15 low-cost and free things to do in Albuquerque in May
Apr. 26—There's lots of fun to be had in Albuquerque in May.
Celebrate "Star Wars" Day, Asian American Pacific Islander month, Cinco de Mayo, Turkish heritage and live music on the plaza highlight 15 events in Albuquerque you can take advantage of in May.
To compile this list, I sorted through pages of events on abqtodo.com, Facebook and the Public Library's events list in search of a variety of low-cost and free events.
Learn to Garden
Learn the basics of gardening and the history of Albuquerque agriculture. Ages 18 and up only.
LOCATION: Special Collections Public Library, 423 Central NE, 505-848-1376
HOURS: 3-4 p.m. May 1
COST: Free
Star Wars Week: Droid Obstacle Course
Decorate your own droid and test your skills on an obstacle course. Ages 12-18.
LOCATION: Cherry Hills Public Library, 6901 Barstow NE, 505-857-8321
HOURS: 4-5:30 p.m. May 1
COST: Free, but registration is required, register online.
¡Explora! Coding Battle Bots
Learn coding and app design while battling bots. Intended for students in fifth grade and up.
LOCATION: South Valley Public Library, 3904 Isleta SW, 505-877-5170
HOURS: 5-6 p.m. May 2
COST: Free, but registration is required, register online.
Adopt a Houseplant
Pick up a new plant, or drop off one you don't need anymore. Share cuttings and meet fellow houseplant enthusiast. Open to all ages.
LOCATION: Alamosa Public Library, 6900 Gonzales SW, 505-836-0684
HOURS: 2-5:30 p.m. May 3
COST: Free
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Clinic
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center will host a bicycle safety check and teach basic bicycle maintenance, such as fixing brakes and changing a flat tire, to name a few.
LOCATION: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 505-888-8100
HOURS: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 3
COST: Free
Trades Day at ¡Explora!
Check out demonstrations, learn about career opportunities and meet industry professionals in the construction trade. Open to all ages.
LOCATION: 1701 Mountain NW, 505-600-6072
HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4
COST: Included with admission.
Explora Members: FreeChildren (under age 1): FreeChildren (ages 1-11): $7Adults (ages 12-64): $11Students or Military (with ID): $8
Cinco de Mayo Party!
Learn about Cinco de Mayo with crafts, games and treats. There will be a piñata. Open to all ages.
LOCATION: Lomas Tramway Public Library, 908 Eastridge Dr NE, 505-291-6295
HOURS: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
COST: Free
Albuquerque Turkish Festival
Sample Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine such as Doner Gyro kebab, Baklava, Turkish Coffee and more. There will be cultural exhibits, whirling dervish, live music, a children's area, arts and crafts and more. This event is open to the public for all ages.
LOCATION: Raindrop Foundation Turkish Cultural Center, 7901 Mountain NE, 505-859-3751
HOURS: 11 a.m-7 p.m. May 4
COST: Free
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival
Celebrate Asian heritage with cultural performances and music, Japanese floral arrangements, intricate Chinese art activities and more at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. There will also be traditional Asian food from Talin Market and Umami Food Truck.
LOCATION: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 505-245-2137
HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4
COST: Included with the price of admission.
Adults (18-59): $17Seniors (60+): $15Youth (6-17):$15Veterans: $11Active Military (and dependents): $11Children under age 5 are free
"Star Wars" Day at the Library
Test your "Star Wars" knowledge at this trivia contest. Register in teams of up to four players no later than May 2 to participate. Costumes are encouraged. The event is recommended for ages 13 and up.
LOCATION: Central & Unser Public Library, 8081 Central NW, 505-768-4320
HOURS: 2-5 p.m. May 4
COST: Free
"Star Wars" Week: Teen Craft
Participants can build their own lightsaber and learn circuitry. All materials will be provided.
LOCATION: Cherry Hills Public Library, 6901 Barstow NE, 505-857-8321
HOURS: 4-5:30 p.m. May 4
COST: Free, but registration is required, register online.
Cinco de Mayo Folk Art Fest 2024
There will be more than 40 local artisan vendors, live music, a craft table and piñata workshop and even a costume pet parade on the farm at 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: La Parada, 8917 Fourth NW, 505-897-8203
HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 5
COST: Free
Saturday Surprise
Kids ages 3 to 8 are invited to participate in STEM activities, crafts, games and more.
LOCATION: Taylor Ranch Public Library, 5700 Bogart NW, 505-897-8816
HOURS: 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 18
COST: Free
Invisible Heroes 5K Walk/Run
Join Runfit and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for a 5K run, or walk, aiming to recognize the role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play on the health team.
LOCATION: Believers Center Parking Lot, 320 Waterfall SE
HOURS: Starts at 9 a.m.
COST: Prices increase after May 5
Adult 5K: $40Kids (17 and under) 5K: $20Kids K: $155K Virtual: $355K Kids Virtual: $25
Variety Social Dance
Join CSP Dance Studios for social dancing practice. Dance styles include ballroom, Latin, country, swing and line dancing.
LOCATION: 1624 Eubank NE, 505-883-9521
HOURS: 6-9 p.m.
COST: $10 cash at the door
Live Music at Plaza Don Luis in Old Town
Enjoy live music from various artists throughout the summer.
LOCATION: Plaza Don Luis in Old Town, 303 Romero NW
HOURS: Varies by performance, view the calendar of upcoming events online.
COST: Free
