By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Rio Rancho has spent all summer giving residents reasons to get outside. This weekend, it hands them a margarita and asks them to vote.
Friday: Nate Fox closes out July
The BLOCK wraps up the month Friday with the Nate Fox Band on the Main Stage at 7 p.m. at 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE — a free show to close out July before the weekend’s main event takes over Saturday.
Ryan Long plays Quezada’s Comedy Club Friday at 7 p.m. The Toronto-born comedian has racked up billions of views across viral sketches and street interviews, appeared on Netflix, NBC and Just for Laughs, and been a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience. He plays a second night Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets at quezadas.holdmyticket.com.
Saturday: The Margarita Festival
The Rio Rancho Margarita Festival lands at The BLOCK Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., pitting the city’s top bars and restaurants against each other in a tasting competition — and putting you in the judge’s seat. Each entry ticket includes ten 3.5-oz margarita samples, the largest pours allowed by law, from sweet and sultry to spicy and bold to whatever wild creations the local competition cooks up. DJ Shatta spins throughout, with food vendors and a beer garden on-site. The winning bar or restaurant takes home $1,000 and bragging rights; a portion of proceeds benefits children’s charities. Tickets are available on Eventbrite — general admission or VIP with early entry.
The BLOCK also kicks off its School Supply Drive Saturday, running Aug. 2-16. Drop off school supplies and non-perishable food items at the venue to benefit St. Felix Pantry.
Sunday: Cars, trivia and Cool Runnings
The BLOCK closes the weekend with a full Sunday slate: Cars & Coffee presented by SECU at 11 a.m., Brain Sang Game at 4:30 p.m., Braingang Trivia hosted by former local radio personality The Hoff at 6 p.m. (18 and older), and a free outdoor screening of “Cool Runnings” at 7 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs; no outside food or drink.
The Corrales Growers’ Market opens Sunday at 11 a.m. at Corrales Parks & Recreation, 500 Jones Rd., with local produce, honey, baked goods and artisan goods from Sandoval County vendors. The market runs through Nov. 1.
The Rail Yards Market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 777 1st St. SW in Albuquerque’s historic Blacksmith Shop, with fresh produce, breakfast burritos, artisan coffee and handmade New Mexico crafts.
Keep an eye on the sky this weekend — late July and early August bring afternoon monsoon showers across the Rio Rancho mesa. Pack an umbrella if you’re planning outdoor evening activities.
What’s happening this weekend
Rio Rancho Margarita Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Noon–6 p.m.
Where: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho
Tickets: Eventbrite (General Admission & VIP available)
Ryan Long — Quezada’s Comedy Club
When: Fri, July 31 | 7 p.m.; Sat, Aug. 1 | 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: quezadas.holdmyticket.com
The BLOCK — Weekend lineup
Where: 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho
- Fri, July 31 | 7 p.m.: Nate Fox Band, Main Stage (free)
- Sat, Aug. 1 | Noon–6 p.m.: Margarita Festival; 7 p.m.: DJ Dance Party, Main Stage
- Sun, Aug. 2 | 11 a.m.: Cars & Coffee (SECU); 4:30 p.m.: Brain Sang Game; 6 p.m.: Braingang Trivia (18+); 7 p.m.: “Cool Runnings” outdoor movie (free; no outside food or drink)
School Supply Drive — The BLOCK
When: Aug. 2-16
Where: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE
Benefiting: St. Felix Pantry | Full needs list: theblocknm.com/events/school-supply-drive-aug-2-16
Corrales Growers’ Market
When: Sunday, Aug. 2 | 11 a.m.
Where: Corrales Parks & Recreation, 500 Jones Rd., Corrales
Admission: Free | Runs through Nov. 1 | Phone: 505-899-8900
Rail Yards Market
When: Sunday, Aug. 2 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: 777 1st St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Admission: Free