Family events in Rio Rancho, NM

At Santa Fe Community College, this follow-up chess class is designed for players who already know the fundamentals. It focuses on sharpening tactical awareness and deepening strategic thinking to help elevate your game. Participants of any age are welcome.

Empire Board Game Library hosts The Dukes of Dice Board Game Night, welcoming players at any experience level with an emphasis on learning and enjoying modern board games. The lineup favors contemporary titles, from approachable family options to deeper strategy experiences such as Brass: Birmingham and Bruxelles 1893, while classics like Monopoly or Catan are not the focus. Admission is $7 for the night, a single fee in place of the usual $4-per-hour rate. The cafe kitchen serves sandwiches, desserts, and snacks, and the drink menu features local coffee and espresso. It is a friendly setting to discover new games and connect with others who share the hobby.

Outdoor walking tours uncover the culture, heritage and legends of historic Old Town Albuquerque with professional guides from a locally woman owned and operated company that has been sharing these stories since 2001. A daytime history, legends and Route 66 stroll is offered daily, and the Original Ghost Walk of Old Town is presented nightly, recognized as New Mexico’s oldest and most famous ghost walk. Old Town, founded in 1706, has more than three centuries of history woven into its plazas, adobe lanes and tucked-away courtyards, where accounts of lost loves, Civil War–era conflicts, murders, hangings and hidden cemeteries still linger. Tours take place outdoors as a comfortable alternative to crowded buses or trolleys. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and plan for tours to proceed rain or shine. Featured appearances include the Travel Channel, Weird Travels, The Dead Files, Dead Famous, Breaking Bad Walter White’s funeral, In Plain Sight and Coast to Coast Radio.

Now in its 30th year, Downtown Growers' Market brings neighbors together while supporting small farms and small businesses. Find New Mexico grown produce such as heirloom tomatoes and renowned roasted chiles, along with handcrafted art and wellness goods from local makers. Fresh, hot foods and easy snacks are available to enjoy under the trees, and the scene is rounded out by live local music and other entertainment. A live band and a yoga session are part of the experience, with donations welcome for yoga. An information booth is on site to answer questions and to share details on benefits like SNAP doubling on local food. Accessibility and considerate parking are emphasized. ADA parking is available, parking meters and lot fees should be honored, and access to nearby residences and businesses should remain clear. Leashed pets are welcome and owners are asked to clean up after them.

Hosted by High Desert Mustang Club, the 2nd Annual Power & Performance Car Show showcases a wide range of cars, trucks, and performance builds in support of the Veterans Integration Center of New Mexico. All proceeds benefit services that help local veterans transition to civilian life. The event takes place at Veterans Memorial and centers on automotive passion with a meaningful purpose for the community. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For details, email hdmustangclub@gmail.com with the subject line Power n Performance Sponsor/vendor.

New Mexico Comic Expo fills Marriott Albuquerque with a two-day celebration of comics, pop culture, cosplay, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and fandom. Attendees can meet acclaimed comic creators alongside celebrity and voice talent, enjoy cosplay showcases, browse Artist Alley, shop vendors and collectibles, and take in panels and family-friendly activities throughout the event. The convention is dedicated to honoring the creators who inspire audiences, supporting local artists and businesses, and bringing fans together through a community-focused celebration of creativity and pop culture. Children 12 and under receive free admission.

Explore more than a hundred activities spread across five performance spaces, six areas for music and dance workshops, and two or three dedicated jam spots. Get hands-on at an instrument petting zoo, browse makers selling arts and crafts, grab a bite from food stalls, and find family-friendly fun in a tent just for kids. Visit the merchandise and consignment booths, join a band scramble and group sing alongs, and take advantage of helpful amenities including a complimentary instrument check, bicycle parking, free parking, and golf cart rides to help with transport.

STEAM Day at the Rail Yards Market invites curious minds to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through interactive activities. Create a shining copper foil picture with Lisa Richards, and learn about the brain with The Mind Research Network as they share how research deepens our understanding of ourselves. Enjoy hands-on experiments and creative challenges for all ages, with additional programming to be announced. The market welcomes EBT, SNAP, and WIC with doubling, offers free admission and parking, and is ADA accessible. Pets are welcome in cool weather.