a day to celebrate and eat some favorite foods, like guacamole and tamales. Have a margarita and a wonderful weekend.
John McCutcheon
The beloved folksinger is back, performing at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Friday, May 4.
NM Centennial Festival - Youth in the Arts
Celebrate the art created by New Mexico's youth in Old Town. Hear music by a variety of performing groups at this free event, May 4 and 5.
AlbuQuirky House Tour
Get a close look at three of Albuquerque's most unique houses. One house has mosaic tiles inside and out, another is described as a "train wreck" of forms, and the last has a globetrotter's eye. A silent auction of little houses created by local artists will also help this fundraiser for OFFCenter, a community art center. Three new features are Leftovers from Wonderland, From Ordinary to Ornamental, and Delightful on a Dime. Reception Friday, May 4 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Sumner & Dene Gallery, 516 Central. Little Houses will be up for auction, featuring the work of Frank McCulloch and other Albuquerque artists. The tour is Saturday, May 5.
Cinco de Mayo
Find out about various events for Cinco de Mayo, to include Noche de Oro at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Saturday, May 5.
MADFest
The Menaul School celebrates its annual music, art and drama festival, or MADFest, where fine art will be on display around the campus. Fine artists will sell their wares, along with student artists. Local poet Hakim Bellamy will perform, along with Carlos Contreras, Tango dancers and the students of Menaul in a talent show. A night of dinner and dancing completes this Cinco de Mayo event, Saturday, May 5.
Cinco de Mayo Folk Art and Music Festival
Head to La Parada Mercantile on north Fourth Street for the annual folk art festival, where there will be music, art, food vendors and a whole lot of Cinco de Mayo fun. Saturday, May 5.
Robo Rave
The international robot competition has kids in grades 3 -12 pitting their robots against those from other teams. The challenges take place at the Convention Center on May 5.
New Mexico Children's Fair
There will be aerial displays, monster truck rides and Zumba at the fair, held at the Balloon Museum. Bring your bike for a free tune up, then do the bicycle obstacle course. Kids can plant seeds, meet wolves and more at this fun event, happening May 5 and 6.
Wind Festival and Green Energy Fair
The festival takes place at Wildlife West in Edgewood. Enjoy stunt kite flying demonstrations, kite flying contests, disc golf course, contests, and food. On May 5 & 6.
Orchid Ole Show and Sale
Don't miss the orchid show at the Botanic Gardens. Learn from experts from the New Mexico Orchid Guild to guide you and answer any questions you might have about these special blooms. The show features hundreds of orchids in the Mediterranean Conservatory, the Aquarium lobby, and the Garden Showroom, where they will be available for purchase. Consider purchasing an orchid for Mother's Day. The show is included in the price of regular admission, and runs May 5 and 6, with an Orchid Ole dinner at the Shark Reef Cafe on May 4.
Battlefield New Mexico: The Civil War and More
2012 is New Mexico's centennial, and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battles fought in the state. El Rancho de las Golondrinas will re-enact the times with military drills, camp life, lectures, demonstrations and battle reenactments, on May 5 and 6.
Corrales Studio Tour
The annual tour through Corrales brings you over 60 artists who open their studios and homes for the tour. See how art in various mediums is made, from sculpture to watercolors and oils. Several stops will feature multiple artists. Free, on May 5 and 6.
Ghost Stories
Local author Antonio Garcez will tell ghost stories he has gathered from those who have had direct encounters with spirits. Hear him at the Sandoval County Historical Society's monthly meeting on Sunday, May 6.
Say Goodnight Gracie
Spend time with the legendary George Burns in the form of Alan Safier, who brings the comedian to life in a one man show. See the show on Sunday, May 6 at Popejoy Hall.
Looking for an outdoor market where you can browse and spend a little down time? Both the Tijeras Market and Idalia Road Marketplace open this weekend.
Cause of the Week
Run for the Zoo
Run for the Zoo and raise funds, while getting fit. Participate in a 10K or 5K run, a 5K fitness run/walk and a one mile run/walk. Pre-registration is required. Fees allow participation in the run, a t-shirt and admission to the Zoo that day, Sunday, May 6.
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Looking for a fun birthday party venue for your child? The Albuquerque area has a multitude of options for kids of all ages and interests. Your child will love these party places, which include go karting, lazer tag, mini golf, fencing, rock climbing and more. And if you're just looking for a party space with a little extra oomph, there's that too, at the new ABQ Party Space downtown.
Find out about places to host a kid's birthday party in the Albuquerque area.
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Photo © Aileen O'Catherine, licensed to About.com
