Need weekend plans? We got you…
These Shining Lives (Friday 17, Performance)
By playwright Melanie Marnich, These Shining Lives is a touching drama, based on a true story of four women who work for the Radium Dial Company, a watch company based out of Ottowa, Illinois. The play showcases the danger the women faced in this workplace and highlights the wider lack of concern companies had for protecting the health of their employees. It opens Friday, July 17 and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m through August 9. General admission is $26, student admission is $17. There are additional Thusday performances on July 24 and Aug. 6 for only $10. Get your tickets in advance at adobetheater.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200495456.
Science On Tap: U-2 Dragon Lady – 70 Years at 70,000 Feet (Friday 17, Lecture)
The Science on Tap lecture series returns to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (601 Eubank Blvd. SE) on Friday, July 17. Forget stuffy classroom lectures, this beer-fueled series features top-tier scientists and subject matter experts in a relaxed environment where the conversation flows. This month, Toni Hiley explores the legendary U‑2 spy plane’s extraordinary operational history, its unique technical capabilities and the people who made sustained high‑altitude flight possible. Doors open at 6 p.m., presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 (secure.qgiv.com/for/tnamfevents/event/2026scienceontapjunecopy/), but you gotta buy your own beer.
Bless Me, Ultima (Friday 17, Performance)
Vortex Theatre’s rivival performance of Rudolfo Anaya’s New Mexican classic Bless Me, Ultima continues this Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. The play, based on Anaya’s award-winning book, tells the story of a young boy who comes of age under the mentorship of a traditional curadera in rural New Mexico. The play runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 26. Tickets (available in advance at vortexabq.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events) are $26 general admission and $21 for students. Vortex Theatre is located at 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE.
Mic Club 46 (Saturday 18, Music)
After an eight-year absense, Mic Club 46 returns to the Duke City, microphones tweaked and turntables spinning. This popular hip hop competition hits Moonlight Lounge (120 Central Ave. SW) on Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. The night is hosted by Joe BZ and features DJ Willie Maestro. The headliner is Albuquerque’s own Bandit Lordz (featuring Sac One & Masta Of Ceremoniez). But the heart of the night is the vocal throwdown competition, featuring the likes of Mat-Dre, SMB, So Cold Ent., Rob Wit Tha Bop, Animaliztik, Envee Tha Queen, Mellow Mellone, MC Cast and Jackie Brown. Tickets are $10 in advance (at tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/464326) or $15 at the door.
Route 66 Summerfest (Saturday 18, Festival)
Multiple states along Route 66 have spent the summer celebrating the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary. And Albuquerque is no exception. One local highlight is this week’s Route 66 Summerfest, taking place Saturday, July 18 along Central Ave. in Nob Hill. This year’s mainstage headliners are The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience. But there are three other stages, offering music throughout the day – including one just for jazz and one dedicated to music from the ’20s and ’30s. You can also count on food trucks, vendors, kids games and more. The festival runs 4 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public.
World Cup Final Watch Party (Sunday 19, Sports)
Looking for a place to take in all the action of the World Cup Final Match? Certainly there are plenty of bars and restaurants around town who will accommodate you. But if you’re looking for the perfect, family friendly spot to watch the game while surrounded by loads of other cheering fans, the City of Albuquerque has you covered. On Sunday, July 19 starting at 1 p.m., head over to Downtown Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza (1 Civic Plaza) for a free public Watch Party. A giant outdoor screen has been set up, complete with seating. Bring your own snacks (no alcohol), or score some food and drinks from the on-site food trucks.