Five Things to Do This Weekend

1 Experience independent cinema.

Santa Fe International Film Festival

This festival showcasing independent, international, and Indigenous films has become one of the most lauded in the country, and was recently recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences as an Oscar-qualifying event. This year the films focus on the theme of identity, collective identity, and what makes each of us different. Screenings happen at venues throughout Santa Fe, including the Violet Crown Cinema, the Lensic Performing Arts Center, and the New Mexico History Museum.

Among the highlights of the five-day festival is Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch panel at the Lensic on Friday at 7 p.m. “They highlight 10 screenwriters on the precipice of being major players,” says Liesette Bailey, executive director at the festival. “It’s really interesting to present right after the strikes in 2023.” Moderated by Variety editor Todd Gilchrist, the panel discussion includes Noah Pink (Eden) and Erica Tremblay (Fancy Dance).

On Saturday, Sunlight, a film about love and the extremes we will take to avoid toxic relationships that was shot in Albuquerque makes its United States premiere. Executive producer Christopher Guest and director Nina Conti will attend the 1 p.m. showing at the New Mexico History Museum. In addition to films, the weekend includes parties, panels, and other film-centric offerings. Find a full lineup here.

Silver City Film Festival

Recognizing film as a powerful storytelling medium, the inaugural Silver City Film Festival takes over the beautifully restored Silco Theater this weekend. It will feature three categories of films divided by their running times: micro, short, and feature length. Focusing on local and regional films, the festival highlights the moviemaking talent in Grant County. Don’t miss the opening night block party on Market Street on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Chinese American Film Festival

Overcoming stereotypes and fostering understanding motivates the team at the Chinese American Film Festival, which happens at the South Broadway Cultural Center in Albuquerque on Saturday. Every year since 2018, the Albuquerque chapter of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance has curated a series of films that highlight and explain the Chinese American experience. The theme in 2024 is hope and courage. Tickets are free, but reservations are required.

2 Go nuts.

Alameda Park in Alamogordo hosts the Corks & Shells Wine and Pistachio Festival on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. New Mexico pistachio growers and regional wineries take the spotlight and serve delicious eats and sips showcasing the abundance of New Mexico’s harvest.

3 Get a book signed by a dreamy artist.

Illustrator and author Zahra Marwan promotes two new picture books at Hecho Gallery in Santa Fe on Saturday during a book signing from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Sunflowers: Vincent Van Gogh’s Search for Beauty follows the famous artist’s life, highlighting his love of painting things that others considered ordinary and the courage it takes to do what we love. The second publication, written by Katherine Arden and illustrated by Marwan, The Strangest Fish tells the story of a young girl who gets a goldfish that turns out to be magic. Marwan’s first book, Where Butterflies Fill the Sky, was named as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2022, and New York Times’ 10 Best Illustrated Books.

4 Fiesta with the family.

Head to the Coronado Historic Site on Saturday to celebrate the diversity of local culture during Fiesta of Cultures: All Cultures of New Mexico. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Bernalillo site hosts performances from groups like the LGBTQ+ square dancing ensemble The Wilde Bunch, Van Hanh Lion Dance, and the Acoma Pueblo Enchantment Dancers. Attendees will hear live music from Son Como Son and are welcome to bring items to add to a community ofrenda commemorating late loved ones. The fiesta includes a juried show of arts vendors and jewelry makers, and food from Manko: Native American Fusion food truck. Get tickets here.

5 See a comedic cover-up.

Stage comedy Cebollas tells the story of three sisters who travel from Albuquerque to Denver with a dead body in tow. As they make stops along the route—in Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, and other towns—the script takes funny turns that illuminate the sisters’ motivations. “It’s really a love letter to New Mexico,” says Ella Raymont, media and PR consultant at the Santa Fe Playhouse. The road trip sees the Latina sisters stop at beloved New Mexico spots and explores family secrets and relatable sister dynamics. “It’s very darkly funny, and all the sisters have these brilliant personalities. They sound and act like people who have grown up in New Mexico,” says Raymont. Cebollas opens on Saturday (with pay-what-you-can preview shows on Thursday and Friday), with four shows happening each weekend through November 10.

Read more: For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.