👋 Good morning, Albuquerque! School is just around the corner, which means the lazy summer days are about to turn into packed mornings, busy schedules, and a whole new routine for families across ABQ.
Whether you're ready for the structure or trying to squeeze in every last bit of summer fun, we've got plenty of ways to make the most of this weekend.
THE EVENT
Westside Summerfest
If you're looking for one more big summer night before school starts, this is the one to add to your calendar. Westside Summerfest is the final stop of Albuquerque's Summerfest series, bringing an evening of live music, food trucks, and family fun to Ventana Ranch Community Park.
The park will have two stages of local live music, plenty of food options, and The Cantina featuring more than a dozen local breweries, distilleries, and wineries for the adults.
Kids will have plenty to keep them busy too, with free inflatable games, a 25-foot climbing wall, and face painting. Bring a blanket, grab some food, and let the kids run around while you enjoy one of the last summer evenings together before school starts.
Parking at the park is limited, but the city is offering a free Park & Ride from CNM Westside Campus with an ADA-accessible shuttle to the event. The festival is rain or shine, and leashed pets are welcome.
When: Saturday, August 1, 5–10 p.m.
Where: Ventana Ranch Community Park, 10000 Universe Blvd NW
Cost: Free
MORE THIS WEEKEND
Friday, July 31
Movies in the Park: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (gates 7pm, movie 8pm, Winrock Park): Season finale of the summer movie series. Free.
NM Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend begins (12:01am Friday through midnight Sunday, statewide): No gross receipts tax on clothing and shoes under $100, computers under $1,000, and school supplies under $30.
Saturday, August 1
Saturday Kids Clay Class (10:30am–12pm, Creativity Warehouse): Hand-building clay class made for young hands. $35.
Family Fun-All Ages! Neon Owl (10–11:30am, Painting with a Twist, 8510 Montgomery Blvd NE): Step-by-step family paint session. $26–$30.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Rocket Game (9am–12pm, any Home Depot): Free, pre-registration recommended.
NM United vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (7:25pm, Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park): Girls in the Game night.
Sunday, August 2
Free Sunday Mornings at Albuquerque Museum (9am–1pm): Free general admission all morning.
Rail Yards Market (10am–2pm, historic Rail Yards, Barelas): Vendors, food trucks, live music. Free.
"Cool Runnings" Outdoor Movie (7–8pm, The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho): Free outdoor movie night, rain or shine. Bring blankets or chairs; no outside food or drinks.
TO DO
Cruzin' Into the School Year
Can you believe it's already time to head back to school? Or has summer officially pushed you to the edge of your sanity? Either way, Cruzin' Into the School Year is back this Saturday to help families get ready for the year ahead. If you're looking for backpacks, school supplies, or helpful community resources before the first day of school, this free event has you covered!
This isn't a new idea the city is trying out. Cruzin' Into the School Year is celebrating its 9th year. What started as a small back-to-school supply drive has grown into one of Albuquerque's biggest community events of the summer, helping thousands of local families prepare for the school year.
Here's what you need to know:
📍 Two locations — pick whichever is closer to you:
West Mesa Community Center — 5500 Glenrio Rd NW
Community Center at Phil Chacon Park — 7505 Kathryn Ave SE
🕙 When: Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
🎒 What's free: Backpacks, school supplies, community resources, food trucks, and a classic car show (while supplies last).
Before you go: Registration is required (one ticket per child), and your child must be present to receive their backpack and school supplies. Register ahead of time and select the location you'll be attending.
💵 Cost: Free
DUKE CITY EATS
Grassburger
This week, we made it over to Grassburger, and I can definitely see why it's become a favorite for so many Albuquerque families. The Northeast Heights location has a small kids' play area with toys, a chalkboard, and coloring activities to help keep little ones busy while you wait for your food.
Grassburger's story started with founders Jessie and Ed Killeen, whose children have severe food allergies. After struggling to find a place where the whole family could enjoy a meal without worrying about cross-contamination, they decided to build the restaurant they wished already existed. Today, they serve 100% grass-fed beef, offer gluten-free and vegan options, and put a big emphasis on accommodating food allergies.
The kids' menu keeps things simple with a burger, black bean burger, grilled cheese, or grilled chicken, each served with fries and apple juice. For everyone else, there are burgers, fresh salads, grain bowls, hand-spun milkshakes, and plenty of green chile options.
📍 Where: 11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE (There's also a West Side location at 5600 Coors Blvd. NW.)
🕒 Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
⭐ Parent Pick of the Week
Know a spot every ABQ family should have on their list?
Hit reply to this email and send us your Parent Pick of the Week. Tell us what makes it special.
🌳 A park your kids love
🍕 A restaurant
🥾 A trail worth the drive
💧 A splash pad or summer favorite
🎨 A hidden gem
We will feature your pick in next weeks issue!
The best finds in this city don't come from ads. They come from parents within our community.
💛 Know a family who'd love this?
Every week we do the digging so ABQ parents don't have to. If this saved you some time, pass it along to another family in the group chat, the carpool line, or your neighborhood page.
Or just forward this email to a friend. That works too.
See you next Thursday.
Jasmine and Jacob
Growing Up ABQ