By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
The weekend of Sept. 18-20 doesn’t ease you into fall — it throws a party. Rio Rancho hosts its own Oktoberfest and two community markets on Saturday, while Quezada’s brings a globally touring comedian for two nights and Albuquerque breaks out the prickly pear.
Friday: One More Silver Dollar at The BLOCK and a NYT Bestseller walk into Quezada’s
One More Silver Dollar takes The BLOCK Main Stage at 7 p.m. Friday at 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE.
Zarna Garg plays two nights at Quezada’s Comedy Club, with shows Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The New York-based comedian’s first Amazon Prime special drew a New York Times rave; her follow-up on Hulu debuted at No. 2 its opening week. Her memoir, “This American Woman” — about her journey from Mumbai to internationally touring comedian — hit the NYT Bestseller list and was named one of Amazon’s Best of 2025 books. When she’s not headlining her Million Dollar Excuses global tour, she’s opening for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Tickets at quezadas.holdmyticket.com.
Down the hill, the 8th Annual New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival opens Friday at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW in Albuquerque, running 2-7 p.m. with 60-plus vendors selling prickly pear food, drinks, arts and crafts. Chopped champion Chef Justin Pioche demos a seared prickly pear tuna marinade, and Renee Romero of Roadrunner Art Hub leads block-printing workshops. Friday admission is $10.
Saturday: Oktoberfest, two markets and prickly pear
The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts Oktoberfest NM at Sandoval County Administration Park, 7211 Idalia Rd. NE, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Presented by Nusenda Credit Union, the event features live music, food, beer, wine, local vendors and a kids zone. Tickets are $9.50 for adults, kids get in free.
The Food Truck Fiesta and Fall Market was originally scheduled to run Saturday at Cabezon Park, but the City of Rio Rancho announced Thursday the event is cancelled this year because of possible poor weather conditions.
The Prickly Pear Festival continues Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House with a cactus-shaped special-shape balloon and RC balloonists taking flight over the main lawn. Saturday admission $15; both-day tickets $20.
Gonzalo takes The BLOCK Main Stage at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday: Trivia, Matilda and the Corrales market
The BLOCK closes the weekend Sunday with Braingang Trivia at 5 p.m. and a free outdoor screening of “Matilda” at 7 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs; no outside food or drink.
The Corrales Growers’ Market opens at 11 a.m. Sunday at Corrales Parks & Recreation, 500 Jones Rd., with local produce, honey, baked goods and artisan goods through Nov. 1.
What’s happening this weekend
The BLOCK — Weekend lineup
Where: 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho
- Fri, Sept. 18 | 7 p.m.: One More Silver Dollar, Main Stage
- Sat, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m.: Gonzalo, Main Stage
- Sun, Sept. 20 | 5 p.m.: Braingang Trivia; 7 p.m.: “Matilda” outdoor movie (free; no outside food or drink)
Zarna Garg — Quezada’s Comedy Club
When: Fri, Sept. 18 & Sat, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: quezadas.holdmyticket.com
Oktoberfest NM — Rio Rancho Regional Chamber
When: Saturday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Sandoval County Administration Park, 7211 Idalia Rd. NE, Rio Rancho
Presented by: Nusenda Credit Union
Info: rrcc.org | 505-892-1533
Tickets are $9.50 for adults, kids get in free.
Food Truck Fiesta & Fall Market
When: Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho
Admission: Free
8th Annual NM Prickly Pear Festival
When: Fri, Sept. 18 | 2-7 p.m.; Sat, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Gutierrez-Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque
Tickets: $10 Fri | $15 Sat | $20 both days | nmpricklypearfest.com
Info: nmpricklypearfest@gmail.com | 505-239-6408
Corrales Growers’ Market
When: Sunday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.
Where: Corrales Parks & Recreation, 500 Jones Rd., Corrales
Admission: Free | Runs through Nov. 1