Image courtesy of the artist

Mariachi Spectacular is such a part of local and regional culture in these parts that we are certain that telling you about it year after year will still elicit a reader response that speaks to the popularity and enchanting nature of this annual gathering of musicians and artists from all over the southwest United States and northern Mexico. This year's festival—which includes a plethora of music and folklorico workshops at Albuquerque Convention Center as well as nightly presentations and concerts at Kiva Auditorium and on Civic Plaza—culminates with a spectacular concert at Sandia Casino Amphitheater on Saturday, July 13 at 7pm. Tickets for this all-ages multinational celebration of color, sound and tradition range from $50 to $80; the event itself features mariachi and folklorico notables such as Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlan, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000 and Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte. Que chido; vamos a bailar! (August March)

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)