Courtesy of Twist ABQ

With few LGBTQIA clubs in town, victory lies in a newcomer opening in our beloved Downtown locale. Offering something distinct to the scene, welcome Twist ABQ. Opening behind Posh on Friday, August 3 owners Michael and Renato Estacio-Burdick of community hangout Sidewinders Ranch bring a revival of nightlife with drag, burlesque, live music and dance nights for a classy speakeasy feel at 7pm. They host the White Party as well on Saturday, August 4 with doors at 6pm and the party from 7 to 10pm for a $10 cover. We look forward to many more incredible events in this space. Come out and support the new endeavors of some of our most vivacious community pillars at the 21 and over club. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Image via Pixabay

First off: If you’re not down with people breastfeeding their babies in public then get out of our mentions. This Saturday, August 4, at the Downtown Growers' Market, Dar a Luz Birth and Health Center hosts its annual Big Latch On event. This means that everyone who’s nursing a baby is invited to come (with said baby in tow) to the biggest breastfeeding event of the year from 9 to 11:30am. The Big Latch On itself happens at 10:30am, so be sure you get there with plenty of time to spare. The idea behind this event is for breastfeeding people to come together to destigmatize the practice and support each other. This event is free and open to the public. (Robin Babb)

Courtesy of New Mexico Entertainment

Don't be gross. Obviously we're talking about hitting people with balls … dodgeballs! New Mexico Entertainment is bringing yet another cool and unique event for the folks of Burque in the form of a Dodgeball Tournament. Fortunately, the recent advancements in dodgeball technology allow the sport to be far less dangerous with rhino skin balls. These are easy impact balls, so all those balls to the face (or anywhere else) don't have the same sting as they did in elementary school. Eight teams of five may sign up for $25 per team (or $5 per player) to compete in 15 to 20 minute matches, for multiple rounds until the champions are crowned. Players must be 18 and over, but spectators can be any age. Spectators must also pay a $5 fee. Head over to the Sandbar Brewery and Grill on Saturday, August 4 from noon to 4pm for a chance to take the literal money shot for a cash prize and the crown of dodgeball royalty. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Image via Pixabay

I’m not talking about what you get your breakfast burrito smothered in (although that would probably be delicious). I’m talking about chili, the stuff you get on your hot dog at a baseball stadium in Texas. On Saturday and Sunday, August 4 through 5, Route 66 Casino and Hotel hosts the Southwest Regional and N.M. Chili Cook-off Championship, where members of the New Mexico chapter of the International Chili Society (actually a thing) gather to see who’s got the best pot of bubbling meat goop. From 10am to 5pm each day you can sample the state’s finest and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Chili. This event is $5 per day and open to the public. (Robin Babb)

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)

City on the Edge is a breezy, smart podcast looking at the stories from Albuquerque history that have often been overlooked. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic like the 1955 crash of TWA flight 260, Sandia Man or the 1918 quarantine. Worthwhile listening that will spur your curiosity about things you didn’t even know about in the city where you live. It’s free and available wherever you get your podcasts. (Clarke Condé)