Opening Day of Oppenheimer Festival Invites Community to “Walk to Restore the House”
Los Alamos, NM — On Saturday, August 16, the Oppenheimer Festival 2025 kicks off with a free, family-friendly community event — the Walk to Restore the House. Beginning at SALA Event Center, participants will make their way through historic downtown Los Alamos to the Oppenheimer House, guided by Todd Nichols and the team from the Los Alamos Historical Society.
Along the route, the walk will feature special stops hosted by Historical Society team members and local groups:
- Los Alamos Demonstration Garden – Insights from the Los Alamos Master Gardener Association, who maintain the downtown demonstration garden, sharing the living history and plant life of Los Alamos.
- Public Statues – Learn the stories and symbolism behind the town’s historic sculptures.
- Rose Garden – The Garden Club will speak about the origins and care of this cherished landmark.
- Romero Cabin – A Historical Society guide will share the history of one of the oldest preserved structures in the community.
The walk concludes at the Oppenheimer House, where Todd Nichols will speak about the home’s legacy and the current campaign to restore and open it to the public. At 9:30 a.m., the Hillstompers will perform on-site to help raise awareness for the preservation effort.
“I hope the Oppenheimer House can open its doors to the public. We need to create awareness to bring it back to life,” said Allan Saenz, SALA Event Center owner and Oppenheimer Festival organizer.
Participants are encouraged to donate directly to the restoration campaign via the Los Alamos Historical Society’s website.
Festival Tours with the Los Alamos Historical Society
Spy Tour: Secrets of the Hill – Offered only during the Oppenheimer Festival on August 19, 21, 26, and 28 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $25, but the tour is included free for anyone who becomes a new SALA member during the festival.
History of the Secret City Tour – Offered Monday–Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $25.
More on Opening Day
After the walk, the festival continues at SALA Event Center with:
- 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Free short films & VR experiences, including The Atomic Tree in full VR.
- 12:00 p.m.: The Manhattan Series screening Season 1 Episode 01.
- 4:00 p.m.: Oppenheimer: Science, Mission, Legacy – Narrated by historian Alan Carr, this Los Alamos National Laboratory film traces J. Robert Oppenheimer’s journey—from Manhattan Project leader to post-war critic—and the scientific legacy he left behind. Told in three concise chapters (Science, Mission, Legacy). Included free with your Visitor Badge or Festival Pass.
- Evening: Tribute to Nancy Bartlit & Opening Night celebration.
About the Event
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m. start at SALA Event Center
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Website: oppenheimerfestival.com
This walk marks the official start of the festival’s two-week program of films, talks, tours, and immersive experiences under the theme Peace, Legacy, and Explore.
