The Zoo reopens and the animals are back (not that they went anywhere, you just didn’t get to see them) at the ABQ Biopark starting this Wednesday, Aug. 12 for the general public. Just like the Botanic Gardens, the Zoo has created a unidirectional path for visitors to enjoy seeing the animals, while keeping them and other visitors safe. New baby hyenas and wolves, plus changes to a variety of habitats, greet mask-wearing zoo-goers in this modified arrangement that sadly skips the indoor places like the Penguin Chill exhibit for the time being. You can make timed reservations online and regular admission prices ($8 for New Mexican adults) apply. ABQBiopark Zoo 903 Tenth Street SW, cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark (Clarke Condé)

Cartoonist Jim Davis said, “Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.” That from the creator of the most iconic of office breakroom posters is a fitting entry point into the new exhibit Cat Tales opening this week and running through Aug. 27 at the Placitas Community Library. It’s hard to say what role libraries will play in the future, but the Placitas library is indeed hanging on with this multimedia exhibit of local artists’ depiction of cats that is offered both in person and online. Library hours are subject to change so it is best to check the library website before you go at placitaslibrary.com. You can also see the entire exhibit anytime online at PCLArt.com. (Clarke Condé)

Get your boogie on with the dancers from Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts. All ages, all abilities are encouraged to join in this free weekly virtual dance party which will begin at 4:15pm each Thursday through Dec. 3. The Zoom dance party series is intended to get folks up and moving, in their homes and with their families, all while meeting new people via the virtual party. Potential dancers need to register before putting on their tap or jazz or ballet shoes. The disco begins Aug. 3 at 4:15pm and happens each Thursday until Dec. 13. Check it out and register at www.facebook.com/KeshetArts/ (Carolyn Carlson)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art and culture on the Rio Grande is happening Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16 from 2 to 7pm each day.  Due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival is being presented virtually on Facebook! There will 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 New Mexico chile has to offer in so many different ways. (Carolyn Carlson)

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)