What's up this weekend? A look at what's going on around Sandoval Co. Feb. 7-9

Friends and Lovers slated take flight in Rio Rancho in February

RIO RANCHO — A Valentine’s tradition will lift off in Rio Rancho for the second year in a ro…

1. It will be a special night of stargazing for the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society Friday, Feb. 7, as the host they students who won the Excellence in Astronomy and Space Science award at the Rio Rancho Public School’s Science Expo. Telescopes will be available for public stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting. The meeting kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Rainbow Park Observatory. It is free and open to the public. For more information, visit rrastro.org.

2. Mothers, dress up your sons. Fathers, make a date with your daughters. The Sabana Grande Recreation Center will be hosting a Mother and Son Valentine’s Dance Friday. Aunts, grandmas and sisters are also invited to bring a little one.

The following day, a Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance is planned. Uncles, brothers and grandfathers are also invited to bring their little Valentine as well.

Music, dancing, refreshments and memories are planned for both events. Participants are invited to dress in their “Sunday best.” Ages 5-8 are 5-6:30 p.m. while ages 7-8:30 p.m. will follow from 7-8:30 p.m. Each child and parent must register online in advance.

3. A Valentine’s tradition will lift off in Rio Rancho for the second year in a row — that is, if the weather allows the balloons to fly.

The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, hosted by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A), is coming to the City of Vision Feb. 8-9. It is estimated the approximately 90 hot-air balloons, including remote-control balloons (RC), will be participating in the event this year.

The 2025 event is expecting ascension around 7 a.m. each day of the event, weather permitting. Primary locations are Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd., and Loma Colorado Park, 735 Loma Colorado Drive, as well as various locations throughout the city. The event is free and open to the public; attendees are advised to bring a chair or blanket and to dress warmly with comfortable shoes.

For more information, visit hotairballooning.org or contact special-events@hotairballooning.org.

4. There will be a jewelry sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 in Hendren Hall of San Ysidro Catholic Church to benefit the Friends of the Corrales Library.

5. If you’re just in the mood to stay home, take in the Puppy Bowl at noon Sunday on the Animal Planet Network, where a local dog will be making an appearance.

Watermelon Mountain Ranch announced Monday that one of the no-kill shelter’s dogs will be featured during the Adoptables segment of the event, thought the dog’s identity, including breed, gender and age, will not be revealed until Sunday’s broadcast.