Courtesy of Wicked

Long before this question was asked in the Land of Oz an unexpected friendship was developing between two girls from opposite sides of the tracks. Once again in the land of Burque the Broadway sensation Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz graces the stage of Popejoy Hall. Let this wildly electrifying tale carry you away to a land where the impossible becomes a reality, and your reality is magically transformed. This bewitching performance can only be experienced Wednesday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 28. Tickets start at a modest $42 so even the most thrifty of witches can enjoy this breathtaking performance that captivates audiences year after year. (Ramona Beezus)

Courtesy of the artist

It took a few minutes to suss this one out, but of course it's the sound of a mountain dulcimer, played deftly by dead Rolling Stones laddy-boy Brian Jones on the vaporously sardonic Rolling Stones' tune called “Lady Jane” that reminds one of the beauty of that instrument come to life.That ethereal jangle, popularized by musicians on both sides of the pond, is an essential part of folk music theory and methodology, helping define its overall timbre as well as the pictures the music paints with plucky instrumentation like banjos, resonator guitars and yes indeed, the dulcimer—both mountain and hammered varieties). The instrument is so important to the folk enclave that there's a festival centered on the wooden stringed thing right here in Burque, where the folk community has always been strong and vocal, by the way. The 9th annual N.M. Dulcimer Festival is happening on Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20. Besides the aforementioned dulcimer, there are also discourse, demonstrations and concerts featuring everything from the autoharp to the bowed psaltery. Artists from all around the region are on hand to demonstrate their craft, their sound, their art, for all to see and hear. It's all happening at the First Baptist Church from 8am to 9pm on both days and admission prices range from free to $15. Get thee down, citizens, get thee down! (August March)

Image via Pixabay

A wealth of delightful and dazzling cultural events are cropping up for Burqueños this month, including the Dragon Lights Festival, formerly known as the Chinese Lantern Festival. And guess what! This year has all new, handcrafted lantern sculptures to marvel at. The artists from Zigong, China, have brought out their vast creativity to bring their exquisite culture to the renamed fest. Kicking off on Friday, Oct. 5 and running Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 2 at Expo New Mexico, see the wonders of the orient including demos in inner-bottle painting, traditional Chinese calligraphy and crystal engraving. If that's not enough, check out revolving performances in face changing, contortion and Chinese Yo-Yo as well as food choices for all in American munchies and Asian delicacies from Asian Home Cooking. The festival runs each night from 6 to 10pm and tickets range in cost from $0 to $18 with a separate charge for parking. This event is open to all ages. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Image via Pixabay

'Tis the season for pumpkins and ghost stories and corn mazes and scary movies. And, in this case, pirates, too. Wagner Farmers in Corrales has all the bases covered with 2.6 miles of pirate themed trail through corn fields, a petting zoo, picnic areas, train rides and a pumpkin patch. Do ye dare? If ye do, head north to the farm any day between Thursday, Sept. 20 and Halloween from 9am and 6pm with $9 on hand for adults or $7 for kids. Check wagnersfarmlandexperience.com for more details. (Maggie Grimason)

Image via Pixabay

Join Starbeing Shamans Tammy and Anthony Chino—sacred space holders for the Collective Frequency community—at the Galactic Collective Conference for an awareness raising weekend that is sure to heighten the energetic vibrations. Enter this spiritual domain of Wise elders and vainglorious millennials at Tedge beginning Friday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 21. This three-day conference focuses on bringing advanced techniques from the New Star Being Tribe teaching how to be one with Mother Earth. For the small investment of $122, this power packed weekend includes insightful presentations and enriching workshops from 5 to 10pm on Friday, 9am to 8pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday. And for those just starting out on their spiritual journey tickets are half-price for kids under 20. (Ramona Beezus)

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)

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.