Spring is in the air: 13 things to do this spring in Albuquerque

Feb. 28—Spring is coming and it's time to emerge from the cozy comforts of home.

If you're not sure where to get started, check out these things to do in Albuquerque this spring.

Arts and Farmer's Markets

Los Ranchos Growers' and Art Market

Vendors have an assortment of vegetables, eggs, honey, meats as well as breads and pastries. As summer approaches, fruit, basil, beets, carrots, cucumbers and other fresh produce is available.

LOCATION: 6718 Rio Grande NW

HOURS: Spring season (Growers Market):

8 -11 a.m. every Saturday, May 6-Nov. 11

Winter season (Art Market):

10 a.m.-noon every second and fourth Saturday of the month, January-April

Downtown Growers' Market

Shop for local produce and goods, and enjoy music and entertainment. The market has over 70 New Mexican growers. Yoga starts at 8 a.m. and there are special programs from various local nonprofits with activities for all ages every week.

LOCATION: Robinson Park, 810 Copper NW

HOURS: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, April 13-Nov. 2

Rail Yards Market

Located a few blocks south of Central, this market is in a historic blacksmith shop and plaza in Barelas. Dogs welcome on leashes.

LOCATION:777 First SW

HOURS: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, May-October, special holiday markets in December and February

Events

35th Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show

Sample blazing barbecue, hot salsas, mild and savory marinades and rubs and even feel the kick of sweet and spicy desserts. Explore more than 100 vendors and meet fellow spice fanatics.

LOCATION: Sandia Grand Ballroom, 30 Rainbow NE

DATE: March 1-3. 3-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

COST: $16

New Mexico Celtic Festival

Enjoy jousting tournaments, tea with Mary Queen of Scots, Celtic music, comedy shows, belly dancing as well as Celtic family trees and imported goods from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well.

LOCATION: Wildlife Nature Park & Zoo, 87 N. Frontage, Edgewood

DATE: April 5-7. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Kids' Education Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

COST: Children 17 and under are free

Day pass — $27 early bird or $30 after March 1

Weekend Pass — $50 early bird or $65 after March 1

Senior, military, veteran — $15 early bird or $20 after March 1

Gathering Of Nations Pow Wow

Join tribes from across the country for the 41st annual Gathering of Nations. The event will include a horse and rider parade, native dances, a Miss Indian World pageant and an Indian Trader's Market as well as authentic native food.

LOCATION: Expo New Mexico, Tingley Coliseum, 300 San Pedro NE

DATES: April 25-27

COST:

General admission single-day — $25

General admission two-day — $45

New Mexico Wine Festival

This event is for those 21 and over only. Experience more than 200 wines from New Mexican wineries across the state. There will also be food and craft vendors as well as live music.

LOCATION: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Alameda NE

DATES: May 25-27

COST:

2 for $45: Limited availability — includes a commemorative wine glass, all-you-care-to-sample wine tasting, and $5 off a bottle of wine.

General admission any day: $30, increases to $35 on May 25

General admission Monday only: $25

General admission military: $25

Designated driver: $10

Get Outdoors

ABQ BioPark

Explore the zoo's new Asia exhibit, or the Botanic Garden, which features a butterfly pavilion and Bugarium as well as more than 30 acres of thoughtfully landscaped gardens. The gardens and aquarium are combined in the cost of one ticket. LOCATION: 903 10th SW, 505-248-8500

HOURS: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., closed Monday

COST: Admission varies by residency status. Tickets can be purchased online.Old TownThis nationally designated historic site hosts more than 150 restaurants, boutiques, museums and historic lodging. The famous San Felipe de Neri Church has been holding mass in Old Town for more than 300 years.CHURCH LOCATION: 2005 N. Plaza NW, 505-243-4628HOURS: Open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mass: 7 a.m., 9 a.m. Spanish, 11 a.m. Sunday7 a.m. Monday7 a.m. Tuesday7 a.m. WednesdayTram

The tram will reopen just in time for Spring Break. It is closed for upgrades until March 14.

LOCATION: 30 Tramway NE, 505-856-1532

HOURS: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, Closed Tuesday

COST:

Round Trip:

$33 — Adults (21-61)

$23 — Children (2-12)

$28 — Young Adult (13-20)

$28 — Senior (62 and up)

$28 — Military

One Way: $22 for all

Museums

The Albuquerque Museum is free on the first Wednesday of every month and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday.

LOCATION: 2000 Mountain NW, 505-243-7255

HOURS: Closed Monday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

Other days:

Adults out-of-state: $6

Adults in-state: $5

seniors 65+: $4

children ages 4-12: $3

children 3 and under: free

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The museum recently welcomed a Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, cousin and subspecies to the better known Tyrannosaurus rex.

LOCATION: 1801 Mountain NW, 505-841-2800

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day but Tuesday, closed on Thanksgiving

COST: $8 for adults, $7 for youth aged 13-17, $5 for children aged 3-12, and toddlers 2 and under are free.

Explora

This museum offers hands-on interactive sensory activities the whole family can enjoy. The space has more than 250 exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math.

LOCATION: 1701 Mountain Road NW, 505-600-6072

HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Monday Toddler Time 9-11 a.m.

COST:

Adults: $11 (12-64)

Children: $7 (1-11)

Infants: FreeExplora Members: Free