Good morning, Albuquerque.

UNM’s Department of Chicana/o Studies is hosting a free backyard fiesta called Sabor y Sonido on Tuesday, Oct.

7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1829 Sigma Chi NE — the event will feature green chile burgers, games, music and dancing for students, faculty, staff and community members celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

The University of New Mexico is starting a study to plan modern improvements for University Stadium and South Campus as a mixed-use district—this study, backed by state funding and led by Dekker and Gensler, will be completed in 6–12 months to guide future investments for students, fans, and the community.

ASUNM is launching Lobo Lift this spring to give on-campus students a safe ride home after late classes—six students will be trained by PATS and the carts will feature police-monitoring cameras.

The initiative also includes more patrols along Sigma Chi Rd. and T-Lot and plans for digital IDs to strengthen campus safety.

The government shutdown has reduced staffing and services at federal lands such as Cibola National Forest—where over 9,000 National Park Service employees were furloughed and amenities like bathrooms and visitor centers remain closed.

Local park users worry that reduced oversight may lead to more fires and illegal resource harvesting as the shutdown continues.

Descendants of New Mexico’s World War II veterans are pushing for the Congressional Gold Medal after a bill failed in Congress—organizers plan a 5K memorial walk and remembrance ceremony at Bataan Memorial Park in Santa Clara to honor those who served at Bataan and Corregidor.

The New Mexico legislative special session ended Thursday when the state House and Senate adjourned after several bills were passed to address federal funding cuts.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham now has five bills — one would let the state health department buy COVID-19 vaccines for kids — on her desk to provide about $100 million in state funding.

A new poll by KOAT and the Albuquerque Journal shows that over half of voters believe the city has done a poor job with the homelessness crisis and are very worried about it—voters feel not enough is being done even as city agencies work on several programs before the Nov.

4 election. Political expert Brian Sanderoff said many voters link this issue to the mayor’s job performance.

Live Music Acoustic Gap

5-7 p.m. — Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience the graceful and elegant bass performance by Anne Luna at one of Albuquerque's favorite venues.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Balloon Fiesta Park — Check event details for pricing — Experience the stunning visuals of colorful hot air balloons filling the Albuquerque skies.

October Monday Afternoon Hand Building

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check event page for pricing — Hands-on pottery sessions for ages 14 to 120 in Albuquerque.

The Legendary Pink Dots Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of The Legendary Pink Dots with themes of connection and solitude in a post-pandemic world.

Michael Schenker with Armored Saint

7-8:30 p.m. — 120 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM — All Ages — Rock out with legendary guitarist Michael Schenker in an exciting evening of live music.

Buses and Balloons Campout

5 PM - 12 PM — Alameda Little League — Camping fee — Experience a unique campout during the Albuquerque International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta with stunning views from your campsite.

Biohazard Concert

7-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the Divided We Fall Tour with Biohazard, Onyx, and more.

Balloon Fiesta Pints and Painting

12-3 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — $30 includes all supplies + beer discounts — Unleash creativity while enjoying craft beer and painting a Balloon Fiesta theme.

Kellen Erskine Live Comedy Show

5-11 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up by Kellen Erskine.

Leonid & Friends Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant tribute to Chicago with Leonid & Friends' powerhouse performance.