AGP Executive Report

Local Hockey: More than 6,000 fans filled Rio Rancho Events Center for the New Mexico Goatheads’ inaugural game. The team fell 4-1 to Idaho, but its debut brought pro hockey back to a crowd eager for its return. Arts Scene: A weekend pop-up in Silver City’s old post office offered a preview of a proposed art museum, with works spanning Western art and ceramics. Film & Music: New Mexico-born producer Spencer Proffer brought his documentary about “American Pie” to Las Cruces, pairing the screening with a talk for NMSU students. On Screen: A judge dismissed Timothy Busfield’s child-sex-abuse indictment, citing problems with the grand jury process. Prosecutors may seek a new indictment; Busfield denies the allegations. Coming Up: Albuquerque’s public celebration of life for “Breaking Bad” actor R.J. Mitte is planned for Oct. 25. Local Landmark: Albuquerque’s Skate-O-Mania, open for nearly 47 years, could close as insurance costs rise.

Screen News: A New Mexico judge dismissed actor-director Timothy Busfield’s indictment, citing problems with the grand jury process. Prosecutors may seek a new indictment, and the ruling does not resolve the allegations. Albuquerque Spotlight: “Better Call Saul” actor Patrick Fabian drew fans to Old Town for autographs while promoting a film that premiered at the Santa Fe Film Festival. Local Landmark: Skate-O-Mania, the Albuquerque rink featured in “Stranger Things,” could close after nearly 47 years as rising insurance costs threaten its future. Film Industry: New Mexico’s production scene is growing, though not booming, according to a new report on the state’s film industry. Art & Music: NMSU Art Museum’s retrospective “Marietta Patricia Leis: Breathing Lessons” runs through March 6, featuring video, painting, sculpture, poetry and sound; KUNM also marked its 60th anniversary with a community concert.

Film & TV: A New Mexico judge dismissed the child-sex-abuse indictment against “The West Wing” actor Timothy Busfield, citing problems with the grand-jury proceedings. Prosecutors may bring new charges. Local Landmark: Albuquerque’s Skate-O-Mania, featured in “Stranger Things,” could close at the end of November if its owners can’t secure insurance after costs surged. Live Music: Albuquerque’s Outpost music venue has launched a $5.2 million campaign to expand. Coming Up: “Star Wars” actor Anthony Daniels is set to appear at Albuquerque Comic Con.

Santa Fe Film: The Santa Fe International Film Festival is screening more than 100 shorts from around the world. For the third year, its winners in animation, narrative and documentary shorts can qualify for Oscars; festival submissions climbed to 7,000. New Mexico Stars: Pam Grier, now living on a ranch near Santa Fe with rescued horses and dogs, reflects on her career and the fans who kept her going. Live Music: Coro de Cámara brings its “Songs of Enduring Love” program, including Duruflé’s Requiem, to Los Alamos on Oct. 24 and Santa Fe on Oct. 25. Local Landmark: Albuquerque’s Skate-O-Mania could close by the end of November after nearly 47 years, as its owner cites sharply rising insurance costs. On Screen: The Santa Fe International Film Festival will bring 175 films and major honorees to New Mexico. The state’s film industry is also seeing a rise in activity. Remembering RJ Mitte: The “Breaking Bad” actor, who recently visited Albuquerque, has been remembered by co-stars and colleagues after his death at 34.

Albuquerque Landmark: Skate-O-Mania may close by the end of November after nearly 47 years, as its owner says insurance premiums have soared 1,100% since 2019. The rink also appeared in “Stranger Things.” Film Industry: New Mexico production spending edged up to $327 million in fiscal 2026, the first year-over-year increase in three years, though still well below the 2022–23 highs. On Screen: A new docuseries, “Cars: Route 66 Road Trip,” follows the historic highway and the real communities that inspired Pixar’s “Cars.” Santa Fe Festival: The International Film Festival is bringing 175 films and major honorees to New Mexico. Local Arts: Albuquerque Fashion Week’s “Nocturnal Flame” spotlighted fall collections from eight New Mexico designers. Remembering RJ Mitte: The “Breaking Bad” actor, who died at 34, was remembered by Albuquerque fans and friends.

Film: Santa Fe International Film Festival is bringing 175 films and major honorees to New Mexico, while reports point to a rising indie scene in the south, from Las Cruces to Cannes. Local Arts: Albuquerque’s Sunport made USA Today’s top 10 airport-art list, and Albuquerque Fashion Week put collections by eight New Mexico designers in the spotlight. Music & Venues: Socorro’s Capitol Bar marks 130 years on Saturday with mariachi and live bands; Albuquerque’s Outpost is raising $5.2 million to expand. Matchbox Twenty also announced an Albuquerque stop on its 30th-anniversary tour. Albuquerque Screen Legacy: Friends and fans are remembering Breaking Bad actor R.J. Mitte, who died at 34.

Public Art: Albuquerque International Sunport ranked No. 10 in USA TODAY’s Best Airport for Art list. Its Dream of Flight renovation includes a record $3 million for public art. Film: The Santa Fe International Film Festival is screening 175 films, including the New Mexico-made “#UnderTheInfluence,” which premieres Thursday. And the “Sons of Anarchy” reunion series “Legends” is set to film in New Mexico starting in March. New Mexico TV: Albuquerque fans and “Breaking Bad” castmates are mourning actor RJ Mitte, who died at 34. Mitte had recently visited the city for Balloon Fiesta. Music: Albuquerque’s Outpost venue has launched a $5.2 million expansion campaign; Matchbox Twenty also announced an Albuquerque stop on its 30th-anniversary tour. Local Sports: New Mexico United will host its first playoff match Nov. 1 at Isotopes Park, while the New Mexico Goatheads open their inaugural hockey season Friday in Rio Rancho.

Albuquerque Remembers: “Breaking Bad” actor and disability-rights advocate RJ Mitte, 34, is being mourned by fans and friends in the city where the series was filmed. Local tour operators plan a moment of silence in his honor. Local Music: Albuquerque’s Outpost music venue has launched a $5.2 million expansion campaign, KUNM is marking six decades with a community concert, and Matchbox Twenty has announced an Albuquerque stop on its 2027 tour. Arts & Culture: Los Alamos MainStreet’s October lineup includes arts events, Halloweekend and downtown trick-or-treating. Albuquerque Comic Con will welcome “Star Wars” actor Anthony Daniels. New Mexico on Screen: Reports point to a rise in the state’s film industry, with Southern New Mexico’s indie scene gaining visibility. Community Spotlight: The Isotopes won a Minor League Baseball Golden Bobblehead for Native American Heritage Night, featuring jerseys designed by San Ildefonso and Cochiti artist Evone “Snowflake” Martinez; the event raised nearly $25,000 for an arts scholarship.

Live Music: Albuquerque’s Outpost Performance Space launched a $5.2 million expansion campaign, with nearly half already raised. Plans include upgraded performance spaces, a larger courtyard and a music education center. Local Talent: Albuquerque native Lillie Kolich faced Tucson singer Kayleigh Mathews in a “Voice” Battle Round duet of “Girl Crush.” Screen News: “Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte, who recently visited Albuquerque, has died at 34. Co-stars remembered him as an actor and disability advocate; the series was filmed in the city. Style & Art: NMSU students are embracing earth tones and Western-inspired fall fashion, while Silver City’s Southwest Print Fiesta brought crowds downtown for hands-on letterpress workshops and live printing. Albuquerque Fashion Week also spotlighted fall collections from eight New Mexico designers. Santa Fe Arts: The city’s contemporary art scene and marquee film festival drew attention this week, with a new art fair aiming to attract collectors.

RJ Mitte: The “Breaking Bad” actor and disability-rights advocate died at 34. Mitte’s final public appearance was at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta, where he reunited with co-star Luis Moncada. Local Arts: Farmington’s Moonlight Market brought artists, handmade goods and a La Llorona performance to downtown, while Albuquerque Fashion Week spotlighted fall collections from eight New Mexico designers. Film: New Mexico’s film industry is seeing renewed activity, with Southern New Mexico’s indie scene drawing attention and Santa Fe’s marquee festival making a bigger claim. Balloon Fiesta: The annual gathering closed with music and spectacle, including Albuquerque band Savings performing among the week’s cultural highlights.

Breaking Bad: Actor RJ Mitte, 34, has reportedly died; no cause has been released. The actor, who recently visited Albuquerque, helped put New Mexico on the screen and championed disability representation. Local Arts: Farmington’s Moonlight Market brought artists and vendors together downtown, with paintings, handmade goods and a family-friendly La Llorona performance. Indigenous Comedy: Diné comedian Joshua Emerson’s Bad Indian showcase is headed to Phoenix. Emerson, who grew up partly in Vanderwagen, created the show to develop and spotlight Native stand-up comics. New Mexico’s Creative Scene: Recent coverage points to growth in the state’s film industry, including a rising indie scene in southern New Mexico, while Albuquerque Fashion Week featured fall collections from eight local designers.

Arts Access: New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján has joined a push to expand arts education for young learners, K-12 students and people involved in the justice system. Homegrown Style: Albuquerque Fashion Week’s “Nocturnal Flame” put fall collections from eight New Mexico designers in the spotlight. Film: New Mexico’s resilient film industry is seeing renewed activity, with Southern New Mexico’s growing indie scene helping put the region on the map; Santa Fe’s marquee film festival is also making its biggest claim yet. Culture: Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations across the state included a Santa Fe powwow and Native arts market, where more than 200 Native artisans sell directly to the public. Fiesta Farewell: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta drew crowds with glowing special-shape balloons and a drone show, while organizers reflected on the event’s broad family appeal. Lobo Hoops: New Mexico opened exhibition play with a 99-89 win at Oklahoma State, ending the Cowboys’ 57-game preseason home winning streak behind Jake Hall’s 31 points.

Indigenous Arts: New Mexico’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations spotlighted Native artists, including Santa Fe’s Native Art Market, where more than 200 artisans sell directly to the public, and powwow events in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Balloon Fiesta: Albuquerque’s signature festival drew crowds and delivered an economic boost; one first-time attendee says the glowing balloons made clear why the event captivates families and visitors. Film: New Mexico production spending rose to $327 million in fiscal 2026, its first year-over-year increase in three years. Southern New Mexico’s indie scene is also gaining attention: a locally made Las Cruces film screened at Cannes, backed by tax incentives and regional crews. Festival Circuit: The Santa Fe International Film Festival returns with more than 60 feature films representing 27 countries.

Film: New Mexico production spending edged up to $327 million in fiscal 2026, its first annual increase in three years. Southern New Mexico is also drawing indie filmmakers: a locally shot film premiered at Cannes, spotlighting Las Cruces talent and crews. New Mexico United: The club clinched a home playoff match with a 3-1 win over Monterey Bay FC, featuring a first goal and assist from brothers Santiago and Sebastián Casaus Natale in their debuts. Balloon Fiesta: Special-shape balloons, a drone show and Mexican cultural celebrations brought color to Albuquerque’s final weekend of the festival. On Screen: An Albuquerque native advanced to the next round of “The Voice.”

Balloon Fiesta: After a brief weather delay, balloons took flight on the festival’s final Saturday, with a drone show and evening glow planned to close out the Albuquerque event. Screen & Second Chances: “Breaking Bad” actor Luis Moncada, who also appeared in “Better Call Saul,” visited the Penitentiary of New Mexico and urged incarcerated men to believe they can change. Local Music: Albuquerque band Savings brought its music to new heights at Balloon Fiesta, while Catrinas at the event celebrated Mexican culture. New Mexico on Screen: Santa Fe’s marquee film festival is making its biggest claim yet, as the state’s film industry rebounds with more productions. Rising Star: An Albuquerque native advanced to the next round of “The Voice.”

Balloon Fiesta Culture: Monumental Catrina figures from Aguascalientes bring Mexican art to Albuquerque, part of a growing cultural partnership with the Fiesta. Local band Savings also took its new single airborne, filming an acoustic performance from a hot-air balloon. A Farewell in the Sky: After more than 45 years in New Mexico ballooning, 85-year-old Ray Bair is flying his final Fiesta, passing his balloon to his granddaughter and keeping the family tradition aloft. Film Festivals: Santa Fe’s international festival returns with more than 60 features from 27 countries, while Albuquerque’s Way Out West Film Fest puts queer stories on screen. New Mexico Arts: Diné composer and artist Raven Chacon discusses improvisation and deep listening in a new profile; meanwhile, New Mexico’s film industry is seeing productions ramp up.