Matika Wilbur via 516 ARTS website

On Thursday, Aug. 18, head to 516 ARTS to hear the photographer Matika Wilbur discuss her project documenting Native America, Project 562: Photographing Contemporary Native America. Her work is focused on addressing stereotypes in the portrayal of Native Americans and the unapologetic appropriation of Native imagery in the western world. She hopes to educate viewers to look beyond the typical 19th century depictions of Native people, to see their thriving contemporary culture. Her photos are also in the current 516 ARTS exhibition As We See It: Contemporary Native American Photographers, on display until September 17. This artist talk begins at 6pm. FREE. (Robin Babb)

The Albuquerque Botanic Garden is hosting an annual Buddhist event along with their weekly Summer Night music performance this Thursday, Aug. 18. During the Obon Festival, participants will make floating lanterns while The Shook Twins play indie-folk tunes at the Japanese Gardens. Traditionally used to honor the spirits of one's ancestors, the gorgeous handmade lanterns will be floated during the concert's intermission. Gates will be open at 6pm and supplies will be set up at 6:30pm. Make sure to arrive early for lantern-making while supplies last. Admission is included with the regular Summer Nights fee of $3-$10. (Monica Schmitt)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)

In the words of Dean Martin, “Baby, it's cold outside.” So lend a helping hand to the homeless folks in Burque by contributing to Astro-Zombies' 8th Annual Holiday Sleeping Bag Drive. Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, drop off new, adult-sized cold weather sleeping bags at the comic store to help local homeless people weather the winter cold. The bags will be distributed throughout the community on Christmas Eve. And for each bag you donate, you'll also be entered in a raffle to win awesome prizes from the likes of Masks Y Mas, Rude Boy Cookies, Archetype Dermigraphic Studio and more. After all, when told, “Baby, you'd freeze out there,” even Dean's lady asked him to lend her a coat. (Renée Chavez)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.