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Open Space Events

Accepting Nature Haiku Submissions NOW through January 31, 2026!

Jan 02, 2026 to Jan 31, 2026 Open Space Visitor Center
Announcing an open call for submissions of short 1–3-line nature poems (haiku or haiku-like) from New Mexico poets for the annual Poets’ Picnic at the Open Space Visitor Center on the west side of Albuquerque, Saturday, May 2, 2026. This is a free event, open to the public. The day will include poetry readings, workshops, music, food, books, and more in a beautiful location. Dale Harris and Scott Wiggerman are again making selections of poetry for this unique celebration.

West Gallery Exhibit, VAST: Under New Mexico Skies by Janet Bothne.

Jan 24, 2026 02:00 PM to Mar 07, 2026 04:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Janet Bothne has been “weaving” color into bold, abstract paintings for over two decades. Her artistic journey began early, evolving from realistic works in watercolor, oil, and pastel to fully imaginative abstract paintings in acrylic. This shift allowed her work to flourish, leading her to pursue art full time after a career in graphic design.

Share the Love Arts & Crafts Fair!

Feb 07, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Celebrate creativity, community, and connection at the Share the Love Arts & Crafts Fair at the Open Space Visitor Center! This festive, family-friendly event brings together local artists and makers offering unique, handcrafted goods, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself.

Family Nature Club: Geology Rocks (all ages)

Feb 07, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Volcanoes Day Use Parking
Join an Open Space educator for a family-friendly hike and engage in hands-on learning together as a family, listen to natural history fun facts, enjoy storytelling, and seek out wildlife.

A Free Composting Class with Worms!

Feb 14, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Learn the secrets of turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil at our free composting class! Join us at the Open Space Visitor Center to explore the world of vermicomposting—composting with worms—and discover how easy it is to reduce waste, enrich your garden, and support a healthier environment.

Intro to the Outdoors: Learn to Birdwatch

Feb 21, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM Open Space Visitor Center
Join staff and volunteer experts and explore various Open Space properties and experience all that your public lands have to offer.

A Free Home Composting Basics Class!

Feb 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Want to turn your kitchen and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden? Join us at the Open Space Visitor Center for a hands-on, beginner-friendly composting class! Learn how to reduce waste, enrich your soil, and make your home and garden more sustainable.

OSVC Annual Star Party with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society! (TAAS)

Mar 21, 2026 from 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the New Mexico sky at the Open Space Visitor Center’s Annual Star Party! This family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of the night sky through guided stargazing, telescopes, and hands-on astronomy experiences guided by local Astronomer's!

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

Apr 09, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Westgate Heights Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Learn to Track Wildlife at the OSVC!

Apr 11, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM Open Space Visitor Center
The tracking workshop will be a hands-on, in-the-field experience open to all ages and skill levels. The session will last approximately 2–3 hours and cover 1.5 to 2 miles. Participants will learn how to identify tracks and signs left by a variety of bosque wildlife.

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

Apr 15, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM East Mountain Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

Apr 18, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Taylor Ranch Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Intertwined Detritus Workshop with Jane Cornish Smith, artist!

Apr 18, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Jane will provide a demo and workshop to the Albuquerque community detailing how the pieces for the show Intertwined Detritus were made, as well as a hands-on art project creating abstracted water and landscapes, using recycled papers, wax, silt, and charcoal on mineral paper. Join us for this free workshop!

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

Apr 22, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM San Pedro Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

Apr 23, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Cherry Hills Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

The OSVC Annual Poet's Picnic!

May 02, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Celebrate the power of words and the beauty of nature at the OSVC Annual Poet’s Picnic! Bring your favorite poems, share your own work, or simply relax and listen as local poets take the stage in our scenic outdoor setting.

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

May 07, 2026 11:00 AM to May 13, 2026 12:00 PM Erna Fergusson Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Join us for a free lecture, Acequias of Albuquerque: Walking Ancient Waterways, with Joyce Salisbury and Kim Hafermalz.

May 09, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM Open Space Visitor Center
Discover the hidden waterways beneath our feet! Join us for a free lecture, Acequias of Albuquerque: Walking Ancient Waterways, with Joyce Salisbury and Kim Hafermalz. Learn how these historic irrigation systems shaped Albuquerque’s landscape, culture, and communities, and why they still matter today. This engaging talk brings history to life and invites you to see the city through the flow of its ancient waters.

Discovery Day: Powerful Pollinators (ages 0-6)

May 13, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM South Valley Public Library
Join an Open Space Educator with your little one at an Albuquerque Public Library and have fun together making discoveries about the natural world with hands-on science, story time, and an art project.

Intro to the Outdoors: Learn to Birdwatch

May 16, 2026 from 07:30 AM to 09:30 AM Elena Gallegos Open Space | Double Shelter
Join staff and volunteer experts and explore various Open Space properties and experience all that your public lands have to offer.