Good morning, Albuquerque.

Visit Albuquerque announced that La Ristra, a 128-foot hot air balloon with 56 red chile pods, will return to Albuquerque soon via a lease with Rainbow Ryders—built in 1997 by Aerostar International to showcase New Mexico’s culinary heritage.

Today at 10:45 a.m., the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will debut its new exhibit 20 Years of Joy to celebrate two decades of growth and change.

The immersive space lets visitors leave messages, snap photos that simulate riding in a hot air balloon & introduces plans for an Outdoor Balloon Adventure on the museum’s back lawn.

UNM School of Law’s Natural Resources and Environmental Law program earned the highest rating from National Jurist’s PreLaw Magazine this spring—one of only 18 schools nationwide to receive a perfect score.

The program gives students hands-on experience in a clinic and journal and will add a new summer field course next year with support from the dean’s office.

On Thursday, the state interim Investments and Pensions Oversight Committee held its first meeting since the legislative session to review state fund performance, noting that state investments grew by $9.6 billion to a total of $87 billion with a 12% increase from last year—committee members plan to schedule joint meetings with the investment board for better coordination.

New Mexico State Parks warned boaters planning Memorial Day weekend trips to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of drowning — officials noted that increased patrols will enforce the 0.08 limit and anyone born after Jan.

1, 1989 must take a boating safety course.

Federal agencies have added two uranium mines near Mount Taylor to a project list aimed at boosting domestic production while state officials said New Mexico will use its full permitting process for any proposals—ensuring mining cannot start without proper review.

Experts expect that local cultural ties to the mountain will not block mining but will require careful oversight over each step.

Yesterday, NMDOH reported 76 confirmed measles cases—the largest outbreak in years—with most cases in Lea County, and it urged everyone to get vaccinated to prevent severe complications.

Heart of ABQ 6.6k

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Villa Hispana — Free entry — Celebrate Route 66 with local music, wellness screenings, and family fun at a community-focused event.

Beekeeping at Los Poblanos Lecture

5:30 p.m. — Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm — $20 per person — Discover the synergy between beekeeping, pollination, and sustainable agriculture in New Mexico.

Candle Making Class at Thrive Craft NM

6-9 p.m. — Thrive Craft Cannabis — Materials provided — Learn the art of candle making in a fun and relaxing atmosphere with friends.

The High Desert Playboys - Musical Evening

7 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Voodoo Girl Pies & Pints — Tickets available — Experience a night of original Americana and high-energy bluegrass tunes.

Public Winery Tour & Tasting

4-5 p.m. — Casa Rondeña Winery — Includes tour and 4-6 wine tastings — Discover the artistry and rich flavors behind New Mexico wines in a picturesque setting.

Tomorrows Bad Seeds Concert

7-11 p.m. — Insideout — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a high-energy reggae-rock performance by Tomorrows Bad Seeds in Albuquerque.

June Wednesday Evening Hand Building

6-8 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check local listings for pricing — Create unique clay art pieces in a supportive co-ed environment.

Tyler Childers Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Tickets from $43 — Enjoy an evening of soulful country music under the stars with Tyler Childers.

Johnny Mullenax Live Performance

6 PM - 12 AM — ABQ BioPark Zoo — Entry fee applicable — Enjoy an evening of live music, wildlife, and family fun at Zoo Music.

Los Ranchos Art Market Opening Day

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Los Ranchos Art Market — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of the 2025 market season with local artisans and unique products.