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It’s Friday, Altoona! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Minor league rebrands, a 1920s speakeasy, and the Spheres Bubble Show + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Quirky rebrands honor history: New Minor League alternate identities are set for 2026, including two for Altoona. The Curve will be the Pennsylvania Continentals monthly and the Altoona Mud Turtles June 12 to 14 — check out the full lineup.

New illustrator joins project: Penn State Altoona professor Patricia Jabbeh Wesley signed a contract to reissue her 2012 children’s book In Monrovia, the River Visits the Sea, arriving with a new hardback design — read the full story.

Pricey property pockets revealed: A new ranking shows which Altoona area cities have the steepest home prices, as the typical U.S. home value was $358,968 in January and higher rates keep monthly payments elevated — see the full list.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate St Patty’s with food and music
• Experience a roaring 1920s speakeasy
• Join free modern dance classes for adults
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Vintage finds, right here: Everything Old Is New Again turns estate jewelry, folk art antiques, quirky collectibles, and legit furniture into a browseable maze that keeps shifting. Laps happen, Altoona serendipity decides, and you leave with a conversation piece you didn’t know you needed.

Plant-powered curry night: Jaidee Thai Restaurant delivers vegan options from fragrant curries to slurpable noodles and vibrant veggie plates, easy to order ahead and reliably tasty. A midweek win when you want comfort without cooking or dishes at home.

Brows that stay put: If your mornings need a set-it-and-forget-it upgrade, Private Eyes by Randy Alan delivers natural microblading and subtle permanent eyeliner in a cozy, one-client studio. Wake up to polished, low-fuss brows and liner that outlast coffee runs and winter mirrors.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🐟 Fish Frydays @ Second Avenue Global Methodist Church | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been craving a proper Lenten Friday ritual, the youth group’s all-you-can-eat, church-basement fish fry has you covered. Think baked pollock, crispy cod, crab cakes, hush puppies, mac n cheese, and more, all for a good cause. Bring cash, bring appetite, leave smug.

📖 Story and Craft Hour @ Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Give the toy bin a break and head to SAMA for story time and a take-home craft. They’ll hear a tale, make something proudly wobbly, and you’ll bank a little calm, plus new fridge decor. Ideal for ages 3 to 6, with a grownup attached.

🎭 The Music Man @ Levity Brewing Co. | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and swing by the taproom for Ron Balestino, the open-mic regular who somehow makes Tuesdays feel like Saturday. Expect foot-tapping covers, sneaky originals, and easygoing singalongs, plus the usual neighborhood chatter, decent pours, and zero pretense.

🍺 The Pubcrawlers @ Behe Brothers’ Brewing Company | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Grab your comfy shoes and head to Behe Brothers Brewing for DD & The Pubcrawlers. Expect high-energy tunes, proper pints, and just enough dance floor mischief to remind your knees they still work. Bring a friend, claim a stool, then promptly abandon it.

💍 Bliss Beyond the Veil Bridal Expo @ The Eldolyn Terrace | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – This curated bridal expo is shaking up wedding planning with top local photographers, florists, cake makers, and venues, plus immersive inspiration and exclusive giveaways. Think less chair cover catalog, more you. There’s beauty and self care, bridal party bonding, and fewer mason jars.

👜 2026 Designer Purse Bingo @ Jaffa Shrine Center | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – If your handbag’s older than the kids who borrow it, come play Designer Purse Bingo at Jaffa. Fifteen games, lunch included, special giveaways, and prizes from Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, and more. Advance tickets are $30, proceeds benefit the Jaffa Kiddies Christmas Party.

🔮 Spheres Bubble Show @ Mishler Theatre | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Back at the Mishler for a fourth run, Spheres debuts ORBS, a bubble show your inner five-year-old will actually thank you for. Guinness-record bubble wizard Blaise Ryndes blends lasers, fog, art, science, and comedy into a one-hour swirl of jaw-drops, giggles, and floating soap sorcery.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Full Kilt @ Levity Brewing Co. – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 The Music Man @ Levity Brewing Co. – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 The Pubcrawlers @ Behe Brothers’ Brewing Company – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Libcor and more @ McGarveys Bar – 9:00 PM
• 3/8 2nd Sunday Uke Jam @ ArtsAltoona – 2:00 PM
• 3/8 Spheres Bubble Show @ Mishler Theatre – 3:00 PM
• 3/12 Melanie Waldman @ Greenbean Coffee House – 6:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Altoona report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 62°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 38%

A chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 80%

Rain showers before 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.

It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

This property comes with a charming bonus, a small 1-bedroom house that amplifies flexibility and fun. It works beautifully as a guest cottage, private office, art studio, or income option. Low-maintenance living keeps weekends free. Cozy proportions create a warm vibe, and the distinct space supports privacy while keeping everything conveniently close.

Take a peek inside →