Tiki Week-Que (July 10, Festival)
The inaugural Albuquerque Tiki Week-Que is a celebration of mid-century modern tropical culture. It kicks off on Friday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the new documentary The Donn of Tiki at Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NE). The film explores the life of Donn Beach, the man who built the first official tiki bar in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Tickets (guildcinema.com) are $12. Follow that up with a post-film cocktail party meet-up at Daydream Rum Bar (3123 Central Ave. NE) at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover charge, but reservations are highly recommended. The fun continues on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, with “Cannibal Hula Girls and The Tiki Massacre,” a group tiki-based art exhibition at Stranger Factory (1431 NM-313 in Algodones). That runs 12 to 4 p.m. each day. Be sure tow wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt to all the events!
Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque (July 11, Music)
The four-day showcase of culture, music and dance known as Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque celebrates its 35th anniversary this weekend. Expect workshops, concerts, lectures, a student competition and a “mariachi spectacular mass.” The big event happens Saturday, July 11 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Sandia Resort and Casino (30 Rainbow Rd.) where performers including Ballet Folklorico Paseo del Norte, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles (among others) will put on a massive show. Tickets are available at etix.com/ticket/p/62994072/mariachi-spectacular-de-albuquerque-2026-albuquerque-sandia-casino-amphitheater and run $56.50 to $126.50. For complete info on events throughout the week, go to mariachispectacular.com.
Kevin McDonald – Superstar: A Rock Opera (July 11, Comedy)
Comedy legend Kevin McDonald of “Kids in the Hall” fame shows up in Albuquerque for a weekend of inspirational training workshops at The Box Performance Space (100 Gold Ave. SW). He’s also sticking around on Saturday, July 11 for a special staged reading of his autobiographical play Kevin McDonald – Superstar: A Rock Opera. He’ll be performing it live alongside members of The Box’s house comedy improv team The Show. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Seating is limited and tickets ($17.50 general admission) are going fast at tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/464449. And if you’re interested in any of those workshops he’s teaching, head to theboxabq.com/training for more info.
ToonFusion: ABQ (Saturday 11, Convention)
ToonFusion: ABQ returns to the EXPO New Mexico Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex (300 San Pedro Dr. NE) for another year of anime, gaming, cosplay, TCG, performances, panel discussions and parades. It happens Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meet voices actors from fan fave animated shows including “Helluva Boss,” “Death Note,” “The Fairly OddParents,” “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,” “Samurai Jack” and what looks like multiple “Dragonball” shows. All in all, two dozen special guests are lined up to attend. You can get tickets ($25 to $35 for a one-day pass or $30 to $60 for a weekend pass) and map out the full weekend schedule of events at toonfusion.com/new-mexico.
Evanescence (Tuesday 14, Music)
Foundational mid-’90s goth alternative/nu metal band Evanescence have reunited and are hitting Isleta Amphitheater (5601 University Blvd. SE) on Tuesday, July 14. Starting at 7 p.m. singer Amy Lee will wail her way through hits like “Bring Me to Life”and “My Immortal.” Nova Twins and Spiritbox open the show. Tickets rangefrom $26 to $217 and are available in advance through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com/evanescence-2026-world-tour-with-spiritbox-albuquerque-new-mexico-07-14-2026/event/1E006378D1AA7D09). Strap on your best black prom dress and get ready for some symphonic proto-emo rock.
Wonder Women of Country (Thursday 16, Music)
Three powerhouse singer-songwriters combine their superpowers for one unforgettable night with Wonder Women of County. The trio of Brennen Leigh, Kelly Willis and Melissa Carper brings sharp songwriting, rich harmonies and serious country chops to the stage at FUSION (700 First St. NW). Each of these ladies is carving her own path – but when they come together, it’s something truly special. Catch the show Thursday, July 16 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance (available at ampconcerts.org/event/460716/wonder-women-of-country) or $38 if you wait to buy them at the door.