Do you want to advertise your event in the Mountainair Dispatch? I'd love to publish it. Email todd@mountainairdispatch.com with the details to submit your event. There is no cost to publish upcoming events.

Federal Government

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Quarai Unit

Date: Every Friday through October 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Quarai Unit every Friday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Gran Quivira Unit

Date: Every Saturday through October 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Gran Quivira Unit, 4030 Quivira Flats Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Gran Quivira Unit every Saturday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Weekly Ranger-Led Guided Hike — Abó Unit

Date: Every Sunday through October 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers lead a free 45-minute guided hike at the Abó Unit every Sunday morning. No reservation is required. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Ethnobotany Nature Walk at Quarai

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Join the National Monument's Tribal Communities Engagement Intern for this guided walk. Explore native plants found along the Quarai landscape and the important roles they have played throughout history. Participants will learn about the practical uses of these plants, including their medicinal use, as well as the cultural knowledge that surrounds them. Participants will learn to identify nine plants and explore their traditional uses. The program will also include an overview of the traditional Three Sisters planting method.

During the walk along the trail, participants will discuss how the people who lived in the Salinas Pueblo Mission region hundreds of years ago likely relied on many of these plants in similar ways. Participants are invited to learn about and share knowledge of plant uses. This family-friendly program is open to all ages. Pets are welcome, and the paved trail is wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive opportunity to explore the rich relationship between people and plants at the Quarai Unit.

BARK in the Park

Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) invite visitors to bring their dogs for a ranger-led trail hike and earn BARK Ranger status. The program encourages participants to follow the B A R K principles: Bag waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where to go. FOMAS partners will offer educational presentations on dog adoption. Bring lunch to enjoy at the picnic area during the presentation. For more information, contact the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center at (505) 847-2585.

Ethnobotany Nature Walk at Quarai

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Join the National Monument's Tribal Communities Engagement Intern for this guided walk. Explore native plants found along the Quarai landscape and the important roles they have played throughout history. Participants will learn about the practical uses of these plants, including their medicinal use, as well as the cultural knowledge that surrounds them. Participants will learn to identify nine plants and explore their traditional uses. The program will also include an overview of the traditional Three Sisters planting method.

During the walk along the trail, participants will discuss how the people who lived in the Salinas Pueblo Mission region hundreds of years ago likely relied on many of these plants in similar ways. Participants are invited to learn about and share knowledge of plant uses. This family-friendly program is open to all ages. Pets are welcome, and the paved trail is wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive opportunity to explore the rich relationship between people and plants at the Quarai Unit.

State Government

Economic Development New Mexico

Family Safety Fest

Date: October 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Westgate Community Center, 10001 De Vargas Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
Details: Families can enjoy free car seat checks and installations, a DUI impairment simulator, safety demonstrations, games, kids’ activities, prizes, giveaways, food, music, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet local first responders, including Albuquerque Police and Albuquerque Fire Rescue, while learning about important safety resources available in the community. Register for free tickets here.

NMSU Virtual Career Fair

Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Details: Employers can connect with career-ready students and alumni from NMSU Global Campus, promote employment opportunities within their organization, and build relationships with future talent. Register here.

New Mexico Tech Week - October 26 through 30

What is it: New Mexico Tech Week is a celebration of - and networking events related to - quantum computing, fusion energy, artificial intelligence, space, wildfire technology, startup financing, and the future of the state's permanent funds. Most events are free.

The week is anchored by TechFest 2026, a free two-day conference on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, in downtown Albuquerque's Innovation District. Around it, independent organizers are hosting panels, hackathons, tours, networking mixers, and even morning workouts.

For Torrance County residents, the week offers a rare chance to hear directly from the people building New Mexico's technology economy, much of it within a drive of the Estancia Valley. Several sessions are designed for newcomers. The organizers of the fusion energy event put it plainly: no degree is required, only curiosity. Students, small business owners, job seekers, and anyone wondering how quantum computing or AI might affect work in rural New Mexico will find something on the schedule.

What to know before you go: Each New Mexico Tech Week event is organized independently, and attendees must register for each event separately. The exception is TechFest: a single free TechFest ticket covers all five tracks and the Community Stage on both days. Organizers say new events are added as they are approved, so check the official New Mexico Tech Week events page for updates before you travel. An official NMTW web app is also available for building a personal schedule.

Getting around is easier than it may seem. The City of Albuquerque operates a zero-fare program on all ABQ RIDE fixed-route buses and Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) lines. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe for those attending events in both cities.

All times below are Mountain Daylight Time. Daylight saving time does not end until Sunday, November 1, 2026.

New Mexico Tech Week Kickoff Party

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MDT
Location: Hollow Spirits Distillery, 1324 1st St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: A casual mixer for founders, investors, and creators to open the week. The event is hosted by the NM Tech Talks collaborative in partnership with the New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office. Tickets are free, but an RSVP is required for entry. RSVP on Luma.
Parking on site and on nearby streets is limited. Organizers recommend ridesharing.

Founder Flow: Morning yoga

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM MDT
Location: New Mexico Community Capital, 119 3rd St SW, Suite 102, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: A morning yoga session for founders and startup enthusiasts, led by certified yoga instructor Joy Wiitala. Bring your own mat and wear workout clothing. The class is free, and donations to the instructor are accepted. Spots are limited. RSVP on Luma.

Founders Day — Ember to Aftermath: A wildfire invention sprint

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MDT
Location: New Mexico Innovation Hub, 1055 Midtown Calle Central, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Details: RealmIQ and the Human-AI Innovation Commons, a Georgia nonprofit, are hosting a free one-day AI hackathon focused on the full cycle of wildfire, from prevention through emergency response and long-term recovery. Teams of four to six people, each working with an AI tool of their choice, will develop ideas in the morning and pitch them to judges in the afternoon. Organizers are seeking participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including firefighters, ranchers, EMTs, veterinarians, nurses, insurance professionals, builders, hydrologists, and community organizers, as well as Indigenous and Hispano knowledge holders. The scheduled speaker lineup includes New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy and Los Alamos Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg. Organizers state they claim no ownership of anything teams produce. A dinner reception follows the winner announcement. RSVP on Luma.
This event is listed as "Founder's Day" on the New Mexico Tech Week site and as "Ember to Aftermath" on its registration page.

The Land of Entanglement: A look inside New Mexico's quantum ecosystem

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Roadrunner Venture Studios, 701 Spur Street NE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: The New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office (TIO) and Roadrunner Venture Studios bring together voices from across the state's quantum ecosystem to discuss New Mexico's growth as a quantum technology hub. The session includes a digital preview of the Roadrunner Quantum Lab. Register on Eventbrite.

The Business of Innovation in New Mexico: Science, technology, finance, and innovation

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM MDT
Location: TBD, Albuquerque
Details: A program on how New Mexico can turn its strengths in science and technology into lasting economic growth, highlighting the roles of entrepreneurship, finance, and investment. Presented by the Department of Finance and Innovation and the James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership
Registration had not opened as of Monday, October 12, 2026. Check the New Mexico Tech Week events page for updates.

FUSE Makerspace tours

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: Group 1, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM MDT; Group 2, 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM MDT
Location: FUSE Makerspace by CNM Ingenuity, 101 Broadway Blvd NE, Suite 3100, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: Tour New Mexico's largest community makerspace, a membership-based hub offering manual and digital fabrication equipment and training. Two 30-minute tour groups are available; register for one. RSVP for Group 1 or RSVP for Group 2.

New Mexico 2050: The permanent funds, innovation, and economic future

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM MDT
Location: Q Station, 3225 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Details: Business leaders, policymakers, and members of the state's investment and technology community will discuss how New Mexico could use its permanent funds to strengthen the economy. The program includes two panels: one on whether the funds could support the state's early-stage startup ecosystem, and one on whether the funds could help move New Mexico into the top 10 states for GDP per capita while bringing the poverty rate below 10%. Hosted by Lawrence Chavez. RSVP on Luma.

CLOWD: The AI Film Festival World Showcase Tour

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM MDT
Location: Sky Cinemas Midtown, 1020 Midtown Calle Central, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Details: A theatrical screening of finalists, category winners, and Grand Prize recipients from CLOWD: The AI Film Festival, selected by an international jury. Santa Fe is the first stop on the tour. Filmmaker Gay Dillingham will interview CLOWD founder Curt Doty before the screening. Tickets are $14 and are sold through Sky Cinemas Midtown. Event details on Luma.

Fusion in the Land of Enchantment

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM MDT
Location: New Mexico Innovation Hub, 1055 Midtown Calle Central, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Details: The New Mexico Fusion Trade Association and its members will host an introduction to fusion energy and the opportunities developing in New Mexico. The morning includes a "Fusion 101" overview, conversation tables on careers, education programs, and fusion science, and tours and demonstrations by fusion companies. No technical background is required. Request to join on Luma.
Attendance is limited, and registration requires host approval.

The Land of Entanglement: Quantum innovation lab

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM MDT
Location: FatPipe ABQ Coworking Space, 200 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: A one-day immersive innovation lab on quantum technology, commercialization, and emerging systems, presented by InnovaOps in collaboration with NM Tech Talks. The event is aimed at founders, researchers, students, educators, investors, creatives, and anyone curious about emerging technology. Organizers note that no background in quantum physics is required. Join the waitlist on Eventbrite.
This event is sold out. A waitlist is available.

Santa Fe Deep Tech Happy Hour

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Lady Duff's Lounge, 750 N St Francis Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Details: An informal afternoon gathering for people commercializing frontier technologies such as quantum computing, AI, and biotechnology. Hosted by Quintin Leger. RSVP on Luma.

Full Stack Fitness: HIIT workout

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM MDT
Location: New Mexico Community Capital, 119 3rd St SW, Suite 102, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class led by a former police academy boot camp instructor. Bodyweight movement is fine; bring light weights if you want more of a challenge. The class is free, donations to the instructor are accepted, and spots are limited. Sponsored by Azul Growth Partners. RSVP on Luma.

New Mexico Aging Services

Alzheimer's Risk and Prevention (online)

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:10 PM MDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Details: The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is hosting a free, interactive webinar on Alzheimer's disease risk and prevention as part of its monthly webinar series. Participants can earn two continuing education credits (CEs). Registration is required through Zoom. For more on dementia resources in New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department's Office of Alzheimer's and Dementia Care.
This event is free and open to caregivers, family members, professionals, and anyone interested in brain health.

Moriarty Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Counseling with SHIP

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty Senior Center, 120 Roosevelt Ave, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: The Torrance County Senior Program is hosting free, one-on-one Medicare counseling with a local coordinator from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Open enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and make sure you have the benefits you need at the lowest cost. SHIP counselors offer unbiased help and do not sell or endorse any insurance plan.
Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, October 15, through Monday, December 7, 2026. Although not stated on the New Mexico Aging Services website, participants may wish to bring their Medicare card and list of current prescriptions.

Edgewood Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Counseling with SHIP

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Edgewood Senior Center, 114 Quail Trail, Edgewood, NM 87015
Details: The Edgewood Senior Center is hosting free, one-on-one Medicare counseling with a local coordinator from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Open enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and make sure you have the benefits you need at the lowest cost. SHIP counselors offer unbiased help and do not sell or endorse any insurance plan. Attendees should bring their Medicare card and a list of their current prescriptions.
*Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, October 15, through Monday, December 7, 2026.

2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's: Central New Mexico

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM MDT
Location: La Cueva High School, 7801 Wilshire Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Details: The Alzheimer's Association's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Albuquerque for the Central New Mexico region. The walk raises money for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. Participants can join as individuals or teams. Registration and details are available on the Alzheimer's Association event page.

Tijeras Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Counseling with SHIP

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Tijeras Senior Center, 10 Tijeras Ave, Tijeras, NM 87059
Details: The Tijeras Senior Center is hosting free, one-on-one Medicare counseling with a local coordinator from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Open enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and make sure you have the benefits you need at the lowest cost. SHIP counselors offer unbiased help and do not sell or endorse any insurance plan. Attendees should bring their Medicare card and a list of their current prescriptions.
Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, October 15, through Monday, December 7, 2026.

Belen Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Counseling with SHIP

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Belen Senior Center, 715 S Main St, Belen, NM 87002
Details: The Belen Senior Center is hosting free, one-on-one Medicare counseling with a local coordinator from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Open enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and make sure you have the benefits you need at the lowest cost. SHIP counselors offer unbiased help and do not sell or endorse any insurance plan. Attendees should bring their Medicare card and a list of their current prescriptions.
Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, October 15, through Monday, December 7, 2026.

New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Stitch Night

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM MDT
Location: Conference Room, History and Literary Arts Building, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: The National Hispanic Cultural Center hosts a monthly informal get-together for fiber artists on the second Wednesday of each month. Bring whatever knitting, crochet, weaving, cross-stitch, or other fiber art project you are working on and join the conversation. Anyone hoping to learn the basics of a particular technique should bring their own supplies, though basic crochet and knitting materials are kept on hand for impromptu demonstrations. The event is for young adults and adults. Admission is free, but organizers ask attendees to register in advance at this link.
Stitch Night meets every second Wednesday of the month.

The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe: A lecture with Julianna Rubio Slager and Harry Lee Poe

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Salon Ortega, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: Julianna Rubio Slager, artistic director of the Chicago-based company Ballet 5:8, invites audiences to look past the familiar myths surrounding Edgar Allan Poe. Drawing on resources from the Poe Museum and Poe scholar Harry Lee Poe's family history, the talk will explore Poe's life, writing, relationships, and faith, along with the experiences that shaped his work. The conversation will also examine Poe's complicated relationships with women and with slavery. The lecture is a free community event, but organizers ask attendees to register in advance: click here.
The lecture precedes Ballet 5:8's performance of "The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe" at the NHCC on Saturday, October 17.

The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe (ballet)

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MDT
Location: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: Ballet 5:8 presents its full-length narrative ballet about Edgar Allan Poe, choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager and Glorielle Niedfeldt. The work draws on Poe's best-known writings to portray him as a man contending with grief, love, and loss rather than only as a master of the macabre. The production premiered in Chicago in April 2026 and is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of America 250. Tickets are available through Ballet 5:8.

La Llorona (ballet)

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM MDT
Location: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: Ballet 5:8 presents its reimagining of the legend of La Llorona, set in New Mexico. The ballet follows Maria, a young mother struggling with exhaustion, isolation, and postpartum depression, as family, faith, and community help her find her way toward hope. Created by artistic director Julianna Rubio Slager, the work was developed with input from research and lived experience surrounding postpartum depression in Hispanic and Black communities. The company describes the production as a story of empathy and healing rather than horror. Tickets are available through Ballet 5:8.

New Mexico Department of Health

Flu Vaccine Clinic

Date: November 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT or until vaccines run out
Location: Torrance County Public Health Office, 300 8th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Flu shots will be available for those 6 months old and older

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services

New Mexico Small Business Lender Expo

Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM MDT
Location: Dream Spring, 2000 Zearing Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Details: Presented by the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and hosted by Dream Spring. Veteran and small business owners can meet local, regional, and national lenders, learn about loan programs and funding options, and network with resource providers. For more information, contact VBOC Advisor Christina Stover at christina.stover@dvs.nm.gov or (505) 469-8501.

NMDVS Veterans Benefits Outreach and Mobile Outreach Vehicle — Socorro

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM MDT
Location: Forget Me Not Veteran Center, 705 N. California St., Socorro, NM 87801
Details: The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS) Mobile Outreach Team and Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) will help veterans and eligible dependents with VA disability ratings, VA health care, pensions, burial benefits, and state benefits. State benefits include property tax exemptions, veterans license plates, and State Park Lifetime Veterans Passes. Bring a DD-214 or other proof of service, a photo ID, your VA award letter, and any supporting medical or financial documents. Surviving spouses should bring marriage and death certificates. More information is at dvs.nm.gov.

Albuquerque Fisher House 7th Anniversary Open House

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM MDT
Location: Albuquerque Fisher House, on the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center campus at 1501 San Pedro Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Details: Friends of New Mexico Fisher House and the New Mexico VA Health Care System are celebrating seven years of the Fisher House, which gives families of veterans and service members a place to stay while a loved one receives care at the VA. Visitors can tour the kitchen, suites, and living room. Food and beverages will be served. Do not park in the Fisher House lot. Use the North Visitors Lot instead.

Albuquerque Veterans Stand Down

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM MDT
Location: The Rock at Noonday, 2400 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: Veterans Integration Centers (VIC) is hosting a stand down, a community event where at-risk veterans can get help in a safe, welcoming setting. Services include housing assistance, employment support, health care, meals, counseling, haircuts, hygiene items, and clothing. Service providers, sponsors, and donors can get involved through VIC at info@nmvic.us, (505) 296-0800, or nmvic.org.

NMDVS Community Veterans Outreach Meeting

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM MDT
Location: New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Details: Veterans and family members can meet with NMDVS leadership, hear department updates, ask questions, and raise concerns. NMDVS staff will help with property tax waivers and exemptions and lifetime park passes. Certified VSOs will help with VA claims, health care eligibility, disability compensation, and other state benefits. Bring a DD-214, NA 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867; your VA award letter; and a NM driver's license, ID, voter registration card, or your most recent NM personal income tax return. Surviving spouses should bring marriage and death certificates. The event is free. Call NMDVS at 1-866-433-8387 for details.

Veteran and Community Resource Event and Job Fair

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM MDT
Location: Goodwill Opportunity Center, 5000 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Details: Goodwill Industries of New Mexico's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is hosting this event with veteran service organizations, community resource providers, and local employers hiring veterans. Staff will help with resumes, applications, and job readiness. NMDVS has also scheduled a benefits outreach visit at the same address and time. Prizes in the raffle include Santa Ana Star bowling passes, Stone Age Climbing Gym day passes, and Topgolf game passes. For questions, contact HVRP Program Manager Adriana Dodson at (505) 881-6401, ext. 1941, or Adodson@goodwillnm.org.

New Mexico Veterans' Art Group Exhibition

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM MST Wednesday through Sunday; 12:00 PM–8:00 PM MST Fridays
Location: Pleased to Present Gallery, 510 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Details: The New Mexico Veterans' Art Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is showing veterans' paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, rattles, and jewelry. Admission is free. A tax-free Mercado runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM MST on Friday, November 27. More information is at nmveteransart.com.

NMDVS Veterans Benefits Outreach — Socorro

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM MST
Location: Forget Me Not Veteran Center, 705 N. California St., Socorro, NM 87801
Details: NMDVS VSOs will help veterans and eligible dependents file for VA disability ratings, health care, pensions, burial benefits, and state benefits. Bring a DD-214 or equivalent, your VA award letter, a NM driver's license or ID, and, for surviving spouses, marriage and death certificates. Call NMDVS at 1-866-433-8387 with questions.

City of Albuquerque Veterans Day Parade

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM MST
Location: The parade starts at USS Bullhead Memorial Park, 1606 San Pedro Dr SE, and finishes at NM Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Details: The City of Albuquerque's annual Veterans Day parade starts at 9:00 AM and is scheduled to arrive at the Veterans Memorial at 10:00 AM. To take part or learn more, contact ttozier@cabq.gov or (505) 553-5865.

Albuquerque Veterans Day Ceremony

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM MST
Location: NM Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Details: This free public ceremony follows the city's Veterans Day parade. It is hosted by the City of Albuquerque Military and Veterans Affairs office with the Dukes of Albuquerque American Legion Band, the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, and the New Mexico Rail Runner.

2026 VetBiz Veteran Business Summit and Gala

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, through Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: Summit hours 8:00 AM-5:00 PM MST (November 11 and 12) and 8:00 AM-3:00 PM (November 13); Gala 6:00 PM–10:00 PM MST Friday, November 13
Location: Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM
Details: The New Mexico Veteran Chamber of Commerce's summit is for veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses, transitioning service members, and community partners. It covers business education, networking, growth resources, and partnership opportunities. The closing gala, "A Legacy of Service Beyond the Uniform," is a black-tie event. Register and buy gala tickets at nmvcc.com/vetbiz-2026.

Boots to Business Training — Albuquerque

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM MST
Location: Kirtland AFB Support Center, Albuquerque, NM
Details: This free foundational entrepreneurship course, offered through the New Mexico VBOC, is for transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. It covers testing a business idea, writing a business plan, finding startup capital, and federal contracting. Participants must have base access. To register, contact VBOC Advisor Christina Stover at christina.stover@dvs.nm.gov or (505) 469-8501, or visit the VBOC training calendar.

New Mexico Saint Barbara's Day Banquet

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM–10:00 PM MST
Location: Mountain View Club, Kirtland AFB, 22000 SE Club Road, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Details: This formal-dress banquet celebrates the history of Air Defense Artillery in New Mexico, including the legacy of the "Battling Bastards of Bataan." Register at firsttofire.net/events. (Base access required.)

New Mexico State University Torrance County Cooperative Extension Office

Pottery Glazing Workshop (Pottery Part 2)

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Torrance County Cooperative Extension Services Office, 205 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016

Torrance County

Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Date: October 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Online and Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details:

EVYFC Board Meeting

Date: October 26, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners

Date: October 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Online and Torrance County Administrative Offices, 205 South 9th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Encino

Encino Village Council Monthly Meeting

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Encino Government Offices, 527 North Main St., Encino, NM 88321
Details: The council typically meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information on Encino events, contact the Village Hall at (575) 584-2980.

Estancia

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Date: Every First and Third Monday of the Month (October 19, 2026 and November 2, 2026)
Time: 6:15 PM
Location: Estancia Town Hall, 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: None Provided

Estancia Public Library Job Fair

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Estancia Public Library, 601 South 10th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
Details: Employers should contact the library at 505-384-9655 to reserve a space. The job fair is open to those who want to explore the current job market, regardless of whether they already have a job or are currently seeking one. 

30th Annual Punkin' Chunkin'

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: Gates open for vendor set-up at 8:00 AM, Parade line-up at the courthouse at 9:30 AM, Parade at 10:30 AM, and Opening Launch at 12:35 PM
Location: 1.5 miles west on NM-55 from NM-41 in Estancia or 8 miles east of the junction of NM-337 and NM-55 (34°45'17.15"N 106°05'11.05"W)
Details:

Moriarty

Moriarty City Council Meeting

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty Civic Center, 202 Broadway Avenue, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: The Moriarty City Council will hold its regular meeting. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda and meeting packet are available from the City of Moriarty: 

Mountainair

Town Council Meeting

Date: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (October 20, 2026 and November 3, 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 join by phone, call 346-248-7799, enter access code 856-052-5813, and enter passcode 888-888.

Willard

Willard Village Council Monthly Meeting

Date: Second Monday of the month (November 9, 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.

Other Organizations

Roadrunner Food Bank Distribution

Date: Distribution is scheduled for every Tuesday, but verification is recommended.
Time: 11:00 AM MDT
Location: Dr. Saul Community Center, 109 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Roadrunner Food Bank

Bethel Storehouse Food Pantry/Clothing Bank

Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: From 12:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Location: 1719 4th St, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details: To see if you qualify for available services, please click here.

Manzano Mountain Retreat Apple Harvest Festival

Date: October 17 and 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM MDT - 5:00 PM MDT
Location: Manzano Mountain Retreat, 210 Los Pinetos, Torreon, NM
Details: Enjoy warm apple treats, cider-donut smiles, children at play, live music, local makers, and the beauty of the mountain in peak autumn color. Families can spend the afternoon wandering the property, enjoying entertainment and food, participating in activities, and experiencing the orchard at an easy, unhurried pace.

Mountainair Men's Support Group

Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Mountainair Multi-Purpose Building (in the Town Council complex), 107 1/2 N Roosevelt Ave, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Recurring weekly Christian men's support group meeting. For more information, please contact Richard Torres, Jr. (AKA Wizard) at (505) 357-9749.

Mountainair Rotary Club Weekly Lunch Meeting

Date: Every Thursday
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 their own lunch.

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. Listing events is free.