Subscribe | Get featured

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

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Robert Mirabal in concert, Sips N Hips belly dance show, and Interstate 40 TradePort revamp + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Rio Rancho protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Ambitious freight network revamp: Albuquerque broke ground on the Interstate 40 TradePort Corridor to revive a rail spur and plan about 30 hubs, aiming to reshape logistics near Rio Rancho — get all the project details.

Options for prospective buyers: Longtime Albuquerque staple Casa de Benavidez in the North Valley went on the market in February for nearly $2.8 million after a $3 million listing was pulled last year — get details on the listing.

Capital outlay reshapes services: New Mexico lawmakers earmarked millions for Albuquerque projects in SB 240, including $280 million for a UNM medical school and statewide radio upgrades, with ripple effects for Rio Rancho — see what’s funded and where.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Unwind and make art together
• Inspire young readers at Bookworks Story Time
• Shop juried spring crafts by VACG artists
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Local art, zero pretense: Corrales Bosque Gallery is a longtime artist cooperative in the heart of Corrales where member artists rotate fresh work, from paintings and pottery to jewelry. Unexpected favorites and maker conversations await; the vibe is welcoming, the talent local, the selection always changing.

Build that chill deck: Whether you want a low-maintenance composite platform or a just-right wood refresh, Patio Cover Designs By S designs and builds decks that make weeknights feel like mini staycations. They can add shade when you’re ready. A tidy local crew that keeps projects simple and backyard vibes high.

Craving sushi tonight? Vong Sushi Thai & Laos Cuisine quietly overdelivers with fresh nigiri, creative rolls, crisp tempura, and brothy bowls that chase off a windy Rio Rancho evening. Flavor without fuss, steady quality, and an easy vibe make it a reliable go-to.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 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.

🎵 Robert Mirabal and more @ Old San Ysidro Church (Corrales) | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Historic Old San Ysidro Church is hosting a tour of the globe. New Mexico’s own Robert Mirabal and Rare Tribal Mob join Québec’s Mélisande for a set with food trucks, libations, and possibly new tunes, benefiting The Children’s Hour, so your good taste does good.

💃 Sips N Hips Belly Dance Show @ Brew Lab 101 Beer & Cider Co. | Friday (3/13) at 8:00 PM – Feeling brave on Friday the 13th? Grab a pint at Rio Rancho’s Brew Lab 101 for Sips N Hips, a spellbinding belly dance show with Rosetta Dance Troupe and guests from across New Mexico, plus enough mischief to tempt fate. Cold drinks, no bad juju.

🚗 Cars and Coffee @ Satellite Coffee (Albuquerque) | Saturday (3/14) at 7:45 AM – Whether you roll up in a classic, a canyon carver, or a dusty daily, this is the Saturday morning meetup at Satellite Coffee on Jefferson pulling gearheads from across New Mexico. Expect caffeine, tire-kicking, Sandia sunrise flexing, and debate over carbs, turbos, and taste.

🍿 Hoppers Flix Jr. @ B, 3236 La Orilla Rd NW #1, Albuquerque, NM, United States, New Mexico 87120 | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Bring the kids, and your noise-sensitive grown-ups, to a Flix Jr. screening of HOPPERS with dimmed lights and low volume. It’s a sweet, sensory-friendly setup where scientists let humans hop into robotic animals, then chat with wildlife. Finally, the loudest thing is the popcorn bag.

🎨 Blind Bag Paint Contest @ Warhammer Rio Rancho | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Grab a blind bag, paint the mystery hero, and submit by April 3 for April 4 voting, with prizes for the top three. Then throw them into a free, fast, and slightly deadly arena brawl, Tanksgiving and Beastfeast style, with another top three crowned.

🎭 Laughing Doesn’t Need Your Help @ Tingley Beach (Albuquerque) | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – An ensemble is taking over the Rio Grande bosque with “Laughing doesn’t need your help,” a roaming performance about moving toward each other, tenderness, and meaning. Think art in the cottonwoods, not stadium seating. Wear your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and bug spray.

🐝 Bee Painting Workshop @ Mi Casita Home Decor (Corrales) | Sunday (3/15) at 1:30 PM – Trade yard work for a two-hour bee painting session at Mi Casita in Corrales, guided by artist Jade Leyva on honeycomb-friendly hex canvases. Supplies included, expect a dose of bee facts, a pollinator seed packet, and a masterpiece, $45, Venmo to reserve before it fills.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Monaleo @ Backstage at Revel (Albuquerque) – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Robert Mirabal and more @ Old San Ysidro Church (Corrales) – 7:00 PM
• 3/15 Laughing Doesn’t Need Your Help @ Tingley Beach (Albuquerque) – 11:00 AM
• 3/15 Suzy Marquez @ Kaktus Brewing Company (Bernalillo) – 2:00 PM
• 3/17 St Patrick’s Day @ Kaktus Brewing Company Inc. (Bernalillo) – 10:00 AM
• 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @ Brew Lab 101 – 5:30 PM
• 3/21 Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico: Coppelia @ Kimo Theatre (Albuquerque) – 2:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Rio Rancho report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 76°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 0 to 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 0 to 20 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 80°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. West wind 0 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

This house is wild

This modern 4-bed, 3-bath stunner flaunts an airy open floorplan and a kitchen built for gatherings, with a sleek island, abundant cabinetry, and stainless appliances including a cooktop and built-in oven. A 3-car garage adds serious utility. Outside, a low-maintenance backyard sets the scene for effortless alfresco hangouts and easygoing weekends.

Take a peek inside →

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂

P.S. Did someone forward this to you? Click here to subscribe (it’s free)!