Upcoming Events for May 18, 2026
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Federal Government
National Park Service
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
BARK Ranger Program: BARK in the Park
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: The 2026 BARK Ranger season continues with a group hike at the Quarai Unit. Dogs can earn their ranger status by following the B.A.R.K. principles: Bag waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where to go. Co-hosted by the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter.
Source: https://www.nps.gov/sapu
Dark Sky Event
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Join park rangers at Abó for a dark sky program featuring a guided pueblo and mission walk, stargazing through park telescopes, a dark sky photography station, and pristine night sky viewing. Attendees are encouraged to bring layers, water, comfortable footwear, and red-filtered flashlights for nighttime viewing conditions.
Source: NPS Dark Sky Programs
Dark Sky Event
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Continuing the 2026 Dark Sky Program series with ranger-led tours, telescope viewing, a dark sky photography workshop, and guided pueblo and mission programs.
Source: NPS Dark Sky Programs
Dark Sky Event
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Continuing the 2026 Dark Sky Program series.
Source: NPS Dark Sky Programs
National Weather Service
2026 SkyWarn Webinar
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM MDT
Location: https://meet.goto.com/624517997 or 1-866-899-4679, access code 624-517-997
Details: For additional details, contact scott.overpeck@noaa.gov
Source: National Weather Service
State Government
New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 34 Country Club Rd, Angel Fire, NM 87710
Details: The Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial will host a remembrance vigil on the eve of Memorial Day for reflection and healing for families and friends of veterans who have died. The ceremony is scheduled to include a performance by the 44th Army Band Ensemble, the Woman Veterans Warriors Color Guard, a flag presentation by the Vietnam Veteran Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club, remarks from Gold Star Spouses of America Inc., and a Missing Man Table presentation.
Source: Event flyer provided to the Mountainair Dispatch
Memorial Day Ceremony
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 34 Country Club Rd, Angel Fire, NM 87710
Details: The Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Planned activities include the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Flag March, a performance by the 44th Army Band Ensemble, the Woman Veteran Warriors Honor Guard, a 21-gun salute by the Tsidi Toii Veterans, a New Mexico National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter static display, and a keynote address by retired U.S. Air Force Capt. William A. Robinson.
Source: Event flyer provided to the Mountainair Dispatch
NMSU Cooperative Extension Service
Free Diabetes Cooking Class
Dates: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 and Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT
Location: Online via Zoom (link provided after registration)
Details: Learn how to plan meals to help manage diabetes, practice cooking foods in healthier ways, and enjoy the support of others who are living with diabetes. To register, call (505) 544-4334 or visit kitchencreations.nmsu.edu.
Source: NMSU Cooperative Extension Service
Torrance County
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Via Zoom — details TBD. Watch https://www.torrancecountynm.org for meeting link.
Details: Regular meeting of the Torrance County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Regular County Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting
Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled meeting of the Torrance County Planning and Zoning Board
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Regular County Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Estancia Valley Youth and Family Council (EVYFC)
Date: June 22, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Typically via Zoom (check the agenda at this link for meeting details)
Details: Regularly scheduled meeting of the EVYFC regarding juvenile justice.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Via Zoom — details TBD. Watch https://www.torrancecountynm.org for meeting link.
Details: Regular meeting of the Torrance County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Regular County Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: https://www.torrancecountynm.org
Regular County Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. The commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Source: Recurring event
Regular County Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM MDT
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regularly scheduled administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: Recurring event
Encino
Encino Village Council
Monthly Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Encino Government Offices, 527 North Main St., Encino, NM 88321
Details: The council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information on Encino events, contact the Village Hall at (575) 584-2980.
Source: Village Clerk
Monthly Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Encino Government Offices, 527 North Main St., Encino, NM 88321
Details: The council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information on Encino events, contact the Village Hall at (575) 584-2980.
Source: Recurring event
Estancia
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. The board meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Source: https://www.townofestancia.com
Sign-up for Library Summary Reading Begins
Date: May 26, 2026
Time: All Day
Location: Estancia Public Library, 601 S Tenth St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Earn prizes for reading library books. Broken down by age group, with K-5th Grade (Library Lizards) meeting each Tuesday at 3:30 PM and 0-5 year olds (Bookworm Buddies) meeting each Wednesday at 10:30 AM
Source: Estancia Public Library Facebook Page
Box and Bubble Day
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Estancia Public Library, 601 S Tenth St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: A family-friendly event outside the Estancia Public Library.
Source: Estancia Public Library Facebook Page
"Do Not Get Blood on the Daisies" — Author Event
Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Public Library, 601 S Tenth St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Q&A session, book signing, and more with local psychological suspense author Jennifer Nelson regarding her debut work, "Do Not Get Blood on the Daisies."
Source: Estancia Public Library Facebook Page
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. The board meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Source: https://www.townofestancia.com
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Source: https://www.townofestancia.com
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. The board meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Source: Recurring event
Tween Event at the Estancia Library: The Arts of Democracy in New Mexico
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Estancia Public Library, 601 S Tenth St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Call library to sign up at 505-384-9655 for this all-ages, interactive exhibit honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; ages 11 to 14 are invited, and will be able to create their own declaration with a quill pen on parchment and create their own snack.
Source: Estancia Public Library Facebook Page
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Source: Recurring event
City of Moriarty
Library Board Meeting
Date: May 18, 2026 (according to the agenda) or May 19, 2026 (according to the city's website)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: updates on plans for the proposed library building, events for the Route 66 anniversary celebration, and ordinance expenditures for the library by the Torrance County government
Source: https://www.moriartynm.org
Moriarty Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty Planning and Zoning Commission.
Source: Reader Submission
City Council Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council.
Source: https://www.moriartynm.org
City Council Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council.
Source: Recurring event
City Council Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council.
Source: Recurring event
City Council Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council. The council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Source: Recurring event
City Council Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty City Council Chambers, 202 Broadway Street South, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: Regular meeting of the Moriarty City Council.
Source: Recurring event
Mountainair
Town Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: http://mountainairnm.gov
Author Reading and Book Signing with Brian D. Hinson
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: La Galería @ The Shaffer, 103 W Main St, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Mountainair author Brian D. Hinson will appear at La Galería @ The Shaffer for a reading, discussion, and book signing focused on his World War I historical fantasy novel, Skies of Fire and Smoke. The novel explores an alternate 1916 in which the rise of powered flight may threaten the long-standing rule of dragons.
Source: La Galería @ The Shaffer
Town Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: http://mountainairnm.gov
Town Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: http://mountainairnm.gov
Town Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: Recurring event
Town Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Town Council Building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Regular meeting of the Mountainair Town Council. To attend by phone, call (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 856-052-5813, Passcode: 888-888.
Source: Recurring event
Willard
Willard Village Council Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM MDT
Location: Willard Village Hall, 720 Dunlavy Ave, Willard, NM 87063
Details: The council meets on the 2nd Monday of each month. For more information on Willard events, contact the Village Hall at (505) 384-2874.
Source: Recurring Event
Willard Village Council Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM MDT
Location: Willard Village Hall, 720 Dunlavy Ave, Willard, NM 87063
Details: The council meets on the 2nd Monday of each month. For more information on Willard events, contact the Village Hall at (505) 384-2874.
Source: Recurring Event
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM MDT
Location: 715 S 5th St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the board supervisors to discuss regional conservation efforts and soil and water erosion prevention. The board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Source: Reader Submission
Central Tri-County Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: 2506 NM-333, Moriarty, NM 87035 (also known as 2506 Old Route 66)
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the Central Tri-County SWCD board, held on the 1st Thursday of each month.
Source: Recurring Event
Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District Regular Board Meeting
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM MDT
Location: Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Monthly meeting held on the 1st Friday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and currently available via Zoom. For Zoom access information, visit http://www.claunchpinto.org.
Source: Recurring Event
East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM MDT
Location: 715 S 5th St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the board supervisors. The board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Source: Reader Submission
Central Tri-County Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM MDT
Location: 2506 NM-333, Moriarty, NM 87035 (also known as 2506 Old Route 66)
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the Central Tri-County SWCD board, held on the 1st Thursday of each month.
Source: Recurring Event
Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District Regular Board Meeting
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM MDT
Location: Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Monthly meeting held on the 1st Friday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and currently available via Zoom. For Zoom access information, visit http://www.claunchpinto.org. I am awaiting confirmation of whether this event is canceled for the Independence Day holiday.
Source: Dierdre Tarr
East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM MDT
Location: 715 S 5th St, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Regular monthly meeting of the board of supervisors. The board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Source: Recurring Event
Other Organizations
Mountainair Rotary Club Weekly Lunch Meeting
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026; Thursday, May 28, 2026; Thursday, June 4, 2026; Thursday, June 11, 2026; Thursday, June 18, 2026; Thursday, June 25, 2026; Thursday, July 2, 2026; Thursday, July 9, 2026; Thursday, July 16, 2026; Thursday, July 23, 2026; and Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Weekly meeting for community service planning and networking. Visitors are welcome and should bring a lunch.
Source: Recurring Event
Rattlesnake Aversion Training for Dogs (Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter)
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT
Location: Deer Canyon Preserve Community Center, 1 Deer Canyon Trail, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Professional rattlesnake aversion training for dogs. Cost is $90 per dog. Reservations are required. Visit fomas.org/events to register.
Source: Reader Submission
2026 Young Arts Club Exhibition (Manzano Mountain Art Council)
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026, through Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: Regular gallery hours
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Exhibition showcasing work by members of the MMAC Young Arts Club, the 2026 Artists-in-Residence cohort at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org
Mountainair Spay and Neuter Clinic
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026, and Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: Determined by Pre-Paid Reservation
Location: Dr. Saul Community Center, 109 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: A two-day community spay and neuter clinic hosted by the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter. Registration details will be posted at fomas.org/events as the date approaches.
Source: Reader Submission
"Free Range" Art Exhibition (MMAC)
Date: Ongoing through Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: Regular gallery hours
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Exhibition featuring local artwork inspired by the landscapes and agricultural heritage of the Estancia Valley.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org
"Threads — The Art of Fiber" Exhibition Opening (MMAC)
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Opening reception for Threads, an exhibition celebrating handmade paper, weaving, felting, and fabric arts.
Source: Reader Submission
2026 Mountainair Sunflower Festival
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036 (corner of US Highway 60 and NM Highway 55) and throughout Monte Alto Plaza, 122 W Main St, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: A free, family-friendly arts festival featuring more than 50 fine artists, 20-plus local vendors, live music, a beer and wine garden, a children's activities area, a sunflower hat and costume contest, a treasure sale, and an art raffle and silent auction. More information will be available as the date approaches.
Source: https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org/2026-mountainair-sunflower-festival/
Astronomy and Nature
The Estancia Valley offers some of the darkest skies in New Mexico, making this area an excellent base for stargazing. Readers who want real-time sky guidance can use NASA's Eyes on the Solar System. The Estancia Valley is also part of a remarkable ecosystem with a wide variety of migratory and year-round bird species that can be viewed throughout the valley, particularly at these birding spots.
Full Moon: Blue Moon
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Details: May 2026 features two full moons — May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026 — making the May 31 moon a "blue moon" by one common definition. No equipment is needed to enjoy the full moon, though even a pair of binoculars will reveal the Moon's craters in striking detail.
Source: Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Mountainair Dispatch covers public affairs, community life, and local news across Torrance County, New Mexico. To submit an event for a future post, email todd@mountainairdispatch.com. There is no charge to list events.