Watchya Doing? Bull Riding, Moriarty Comic Con, Car Show & Back2School Bash

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, brings a full lineup of community activities across the East Mountains. From pop culture conventions and classic car shows to live rodeo action and back-to-school family events, communities throughout Moriarty and Edgewood have a busy weekend planned. Best yet, two of the events are free and the other two are low-cost considering the entertainment involved.

8th Annual Moriarty Mini Comic Convention

The Friends of the Moriarty Community Library are hosting the eighth annual Moriarty Mini Comic Convention at the Moriarty Civic Center. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event brings comic books, cosplay, and fantasy fandom to the local community.

Scheduled afternoon programming includes:

• 10:00 a.m.: Doors open for the vendor marketplace and character meet-and-greets.
• 11:30 a.m.: Outdoor action skit “Mistaken Identity” by the New Mexico Gunfighters on the back lawn.
• 12:00 p.m.: Martial arts and self-defense demonstration by New Mexico Dragon Kajukenbo.
• 12:30 p.m.: Adoptable pets showcase presented by the East Mountain Companion Animal Project.
• 1:00 p.m.: Comedy skit “Dueling Drunks” by the New Mexico Gunfighters.
• 1:30 p.m.: Live cello music performance “Siren’s Song” by Mermaid Melody.
• 2:30 p.m.: Old West performance “Miss Molly / Mean Sheriff” by the New Mexico Gunfighters.
• 3:00 p.m.: Annual costume contest with categories for children 12 and under, adults, and groups.

Admission is $5 for attendees 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free. All proceeds directly support programs and literacy initiatives at the Moriarty Community Library.

East Mountain Food Pantry Back2School Bash

The East Mountain Food Pantry is hosting its annual Back2School Bash at Venus Park in Edgewood from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free community event helps local students prepare for the upcoming school year with backpack and school supply distributions.

Activities throughout the afternoon include giant inflatables, an obstacle course, face painting, interactive craft stations, and local food trucks. The main stage at Venus Park will host a live outdoor musical performance by “Whole Lot of Zeppelin”. The pantry is also holding a fundraising raffle to support student supply purchases, with prizes including Main Event family passes, Ojo Santa Fe Spa day passes, arcade game cards, and a Costco gift card.

Rio Grande Mustang Club Show & Shine

Car enthusiasts can visit Rich Ford in Edgewood between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free Show & Shine event hosted alongside the Rio Grande Mustang Club. The outdoor vehicle display features vintage first-generation Mustangs, rare Shelbys, and modern Ford performance muscle cars. Admission is free and open to the public.

6th Annual Bull Bash on Old 66

Western sports return to the East Mountain Cowboy Church Arena in Edgewood for the 6th Annual Bull Bash on Old 66. Produced by the Salter Rodeo Company, the schedule features a youth rodeo starting at 10 a.m. followed by the main bull riding event at 6 p.m. The arena will feature top-tier bull riders, trick riding performances, and on-site Chuck Wagon food service. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.