Roses, wildlife and National River Day: 7 events for this weekend

Beth Trujillo, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

May 16—In 1957, an atomic bomb was accidentally dropped on Albuquerque. While it obviously ended alright for the city, learn more about the incident this weekend at the Wheels Museum. Or check out one of these other exciting options.

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

Where the wild things are

"Spring to Sevilleta" from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, for an afternoon of free events. Enjoy hands-on activities for families, nature walk, learn about the Bolson tortoise and Mexican gray wolf, and more. There will also be a first-come refuge tours at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center is located at 40 Refuge Road in San Acacia. Visit amigosdelasevilleta.org for more information.

Coming up roses

The Albuquerque Rose Society is holding the 72nd annual Rose Show from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19. The free event will be held at the Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE. Visit albuquerquerose.com for more information.

History and heritage

Celebrate the local history of Corrales with the annual Heritage Day event. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, learn more about the living traditions of New Mexico at the Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road in Corrales. Then on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. hear storyteller Paulette Atencio speak on traditional Northern New Mexico cuentos, tales of comedy, romance, tragedy and more. The Corrales Historical Society Speakers Series event is free at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road in Corrales. Seating is limited.

Revitalize the river

Help keep the bosque clean as part of National River Day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Volunteers should meet in the dirt lot west of the Rio Grande, north of Central Avenue. Along with the reward of keeping the bosque clean, there will be a raffle and a prize for weirdest piece of trash discovered. To register to volunteer, visit oneabqvolunteers.com.

Atomic history

Hear historian Roland Pentilla speak on "The Day an Atomic Bomb Was Dropped on Albuquerque ... and Other Military Aviation Accidents" at the Wheels Museum at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Admission is free but limited to 50 people. RSVP at 505-243-6269 or email Leba4@aol.com. The Wheels Museum is located at 1100 Second St. SW.

Art abound

Enjoy the 36th annual El Rito Spring Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. The studio tour includes 11 participating artist studios, or visit the mercado and explore artwork and handicrafts of local vendors. Visit elritoartassociation.org for a festival map and more information.

A family affair

Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center is hosting an International Day of Celebration honoring older Americans, families, mothers and grandmothers. The free event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and will feature a car show, games and more. Manzano Mesa is located at 501 Elizabeth St. SE.