Parks & Recreation 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.

Community Biochar Workshop

Jan 17, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Join us for this Free community event!

Reading Room Rumble: Central and Unser Library

Jan 17, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM — Central and Unser Library Community Room —

Reading Room Rumble is your free local video game tournament hosted by Parks and Recreation! Parent/Guardian supervision required for ages 12 and under.

From Bowerbirds to Beautiful Quilts: An Artist’s Journey

Jan 24, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Don't miss this free event!

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.

East Gallery Exhibits titled: Open Spaces with Richard Davidson, Artist.

Jan 24, 2026 02:00 PM to Mar 07, 2026 04:00 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

You’re invited to the Open Space Visitor Center for the opening reception of Richard Davidson’s exhibition on January 24, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 PM.

Join us for the West Gallery opening reception of Upwardly Mobile – Our New Mexico Skies by Janet Bothne.

Jan 24, 2026 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

You’re invited to join us for the opening reception!

Opening Reception for East Gallery: Open Spaces with Richard N. Davidson

Jan 24, 2026 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Join us for this dynamic opening reception.

An Artist Rendering of Open Spaces by Richard Davidson, Artist.

Jan 30, 2026 from 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Don't miss this free artist demonstration!

Bosque Wild Guided Hike

Feb 07, 2026 from 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Join us for a stroll in the Bosque!

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.

Family Nature Club: Cottonwood Forest Creatures (all ages)

Mar 07, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Candelaria Nature Preserve —

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.

Intro to the Outdoors: Learn to Birdwatch

Mar 14, 2026 from 07:30 AM to 09:30 AM — Embudo Trailhead —

Join staff and volunteer experts and explore various Open Space properties and experience all that your public lands have to offer.

Bosque Adventure Hike!

Mar 21, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Open Space Visitor Center —

Join us for this free family friendly hike!

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!