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What's up this weekend? A look at what's going on around Sandoval Co. Sept. 13-15
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1. Rio Rancho's Oktoberfest returns bigger than ever. The 2024 event, hosted by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, has expanded to two days, running 5-9 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. It also has a new location, at the Sandoval County Administration Park, 1500 Idalia Road, Bernalillo. Enjoy music, food, beer, wine, vendors and the Kids' Zone throughout the annual fall festival. Presale tickets are $8 plus a fee or $10 the day of the event. Kids are free with an accompanying adult. For more information or to buy advanced tickets, visit rrrcc.org.
2. After months of delays, THE BLOCK is opening. THE BLOCK, a brand-new venue in Enchanted Hills, will hold its grand opening for the public Sept. 13 after a VIP soft opening celebration Sept. 12. THE BLOCK will feature indoor and outdoor spaces for food vendors, a designated food truck alley, retail space for businesses, a bar overlooking the Sandia Mountains and an outdoor stage that sits on a turf and concrete courtyard. Gates open at 10 a.m. Friday with celebrations all weekend, including a Sunday "Block Party," which kicks off at 10 a.m. with yoga. The day will also include giveaways, face painting, vendors, food trucks, a magician at 3 p.m. and a noon ribbon cutting. The event closes with live music from 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit THE BLOCK Facebook page.
3. Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful and the city of Rio Rancho are looking for volunteers to participate in the 2024 Fall Community Cleanup. The event, formerly known as Rally in the Desert, is set for 7-11 a.m. Sept. 14. The goal for this year’s event is to have at least 500 volunteers remove more than 35 tons of litter from Rio Rancho. To register electronically, email your information to fchavez@rrnm.gov, or you may mail or deliver your form to Rio Rancho City Hall located at 3200 Civic Center Circle NE, Suite 100, 87144. Supplies will be available to pick up at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 13 in the Parks and Recreation office.
4. New Mexico Tech's Jacob Wemhoner will present "Introduction to Lightning at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Rainbow Park Observatory, 301 Southern Blvd., at this month's Rio Rancho Astronomical Society meeting. Wemhoner has designed a new instrument that measures the temperature of lightning strikes, and analysis of his data will aid in preventing damage to power grids and prevent forest fires. The evening will also include an online and in-person silent auction and family activities, such as sun and stargazing, beginning at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Food will also be available for a donation. For more information, visit rrastro.org or call 505-430-9604.
5. Seven Australian bowlers will arrive in the City of Vision to compete against seven local bowlers in an “International Challenge” Sept. 14-15 at Tenpins & More. The Rio Rancho bowlers are Isaiah Salinas, Annie Alvarado, Robin Prioleau, Tyler Grier and three family members: Alberto, Mia and Sebastian Medina. Visitors from Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, include brothers Troy and Luke Howell, Renee Kyte, Izzy Leonard, Austin Saunders, Cruz Craven and Taleah Linton. Their team manager is Joshua Kemp, who played for Australia on the 2012 team in this same series.
Also around town:
• Master Jim Taekwondo Academy will host the 2024 New Mexico Opens Taekwondo Championship at the Vision City Events Center Sept. 14. To sign up for the event or for more information, visit masterjimtkd.com.
• A Fairytale Party at Rio Rancho High School is set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Hosted by the Theater Troupe, the Fairytale Party brings together thespians, fairy tale fans and anyone who’s just into having fun. The party will include face painting, crafting, a bouncy house and meet and greets with your kid’s favorite character. This event is free to all, and costumes are encouraged.
