14 free things to do Albuquerque this April

Mar. 30—There's lots of fun to be had in Albuquerque this month. From poetry competitions to solar eclipse viewings, the kick-off of the Downtown Growers' Market and a teenage battle of the bands, here are 14 free events to check out.

To compile this list, I sorted through pages of events on abqtodo.com and Facebook in search of a variety of free events happening in April.

Eclipse Poetry Contest

Write a haiku about the sun, moon, earth and eclipse. Entries will be posted for patrons to read, and a winner will be selected for child, teen and adult categories. Ages 6 and up.

LOCATION: Juan Tabo Public Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE, 505-291-6260

HOURS: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 2

Morning Drop-In STEAM: Peep Catapults!

Learn how to construct a catapult using various materials. See how far a peep can fly. Ages 5-12, and their adults too.

LOCATION: Main Branch Library Downtown, 501 Copper NW, 505-768-5141

HOURS: 10:30 a.m.-noon April 2

Esperanza Bicycle Safety Clinic

Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center will host a bicycle safety check and teach basic bicycle maintenance, such as fixing brakes and changing a flat tire, to name a few.

LOCATION: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 505-888-8100

HOURS: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 5

Teen Night: Battle of the Bands!

Join X Studio for its first battle of the bands. The evening will include food and performances by local teen bands. There will also be a stage make-up section and a station to craft your own custom guitar pick. After the bands, teens can enjoy karaoke and open mic sessions.

LOCATION: Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 505-600-6072

HOURS: 6-9 p.m. April 5

Bosque Wild

Join staff and volunteers in exploring the bosque. Learn about the history of the plants, animals and water use in the bosque. Bring water, comfortable close-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Please leave pets at home.

LOCATION: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW, 505-768-4950

HOURS: 8-11 a.m. April 6

Registration: Please call 505-768-4950 to let them know you are planning on attending

Sandia Mountain Dulcimers: Sweet Sounds of History

Sandia Mountain Dulcimers aims to promote and preserve this versatile instrument, which is largely unfamiliar in the Southwest. Experience dulcimer music styles from contemporary to traditional, ranging from slow airs to rousing Celtic jigs.

LOCATION: Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 505-291-6264

HOURS: 2-3 p.m. April 6

Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties

Join the Main Library and the Alamosa Library in viewing the partial solar eclipse. Solar glasses will be handed out on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be trivia and snacks.

LOCATIONS: Main Library Branch Downtown, 501 Copper NW, 505-768-5141; Alamosa Library 6900 Gonzales SW, 505-836-0684

HOURS: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 8

CSP Dance Studios Free Dancing Lessons

Join instructors at Dirty Bourbon for country dance lessons.

LOCATION: The Dirty Bourbon, 505-296-2726

HOURS: 6-7 p.m. April 12

Downtown Growers' Market

Kick off spring with the return of the Downtown Growers' Market. There will be fresh produce, prepared foods, live music, body care and arts. Cash, cards, SNAP and WIC are accepted.

LOCATION: Robinson Park, 810 Copper NW

HOURS: 8 a.m.-Noon, every Saturday, April 13-Nov. 2

The Dive Vintage x Differential Brewing Patio Market

This event will feature a food truck, beers, cocktails and alcohol-free drinks available for purchase. There will be more than 10 vendors selling vintage, nostalgic and handmade goods.

LOCATION: Differential Brewing Co., 500 Yale SE

HOURS: 3-7 p.m. April 13

Slice of Life 1 Year Anniversary Minifest

Slice of Life Anime and Manga is a local store carrying Japanese anime merchandise, manga, stationary and collectables. The shop is celebrating its first year in business with 15% off products all day, raffles, mini-games, pizza, a cosplay contest and an anime game show.

LOCATION: 11200 Montgomery NE, 505-218-0872

HOURS: Noon-5:15 p.m. April 20

Albuquerque's Birthday

The Department of Arts and Culture invites you to join in celebrating Albuquerque's 318th birthday. There will be food, live music, face painting and specials at various shops in Old Town. Entertainment will include Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana, Inc., Mariachi Tenampa and Baracutanga.

LOCATION: Old Town, 200 N Plaza NW

HOURS: Noon-4 p.m. April 20

Sandia Band Boosters Matador Market

This craft fair will feature 200 local artisans, crafters and food vendors. Music will be provided by the band program at Sandia High School.

LOCATION: Sandia High School, 7801 Candelaria NE, 505-294-1511

HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 21

Spring at the Market Place A Total Home Event

Explore marketplace home decor and shop from more than 30 local artisans. There will be live music, food trucks, activities for the family, giveaways and more. Take a tour of the design center to learn about the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, home energy solutions and interior design.

LOCATION: Poulin Marketplace, 8600 Pan American NE, 505-880-2555

HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 27