Good morning, Albuquerque.

A local coalition is fighting to pause the planned demolition of the nearly 80-year-old Sunspot Solar Observatory after a mercury spill led to its closure, as residents, former employees and state lawmakers meet to propose alternative uses for the historic site in the Sacramento Mountains near Alamogordo.

Republiq on San Mateo Blvd Northeast held its first hot dog eating contest on Fourth of July to mark the U.S. 250th anniversary, giving gym members a break from their usual healthy fare.

Owner and winner Reece Killebrew said he plans to grow the event next year (sharing community pride).

The U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum in Moriarty displays 50 gliders and features volunteers dedicated to keeping aviation history alive.

Visitors can explore both historical and modern designs off Route 66 and view a 1940s Olympic model undergoing restoration— inspiring local youth to learn about flight.

A replica of the Liberty Bell rang at Expo New Mexico at noon Saturday for America’s 250th birthday—it featured readings of the Declaration of Independence and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Proclamation, organized by New Mexico’s Daughters of the American Revolution and America250!. Dulce Zamora noted strong US-Mexico ties.

In Albuquerque, local landmarks along Route 66 come alive through interviews with an 88-year-old gas station owner (Sal Lucero), an antiques shop owner, and a longtime restaurant couple sharing memories of a bygone era.

The summer series honors the road’s enduring spirit and evolving community legacy.

New Mexico is awarding over $3M via its Job Training Incentive Program to support 95 trainees for Project Jupiter, an Oracle and OpenAI data center planned in Santa Teresa— the grant requires local hires and offers wages averaging $48 per hour to boost workforce development.

Official FC Barcelona Soccer Camp

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — APS Soccer Complex — $100 off registration with promo code — Train with official Barça coaches and learn the unique Barça methodology.

Taco Tuesday - Latin Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Overtime Sports Bar & Grill — $7 Cover — Dance the night away with Cumbia lessons and lively Latin music from DJ Gabriel Goza & Friends.

Ascension Suspension Summer Hangout

8 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Free entry — Unofficial pre-NM Tattoo Convention kickoff featuring an exciting lineup of local music.

ToonFusion

3:30 a.m. — Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex — Tickets start at $99 — Experience the can't-miss live show ToonFusion in Albuquerque.

Los Huracanes Del Norte Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Isleta Resort & Casino — Tickets required — Enjoy a vibrant night of legendary norteño music and unforgettable entertainment.

Morning Yoga at Los Poblanos

7:00 – 8:30 AM — Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm — $18 – $25 — Start your week with yoga amidst lavender fields and peacocks.

Taco Tuesday - Latin Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Overtime Sports Bar & Grill — $7 Cover — Enjoy a vibrant night of Latin music and dance lessons in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Gabriel Rutledge at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub

Time TBD — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with past comedy competition winner Gabriel Rutledge who brings his unique humor to Albuquerque.

Rufus Wainwright Concert

7-10 p.m. — National Hispanic Cultural Center — Book today — Experience the unique musical artistry of Rufus Wainwright live on stage.

Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Sacramento River Cats

6:35-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Enjoy a thrilling Minor League Baseball game with Mariachis de Nuevo México entertainment and post-game fireworks.