Courtesy of New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association

One of the coolest local LGBTQIA groups has to be the New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association. These hardcore athletes are in preparation for the 27th annual Zia Regional Rodeo, held at Rodeo de Santa Fe starting Friday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 12. There are 13 separate rodeo events with everything from bull riding to calf roping, with speed events and camp events such as steer decorating and goat dressing. And yes, goat dressing is exactly what we hope it is. The Friday festivities include rodeo school, registration and an evening of entertainment all from 11am to midnight. Stick around Saturday for the first day of competitions starting at 9am and party through midnight. Keep it together for Sunday and get to the last of the competitions and awards ceremony beginning at 9am culminating in—you guessed it—another evening of parties with live entertainment running through a modest 10pm. These events are all-ages with a price tag of $15 for the rodeo events each day, or $25 for a weekend pass. Kids under 12 can enjoy everything for free!

Image via Pixabay

Tacos are trendy everywhere, but the Southwest is really their US home. Can't get enough tacos? The Taco Tournament Fundraiser at the Railyards has you covered. Raising funds for Farm and Feast Day and sponsored by the Street Food Institute, the local guest chefs are given a mystery box of local ingredients and tortillas, while they supply their own pantry items and protein. They have one hour to cook up the culinary curiosities in the outdoor kitchen, after which the attendees may pay $5 to feast on and vote for their faves. The cook-off begins at 11am and keeps poppin' until supplies run out. The winning chefs are announced at 1:30pm. So, come out for a host of activities starting at 10am on Sunday, Aug. 12. The event is free to attend for all-ages and is pet friendly.