Slideshows

PHOTOSTORY: ABQ Bruja Fest features wicked creations, local artists

Expo New Mexico hosted the ABQ Bruja Fest on October 10–11, featuring all things wicked and magical. This fest offers a space for Albuquerque community members to showcase witchcraft activities and gifts with a variety of vendors, workshops and performances. Some vendors offered palm and tarot readings. Others sold candles, incense, brooms, crocheted goods, jewelry, crystals, art and more. Trinity Ayers is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Casa Flamenca hosts Balloon Fiesta Tablao

Casa Flamenca in Old Town provides a space for dancers to perform the traditional Spanish tablao, featuring a small stage in a cozy setting where dancers and musicians perform in the same space. During the performance, audience members gather near the stage to view the action up close.  The Casa Flamenca Balloon Fiesta Tablao was held during Balloon Fiesta week, so while the balloons went up, the dancing shoes came out at Casa Flamenca.   Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

Ice Wolves downed by Odessa Jackalopes

On Sept. 11, the New Mexico Ice Wolves and the Odessa Jackalopes were set to face off in Albuquerque.  Right before the game started, both teams were warming up to play, and there were hockey pucks being thrown all over the rink. After the warm up, both teams went back into the locker room, before coming back out a little later to see the colorguard and also hear the national anthem. There was also a moment of silence for victims of the 9/11 attacks in 2001.  After the game began, there were players coming on and off of the bench all game. The Jackolopes started off with the lead, but the Ice Wolves quickly tied the game 1-1. While tied, New Mexico struggled to get another point for the rest of the game. Although the Ice Wolves put up a good fight, they ended up losing the game 3-1. Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. They can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Rio Grande Pool hosts 'doggy paddle' event

On Sept. 12, the Rio Grande Pool hosted a doggy paddle event. It cost $5 per dog and was free for the people, who could sign their dogs up for one of two time slots. The only things other than payment that were required were the dogs’ vaccination records. When walking up to the pool, there was a line of dogs waiting with their owners with some barking and some crying to get into the pool and have fun. There was one big pool and one smaller pool for the dogs that had a harder time in the deeper pool. The atmosphere was so contagious with joy and laughter. Each dog seemed to have fun in their own way, even if they didn't get fully wet.  Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. They can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com, or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: ‘Hardcore Battle of the Bands’ showcases emerging local metal talent

  It was a headbanger’s dream at the Hardcore Battle of the Bands on Friday, Sept. 25, as a new generation of local rock and heavy metal groups duked it out at Warehouse 505, who was also an organizer of the event along with X Studio, Vault Studio and Bloom Records. Warehouse 505 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Albuquerque’s youth of all walks of life through arts, music, education and career readiness, according to the group’s website.  The event was put on to showcase young metal bands and give them a place to perform and share their original music in a space among their peers. The groups that performed were Everything We Never Were, Naegleria, Metal Intentions, Electrocuted, Gutter Kittenz, Famine and In Panic.  Trinity Ayers is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: United falls 3-2 to Sacramento on Meow Wolf Night

PHOTO STORY: Local celebration held to signal Hispanic Heritage Month

Kicking off the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, the annual OSVC Hispanic Heritage Celebration was held on Sept. 19 at the Open Space Visitor Center to commemorate and showcase art, traditions, music and cultures of the Hispanic community throughout the afternoon.  Activities included face painting, a rock climbing wall and vendors to support while visitors enjoyed the diverse array of entertainment.  The first performance featured Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana, performing a traditional Mexican folk dance known as baile folklórico. The second performance was a Spanish ballroom flamenco dance, an expressive ballroom song and dance originating from southern Spain. The next showcase featured Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art combining dynamic movement, acrobatic skills and music, used originally to train in a way that can be disguised as a dance. The final group to perform was Felix Y Los Gatos, a group who primarily plays blues music, and often tours around New Mexico. Trinity Ayers is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: 'Purge Palantir' rally calls on state leaders to refuse campaign contributions

Around 60 protesters gathered outside Sen. Martin Heinrich’s Albuquerque office on Sept. 10, calling on the senator to return campaign contributions linked to Palantir Technologies and refuse future contributions connected to the company.  The demonstration was organized as part of the “Purge Palantir from Gaza to New Mexico” campaign. According to the campaign’s analysis of Federal Election Commission data, Heinrich has received $31,300 in contributions from Palantir executives and the company’s political action committee. The analysis includes contributions recorded between 2006 and May 6, 2026. Organizers are demanding that Heinrich return those contributions and sign a pledge refusing future money from Palantir executives, PACs and others connected with the company. The campaign has also directed its demands toward other members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez. Speakers criticized Palantir’s work with both the Israeli government and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One of the speakers was Jonathan Juárez, a community organizer and former UNM student who left the university in 2021 to pursue political activism. Palantir, a data-analysis and artificial intelligence company, announced in January 2024 that it had entered a “strategic partnership” with the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Palantir said the agreement would supply its technology to support Israel’s war effort. Federal spending records show that ICE awarded Palantir a contract worth approximately $86.3 million in May 2026 for technology supporting The agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and its case-management system.  The Sept. 10 demonstration lasted for more than an hour outside the WaFd Bank building near 3rd Street and Copper Avenue. Protesters carried signs and used props, including a skeleton and a mock-up of an Israel Defense Forces soldier, while speakers addressed the crowd. Other demonstrators encouraged passersby to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Security personnel remained near the building’s entrances as the protest drew attention from pedestrians passing through downtown Albuquerque. George Slad is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @SladGeorge

PHOTO STORY: Students find time to play ‘Every Game Show Ever’

On Sept. 1, UNM Student Special Events and the Student Activities Center hosted an event called “Every Game Show Ever” in the Student Union Building ballrooms. The event began with the host discussing the rules and what games would be played, including “The Price is Mid,”  “Where is that Labubu,” “Seal or no Seal,” “Top that Track” and “Keep It Elementary.” The host tried to make sure that everyone got a shot at winning a gift card. Each game had a different gameplay and featured different participants. At the end of the event, there was a dance-off for two more gift cards where anyone could join.  Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: ‘Laugh Out Loud’ musical bingo event brings the laughs

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico Student Special Events and the Student Activities Center hosted a “Laugh Out Loud Musical Bingo” event in the Student Union Building ballrooms as a free event for students. The flier stated free admission for UNM Students. The bingo cards were full of popular artists ranging from as early as the 1990’s to more modern music. The host of the event was an impersonator of Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell’s title role in the “Anchorman” films, and brought the energy for the night. Some of the “laugh out loud” challenges included the chubby bunny game, an artist impersonation game and a “K-Pop or K-Not” game. These activities were conducted in between the many decades of music played for the bingo part of the night’s festivities. The prizes consisted of $200 worth of gift cards.  Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo 

PHOTO STORY: Little Anita’s serves up New Mexican favorites

Little Anita’s is a well-known restaurant chain in Albuquerque, with five locations and in 2026 celebrates its 50th anniversary. The chain is named after the grandmother of a founder, and uses her recipes for some dishes on the menu, according to the Little Anita’s website.  The menu is expansive, with appetizers ranging from guacamole salad and nachos to beef taquitos and chicken quesadillas. Breakfast is served until 1 p.m., and guests can choose from dishes like huevos rancheros, carneadovada & eggs and French toast. Breakfast burritos are also on offer, and in fact, the restaurant claims to have been the first in Albuquerque to serve breakfast burritos. For lunch and dinner, Little Anita’s offers many staples of New Mexican cuisine, including enchiladas, chile rellenos, carne adovada, tamales, stuffed sopaipillas and green chile stew. Enchiladas are served in a stack of three, with refried beans and Spanish rice, and the very big combination plates allow customers to enjoy several New Mexican foods at once. For example, the #2 combination plate offers an enchilada, tamale, beef taco and chile relleno, a stuffed chile pepper. Guests also have the option of alcohol at some locations, and can find a full bar at the Old Town location next to the Hotel Albuquerque. For this review, my family and I ordered the Tampico fish tacos and chicken enchiladas with green chile. You really can’t ever go wrong with the chicken enchiladas, as the chicken is very flavorful, not at all bland and, combined with the cheese and green chile, the enchiladas explode with flavor. I order these every time I visit Little Anita’s and can’t speak highly enough of them. The green chile has a very distinct flavor and really helps carry the dish, and this stands out because in my experience, I’ve encountered a lot of chile that is watery, bland and seriously detracts from the meal. Like the enchiladas, the tampico fish tacos are served as a set of three, with tilapia on flat blue corn taco shells. The tilapia is light in flavor, and in this dish, it is sautéed and not prepared as a spicy option. “Tampico” in the dish’s name refers to the eastern port city in Mexico. On the side, the dish is served with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, whole beans and calabacitas, a sort of zucchini squash with corn and onions. My family has enjoyed these tacos several times, just as we did on this visit, and they come highly recommended if you love seafood and want to avoid beef; the tacos are one of only three seafood items on the menu. George Slad is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @SladGeorge

PHOTOSTORY: ABQ Railyards hosts TEDx Talks event

PHOTO STORY: Comedian, America’s Got Talent finalist brings laughs to students

Students gathered together Wednesday evening to see Ryan Niemiller, a third-place finalist from Season 14 of America’s Got Talent. Niemiller often made jokes related to the life he lives due to his disability, bringing up some of the challenges — but also amusing events — that occur. Toward the end of the show, Niemiller presented the opportunity for anyone in the audience to ask questions, whether that was about his disability, AGT or anything else. Students got a laugh out of this as Niemiller often gave comedic responses to the questions. Preston Rogers is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @PrestonRog84055

PHOTOSTORY: Students find fun and relaxation during UNM’s 'Movie on the Field' event.

As part of The University of New Mexico's First-Year Family Day, students and their loved ones gathered on Johnson Field on Sunday, Aug. 16 for a screening of the latest entry in the Star Wars film series, subtitled "The Mandalorian and Grogu." 

PHOTO STORY: Big construction developments on UNM campus

PHOTO STORY: World Cup watch party heats up during elimination game

On Wednesday, July 15, the UNM Student Union Building atrium transformed from the quiet and empty space it becomes during the summer break into an energetic and tense environment as fans of all ages, on the edge of their seats, tuned in for the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England. UNM Student Activities Center has reserved the atrium for gamedays throughout the summer, offering free watch parties with light refreshments and cold beverages at each game. The room had fans cheering for both teams, with Argentina fans enlivening the SUB after Lautaro Martínez scored their last-minute goal to take the match 2-1 and punch their ticket to the Final on Sunday.   Leila Chapa is the photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

PHOTO STORY: Local food trucks bring culinary variety to the community

 More variety is the key for food when people go to an event, or maybe they’re just looking for a quick and authentic bite to eat. Food trucks are the answer this summer as people are looking to recharge for the fall semester and for wider options for quick eats. For students and people around UNM, there are a number of options to fit your taste; for Mexican cuisine there’s Takoroto, for Indian cuisine there’s ABQ Desi Bites and for street food there’s Tikka Spice.

PHOTO STORY: Summertime brings new faces and good vibes to UNM

It’s the start of the next phase for the University Of New Mexico's Central Campus in June as spring is over and the summer months give time for the trees and scenery to recharge for the upcoming edition of fall.  Another main key for the summer season is that they allow the new students the opportunity to see the beauty of Central Campus, not being busy or crowded, and just enjoy the environment that is UNM. Incoming students can get their first introductions at features such as the Student Union Building and the Duck Pond. It also provides students the chance to learn where their next potential class may take place.   A positive in regards to the campus being emptier is that it allows construction crews a better chance to get things done and fixed before the next semester. Even though campus is quiet during the season, there remains plenty of work to do to keep the campus clean before more students return in August.  Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Many coffee options easily found near campus

There is no shortage of local coffee spots around the University of New Mexico’s Central Campus for students to frequent. Whether you prefer an early morning latte to start the day, or a matcha during an evening study session, there’s a perfect coffee shop waiting for you.  Little Bear Coffee is one of Albuquerque’s most beloved shops, with four locations spread throughout the city. The Central location, which sits a couple of blocks up Central Avenue from the main campus, offers both permanent and seasonal coffees and teas, as well as donuts from Bristol Doughnut Company. The location also has indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate New Mexico’s warmer summer and fall days.  Grandma’s Coffee Garden is located on Girard Boulevard, a  short walk from Central Campus, and is located in the side yard of one of the homes along the street. The menu includes a collection of popular coffee drinks and specialty drink options, including the Turquoise Tea Latte and Mariposa Lemonade. If you visit, you may have the chance to meet Grandma, the dalmatian who inspired the coffee garden’s name and makes occasional appearances at the garden.  Arab coffee spots have also opened near campus, with Amalie Coffee Co., located directly south of Central Campus on Yale, and Sukoon Coffeehouse, directly across the street from the Redondo Village Apartments. Sukoon serves authentic Arab flavors and spices in their drinks and desserts, and meets the New Mexican breakfast burrito craving with burritos from Three Sisters Kitchen.  Amalie, with its ornately-decorated marble interior, offers specialty teas, and desserts like Dubai chocolate croissants and a Palestine-inspired merch store. Both Arab coffee shops close late, allowing safe and delicious places for late study nights.  Finally, Satellite Coffee, just a hop across Central Avenue from Central Campus, serves coffees, teas, pastries, breakfast and lunch. This spot offers high-quality ingredients and healthy options like gluten-free scones, serving as an easy place to meet, study or just hangout over some beverages and food.  Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Maria Fernandez is the copy editor at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTOSTORY: Albuquerque Railyards open for the summer