👋 Good morning, Albuquerque! The first day of school is tomorrow for most Albuquerque kids. Whoever decided to start school on a Friday has some explaining to do. The good news? We only have to survive one day before the weekend. I'd call that a reason to celebrate.
From a slower-paced afternoon at Old Town's SLOW Market to a quiet moment reading to a therapy dog at the library, plus a stop at one of the city's most nostalgic ice cream shops, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it.
THE EVENT
SLOW Market at Old Town
Old Town Plaza is hosting SLOW Market this Saturday, a community-focused market celebrating the people who make Albuquerque unique. SLOW stands for Sustainable, Local, Organic, and Wholesome, bringing together local artists, makers, bakers, and small businesses who are passionate about creating things with intention.
You’ll find handmade ceramics, desert-inspired skincare, sustainable clothing, jewelry, woodworking, flowers, and locally made treats. It’s a chance for kids to see the creativity behind the things we use every day, from the baker making something from scratch to the artist shaping clay into something beautiful or the maker turning wood and fabric into something completely unique.
It’s an easy Old Town afternoon: grab a bite nearby, wander the plaza, listen to live music, and discover something new from a local maker while supporting a local small business.
A few stops we’re excited about:
🍪 Big Ass Cookies
🥐 Flying Roadrunner Bakery
🏺 Ghost Light Ceramics
🌸 Living Roots Farm
🪵 Raven’s Woodturning
🤵♂️ Joe’s Bows
When: Saturday, August 8, 4–8 PM
Where: Old Town Plaza
Cost: Free to attend
MORE THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 7
Isotopes vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park): Regular homestand game, no special promotion.
Saturday, August 8
Isotopes Native American Heritage Night (gates 5:30pm, first pitch 6:35pm, Rio Grande Credit Union Field): Presented by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center — Native dance performances, specialty jerseys, a Pueblo pottery-style hat giveaway for the first 2,500 fans, and post-game fireworks.
NM United vs. FC Tulsa (8pm, Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park): Same stadium complex as the Isotopes tonight — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
Saturday Kids Clay Class (10:30am–12pm, Creativity Warehouse): Hand-building clay class made for young hands. $35.
Family Fun-All Ages! Paint Your Own Glowing Gecko (Painting with a Twist, 8510 Montgomery Blvd NE): Step-by-step family paint session. $26–$30.
Downtown Growers' Market (8am–12pm, Robinson Park): Local farmers, musicians, and craftspeople. Free.
Sunday, August 9
Isotopes vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park): Regular homestand game, no special promotion.
Rail Yards Market (10am–2pm, historic Rail Yards, Barelas): Vendors, food trucks, live music. Free.
TO DO
Read to the Dogs
If you're looking for something low-key this weekend, Read to the Dogs is exactly that. Kids get the chance to sit down with a calm, registered therapy dog and read aloud with zero correction and zero judgment. It’s a simple way to help kids build confidence while having one of the best reading buddies around.
The Albuquerque Public Library says programs like this are about more than just a cute photo opportunity. Reading to therapy dogs gives kids a relaxed place to practice reading skills, and many children gain confidence when they’re reading to an audience that’s always happy to listen.
It’s also a great chance to explore everything the public library has to offer. A library card is free for eligible Albuquerque residents and opens the door to books, digital resources, and year-round programs for families.
Two library branches have it running this Saturday, so pick whichever location works best for your family:
📍 East Mountain Library — 1–2 PM
📍 International District Library — 3–4:30 PM
When: Saturday, August 8
Where: East Mountain Library or International District Library
Cost: Free
DUKE CITY EATS
I Scream Ice Cream
This week we stopped by I Scream Ice Cream on Carlisle, and it’s easy to see why Albuquerque families have been coming here for nearly 20 years. The second you walk in, it feels like you stepped into a time capsule. The walls are covered with vintage 1940s and ’50s memorabilia, there’s a toy-filled play area in the back, so you will find out if your kid values playing or ice cream more. (See if you can find the monopoly board on the wall).
Founder Bill Warren opened the shop in 2005 with a simple idea: create a place where families could have fun without spending a ton of money. Grab some ice cream, play a board game, hang out for a while, and make an easy memory together. Nearly 20 years later, that same spirit continues under new owner Elycia Martinez-Davis, who took over the shop in 2024.
And the ice cream options? There’s plenty to choose from. With more than 30 flavors sourced from across the country, including Blue Bell from Texas and the hard-to-find Superman flavor, everyone in the family should be able to find something they love. One thing that surprised us: the kids’ size comes with two different flavors of ice cream and a topping. That’s a pretty impressive deal when you’re trying to satisfy a kid who changes their mind three times before ordering. They also serve coffee, so if that is more of your speed try it out!
Where: 2000 Carlisle Blvd NE
Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 11 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM
⭐ 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