It’s that time of year in Albuquerque: monsoon season. We’re stuck between the heat of early summer and the dampness of late summer. It’s a time of fire and water here in New Mexico. So, it feels appropriate that we’ve got a few events this week that embrace those two primal elements. Check out Neon Blaze at Juno, which mixes electronic dance music and fire juggling. Follow that up with a trip to the pool at Hotel Zazz, which is using its monthly Dive-In Movie event to host a selection of locally made short films courtesy of Sopapilla Productions. Search through our calendar (it’s bigger online, don’t you know), and you’re sure to find other great outdoor events for when the sun is shining or awesome indoor doings for when the rain comes down.
Neon Blaze: Rave and Fire Show (Friday 21, Performance)
You’re invited to vibe with the Albuquerque EDM scene and enjoy sets from some the hottest DJs, flow artists, fire performances and more at Neon Blaze. Flow artists are like jugglers, but … not? Anyway, some of them will be on fire. Or juggling fire. Something to that effect. Body-moving music for the night comes from Pretty High, Baby Bumps, Saint Over Sinner and Acid Fairy. The event takes place on the patio at JUNO brewery + cafe + art (1501 First St. NW) on Friday, July 31 from 8 p.m. to Midnight. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are $15 presales (events.scenethink.com/neon-blaze-rave-fire-show-jul-31-2026) or $25 at the door.
Ernie Pyle Day (Saturday 1, Celebration)
In 1926 Ernie Pyle and his wife Jerry quit their jobs and pooled their resources to take the first of many cross-country road trips, traveling along parts of the newly constructed Route 66. Pyle would go on to fame as an author and war correspondent, and his Albuquerque home would eventually be turned into a library. On Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the Ernie Pyle Branch Library (900 Girard Blvd. SE) is hosting a celebration of Pyle’s birthday with a Route 66 themed party! Refreshments and birthday cake will be served. Scope out the old homestead, and check out one of Ernie’s books, if you like.
2026 Dive-In Film Fiesta (Saturday 1, Film)
Hotel Zazz (3711 Central Ave. NE) and Sopapilla Productions host the 2026 Dive-In Film Fiesta on Saturday, Aug. 1 A selection of short films (all under 10 minutes) from local filmmakers will be screened, while audience members float around in the hotel’s pool. No black tie necessary, just bring your bathing suit! The pool opens at 7 p.m. Films start up at dusk. A mere $10 (diveinmovies.xyz/product/2026-dive-in-film-fiesta-august-1-2026/) gets you into the pool and watching.
Chatter Concert Series (Thursday 6, Music)
Inspired by the Albuquerque Museum’s summer exhibitions, The Other Route 66 and The Woods Before Sunrise, the Chatter Ensemble returns this August with a four-part classical music concert series exploring themes of journeying, memory and landscape. It starts Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. and continues every Thursday throughout the month. The concerts will take place in the museum’s Ventana Salon. The Albuquerque Museum is located at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW. Admission is free, no reservations are required.