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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 Quivera 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.

Dark Skies, Bright Stars! — 2026 Dark Sky Program

Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Abó Unit, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Park rangers and volunteers host a spectacular evening program as part of the 2026 Dark Sky Program series. Activities include ranger-led tours, telescope viewing, a dark sky photography workshop, and guided pueblo and mission programs. Admission is free. This is the final session for 2026, so don’t miss it!

World Migratory Bird Day and Bio Blitz

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036
Details: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, in partnership with Raptors of New Mexico Foundation, invites you to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) at the Quarai Unit on Saturday, October 10.
Join park rangers for guided bird count hikes throughout the day, as well as guided Bio Blitz tours, along the paved interpretive trail and the rugged Spanish Corral Trail. During the hikes and tours, you’ll explore the diverse local ecosystem of the Salinas region and contribute to our annual bird count and support our citizen science efforts at the park.

The National Monument's event partners, Raptors of New Mexico Foundation (RNMF), will host a live bird presentation that you do not want to miss! RNMF is a non-profit organization that provides engaging live bird presentations throughout New Mexico. Come meet RNMF staff and their amazing ambassador birds and join us for a special Q&A session.  

Throughout the day, you can stop by our outreach table to learn more about Salinas Pueblo Missions, our upcoming events, to pick-up FREE WMBD-themed giveaways, and how you can make a difference as a citizen scientist!

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.

State Government

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

Quarai Hike, Picnic, and Nature and Wellness Journaling

Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036

Nutrition Education Cooking Demonstration

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Bethel Community Storehouse, 1719 4th Street, Moriarty, NM 87035

Pine Cone Art and Wellness Workshop

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Bethel Community Storehouse, 1719 4th Street, Moriarty, NM 87035

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 Mondays 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 Airport Advisory Committee

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MDT
Location: Moriarty Municipal Airport Terminal, 50 George Applebay Way, Moriarty, NM 87035
Details:

Mountainair

Town Council Meeting

Date: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (October 6, 2026 and October 20, 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 (May change in October due to Federal Holiday)
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 10 and 11, 2026; and 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.