Best bets: Key events in Farmington, Bloomfield and Aztec

Featured events in the Tri-City area of Farmington, Bloomfield and Aztec
Empower Her Forum
A.J. Begay will be a presenters at the Empower Her Forum. Begay is a host of the podcast “Reclaiming Culture with AJ Begay.” (Courtesy A.J. Begay)

Farmington Women's Business Center will host the Empower Her Forum from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 24, virtually through Zoom.

The forum will focus on self-care, connection and community for the busy woman. Presentations will address how women can care for themselves and how self-care can bring all other aspects of life into a better balance.

The event also celebrates National Women's History Month and will feature women from San Juan County and beyond who are ready to inspire, empower, encourage and support women in the area.

The forum is free to attend, but registration is required. To register for the forum, visit clients.wesst.org/events.aspx.

Scott Graham book signing
Scott Graham’s novel, “Saquaro Sanction,” released March 2023.

Durango author Scott Graham will make a stop in Farmington on his “Saguaro Sanction” book tour from 1 to 3 p.m. at Amy’s Bookcase, 2530 San Juan Blvd.

Graham will read from his new book, “Saguaro Sanction,” the eighth book in his National Park Mystery series, which is set in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. The book delves into petroglyphs in the area and the desert’s history, as well as the issue of border immigration.

Copies of “Saguaro Sanction” will be available for purchase and Graham will be signing books during the event.

For more information, call (505) 327-4647.

Celebrate Sondheim performances

Celebrate Sondheim will open March 23 and run through April 3 at Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. Evening performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Cowritten by Farmington Civic Center Supervisor Randy West, Celebrate Sondheim is an original musical review that celebrates the iconic composer and lyricist of contemporary musical theater, Stephen Sondheim. West studied under Sondheim early in his career.

Tickets are $14 to $18 and may be purchased at the Civic Center box office or online at www.fmtn.org/489/Civic-Center-Shows-and-Events.

Harry Potter-themed AstroFriday
San Juan College Planetarium’s Harry Potter-themed show will highlight characters named after astronomical objects, such as Sirius Black. (Courtesy San Juan College Planetarium)

San Juan College Planetarium will host a Harry Potter-themed AstroFriday at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24 at the planetarium, 4601 College Blvd.

“The Astronomy of Harry Potter,” a live sky show and tour of the heavens, identifying astronomical objects whose names appear in the popular Harry Potter series of books by J.K. Rowling and corresponding movies.

The show will discuss topics such as the star Sirius, for which the character Sirius Black was named, as well as the constellation of the Great Dog, which contains Sirius.

Many of the characters’ names in the series have astronomical origins, and attendees will learn to locate them in the sky. Spring sky maps will be given out while supplies last.

The show free, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to preserve dark-adaption, there is no late admittance into the planetarium once the show has started.

A public stargaze will be offered after the program if weather permits.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sanjuancollegeplanetarium.

Flea market and craft fair
Locke Street Eats has reopened for the season with new events. (DelSheree Gladden/The Journal)

Locke Street Eats has reopened for the season and has several new events lined up in addition to community favorites, including the monthly flea market and craft fair events.

The first flea market will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Locke Street Eats, 112 N. Locke Ave. Vendors will be on-site with a variety of items for sale.

The first craft fair of the season will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Locke Street Eats. Shop handmade arts and crafts from local makers and artisans.

While browsing the flea market and craft fair, enjoy food and beverages from the site’s food trucks. Available will be DejaBrew Coffee, Mac Wagon, Pappa Big Sexy's Pizza, The Paleta Bar, Big Drinks Dinky Donuts, Purple Cow Kafe and George and Johns.

For more information on events at Locke Street Eats, visit www.lockesteats.com.

For a full listing of events, check out the Farmington Community Calendar.