Southwest Summer Events (Part 1)
Joshua Tree Music Festival Photo credit, Foster Snell
By Lauren Wong
Between summer vacations, spending more time with family and friends, and so many summer events, there’s plenty of things to fill your calendar with. I’m always looking for something new to do, and somewhere new to see. Being new to the area, I spend so much time researching for that next thing that sparks my interest.
Here’s a list of just five things you can look forward to as we move into summer 2022. Part two, coming out next week, will feature some more!
When: May 5 - 15
Where: Downtown Albuquerque, NM
Cost: Dreamglow Ft. Big Gigantic starting at $35 (May 14)
Photo credit, SOMOS ABQ
This 10 day long, city-wide, festival takes place downtown and brings together all things art, food, and entertainment. You can expect everything from world class entertainment, food vendors, local restaurants, craft brewing, art and cultural organizations, technology companies, to nonprofits, and more. You’ll get to walk through different venues around Albuquerque and revel in local artists’ pop-up creations. The full lineup will be announced soon!
During the first weekend of the festival on May 7 from 2 – 6:30 p.m. there will be a free Family Fiesta, located at Harwood Art Center + Escuela del Sol Montessori. Enjoy live music, dance performances from local artists, art installations, circus performers, face painting, and more. The headliner for the day will be Baracutanga!
On May 14, at 5 p.m. is the Dreamglow Ft. Big Gigantic performance at the Balloon Museum Albuquerque. Tokimonsta and Hannah Wants will also be making an appearance. Tickets for the show start at $35 and can be purchased on their website.
When: May 12 - 15
Where: 2601 Sunfair Rd, Joshua Tree, CA, 92252
Cost: $225 - $300, 4-day pass
Photo credit, Foster Snell
Photo credit, Andrew Hawes
2022 marks 20 years of JTMF, the Joshua Tree Music Festival. This festival is unique in itself in that it’s designed not only for the music, but also for feeding ‘the body, mind and soul.’ In addition to the May dates, the festival will also take place Oct. 6 – 9.
During the May festival, there will be a capacity limit of 1500 attendees. Although the lineup is subject to change, some performers on the list are The California Honeydrops, Cimafunk, Gone Gone Beyond, Sofaz, Sunny War, and more. Throughout the four days, in the mornings you’ll get to join in on their schedule of movement medicine. This year there will be a chill zone on the lake with yoga classes, healers, and ‘other zen-ness.’ Head over to the Cafe Stage for coffee and morning sets, then stop at the Boogaloo Stage to join in on Songwriter Sessions, and other workshops!
When: June 11 - 17
Where: Starts at Copper Mountain, CO (route subject to change)
Cost: $550 Weeklong Rider (visit website for information on one day registration)
photo credit Ryan Muncy
The annual Ride the Rockies is back for its 36th year! This year’s route measures 436 miles as you climb more than 27,000 feet from the Copper Mountain to Colorado’s Front Range in Golden. You’ll pedal across five Continental Divide crossings during your weeklong ride. Two of the days surpass 100 miles, and four will take you above 11,000 feet. (If you do the optional ascent of Ute Pass on Day 5, you’ll hit up to 476 miles, climbing just under 30,000 feet).
With your registration, your overnight accommodations will be set for you; one night in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Salida, and two nights in Breckenridge. You’ll also get access to showers and transportation of one bag from HQ to HQ for the week. Shuttle services, Aid stations, bike mechanics, and medical support are also available if needed. Visit their website for a day-by-day breakdown of the race.
When: June 28 - July 4
Where: Prescott Rodeo Grounds, AZ
Cost: Prices vary
Known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” Prescott Frontier Days has been bringing this annual event since 1888. Watch as competitors go head to head in events from steer wrestling, to bareback riding, tie-down roping, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women’s barrel racing, bull riding, and more. To kick off the event is the Grand Entry, a pageantry where over 70 riders enter the arena in “a serpentine style.” Many riders will be holding up flags to represent sponsors, introducing themselves, the officials, and the sponsors. You can apply to be a part of the event on their website. Special acts and appearances will take place throughout the week.
When: July 15 - 17
Where: Santa Fe Community Convention Center, NM
Cost: Tickets will be available by the end of April, check their website in a couple weeks for pricing details
Photo credit, Redwood Art Group
This is the perfect event for all art lovers. Santa Fe is known to be one of the country’s most celebrated art scenes. Shop around for some new pieces to display in your home, or just browse and take in all these individuals’ spectacular talent. Art Santa Fe will be showcasing presentations from 60 leading international galleries. They’ll feature emerging artists, innovative artist commissions, as well as dynamic programs. Whether you’re a first time buyer or an experienced art collector, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye!
Redwood Art Group, a leading connector of collections, galleries, and artists, has been bringing art fairs for over 11 years, not only to Santa Fe, but also to New York, Miami, and San Diego. They work to support galleries and artists, while supporting the local art market and inspiring all those who attend.
