Five Things to Do in Los Alamos This Weekend
Los Alamos is alive with history, culture, and community events this weekend. From the award-winning Oppenheimer Festival and immersive tours to family-friendly Bear Fest at the Nature Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in science, film, museums, or exploring downtown businesses, these top five picks highlight the best of what’s happening on the Hill.
1. Oppenheimer Festival
The award-winning Oppenheimer Festival kicks off at SALA Event Center with free daily programming, immersive VR experiences like The Atomic Tree, and screenings of the acclaimed Manhattan series. Evening events feature films, lectures, and community gatherings reflecting on peace, legacy, and exploration.
Visitors can also step into the festival lobby, where furniture used in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer film is on display, creating a unique photo opportunity and a tangible connection to the movie.
This weekend’s highlights include:
Saturday, Aug. 23: Secrets in the Shadows: The Project Y Spies — a free presentation on WWII espionage in Los Alamos.
Saturday, Aug. 23: National Theatre Live’s Dr. Strangelove starring Steve Coogan.
- Sunday, Aug. 24: First We Bombed New Mexico, a powerful documentary screening with producers and downwinder advocate Tina Cordova, followed by a community dinner and discussion.
2. Bear Fest: Learn & Celebrate Wildlife Safely
On Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Los Alamos Nature Center hosts Bear Fest, a free, family-friendly event all about living alongside local wildlife. Families can enjoy interactive booths, kids’ games, crafts, and a scavenger hunt while learning from experts about the black bears and other animals that call Northern New Mexico home. Bear Fest also includes the River of Bears Planetarium Show (Saturday at 2 p.m.), a full-dome film about the McNeil River Sanctuary, free with festival attendance. With August officially designated as Bear Month in Los Alamos County, this weekend’s celebration is the perfect chance to connect with nature and community.
3. Road to the Hill: From Santa Fe to Secret Los Alamos
Driving up from Santa Fe? Turn your commute into an experience with this GPS-guided audio tour. Follow the same road Manhattan Project scientists, soldiers, and families once traveled to reach the hidden city of Los Alamos. Along the way, hear stories of pueblos, homesteads, Edith Warner’s legendary dinners, guarded gates, and Oppenheimer’s love for New Mexico. Learn more and start your journey with the Road to the Hill tour here. Your adventure ends at SALA Event Center, where history, film, and community come together.
4. Festival Tour: Explore Los Alamos History & Legacy
Walk through the heart of Los Alamos with this audio GPS self-guided festival tour. From the reborn SALA Event Center to Fuller Lodge, Ashley Pond, and the Oppenheimer House, each stop reveals stories of homesteaders, scientists, and artists who shaped this community. Explore gardens, monuments, and museums while learning how Los Alamos grew from a remote mesa into a world-changing town — later recreated by Christopher Nolan when filming Oppenheimer — and continues to thrive today. Start your journey with the Festival Tour here.
5. Explore Museums & Local Businesses
Dive deeper into history at the Los Alamos History Museum and discover science and innovation at the Bradbury Science Museum. Then, support the community by visiting local shops, galleries, and restaurants downtown. From unique gift shops to family-owned eateries, Los Alamos’ businesses add flavor and character to any weekend visit.
