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Hi Albuquerque, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2026, and Marc Maron + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Campaign highlights rider experience gains: ABQ RIDE reports 2025 ridership reached nearly 8 million across buses, Sun Van, and ABQRIDE Connect after more weekly service. Another phase of route updates will launch in April 2026 — get details on changes and timeline.

Protective steps and tracking: Allergy season started early in Albuquerque after warm, dry weather, Dr. Patrick Hudson says, with ash, elm, and juniper active and masks or bandanas advised alongside daily air quality updates — see resources and updates.

Karaoke nights and team-bonding: Swing-N-Pickle has opened in Albuquerque, a one-stop spot with pickleball courts, batting cages, golf simulators, and a full bar and kitchen, with reservations available and walk-ins welcome — get all the details.

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.

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:

• Shop handmade at Rio Grande Spring Fest
• See Robert Plant with Saving Grace
• Join an all-levels community drum circle
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Green chile upgrade: Craving a legit, juicy situation? Laguna Burger keeps it simple with fresh, never-frozen patties, a roasted green chile kick, and the perfect level of drip. Big flavor, zero fuss, built to satisfy your burger mood any day of the week.

Roll into nostalgia: Skate-O-Mania spins retro fun with disco lights, groovy playlists, and all-ages sessions, plus lessons and birthday parties. Expect a mini time warp on random weeknights, with crews lacing up and gliding. Bonus points if you nail a backward lap without spilling your soda.

Old Town culture fix: Albuquerque Museum is an easy go-to for a quick art-and-history reset, with thoughtful rotating shows, a peaceful sculpture garden, and community events that make weeknights feel less routine. Wander the galleries, breathe, and leave recharged; Old Town’s cultural pulse beats quietly here.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Albuquerque for grown ups

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.

🧵 Colcha Embroidery @ National Hispanic Cultural Center | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Put the phone down and pick up a needle at a hands-on Colcha embroidery workshop led by Denver artist Yvonne Vanessa Zamora, whose “Virgencita” lives at the NHCC. It’s part of Siempre Creativo for seniors, free with RSVP, patience included, bragging rights optional.

☠ Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2026 @ Expo New Mexico | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Albuquerque’s getting weird with a market of taxidermy, preserved specimens, dark art, and sideshow acts, plus a chance to try taxidermy yourself. $15 advance, $20 door, kids 12 and under free, curiosity mandatory, squeamishness optional. We’ve seen weirder on Central, but this one’s curated.

🖍 Pastel Workshop @ Gallery Hózhó at Hotel Chaco | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Give your houseplants a day off and paint their cousins at Gallery Hózhó at Hotel Chaco, where Julia Lambright teaches a semi-abstract floral workshop using acrylic and soft pastels. Expect loose layers, bold color, and a bouquet that never wilts. Limited seats, reserve ahead.

🌴 Caribbean Spring Festival @ South Broadway Cultural Center | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – South Broadway Cultural Center is going island mode as Caribbean Spring Festival brings Zile Kenep to town. Expect danceable grooves, sunshine-in-a-bottle vibes, and a crowd that actually claps on beat. Tickets are $25, cheaper than your last forgettable takeout, and a much better story.

🍀 St Paddys Drag Queen Bingo @ Tractor Brewing Company Wells Park | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Finally, a St. Paddy’s plan where your lucky streak helps someone besides the bartender. Lady Hawk hosts drag queen bingo benefiting Revitalize San Pedro, with proceeds to the Barrett Foundation. You laugh, you dab, you do good; dabbers are $2, and cards are $3.

🔮 Psychic/Healing Fair and Outdoor Market @ Resonant Essentials | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Psychic and Healing Fair is setting up shop with tarot, mediumship, spiritual counseling, and energy tune-ups, plus an outdoor market loaded with crystals, incense, and other shiny temptations. Come for clarity, stay for the patio people-watching, and leave feeling lighter, wallet included.

🎤 Marc Maron @ Kiva Auditorium | Sunday (3/8) at 8:00 PM – Marc Maron is closing out Funny Fiesta at the Kiva, proving this Albuquerque kid can, in fact, talk for a living and make it hurt in a good way. Expect sharp, lived-in jokes, Route 66 centennial pride, and a hometown roast with a hug.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 Psychostick and more @ Launchpad – 7:00 PM
• 3/5 Artrio–two @ Outpost Performance Space – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 Gold Street Pizza and more @ Gold Street Pizza & Brew SV – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 First Friday Goth Night @ Expressions Gallery – 8:00 PM
• 3/7 Dinner with a Demon @ Astronomía – 6:00 PM
• 3/8 She Sang the Stars @ Cathedral of St John – 3:00 PM
• 3/9 Black Label Society @ Revel – 7:30 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
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Albuquerque report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 73°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy blowing dust between 11am and 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 0 to 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 58°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

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 outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This 4-bedroom Sandia Heights ranch blends Mid-Century Modern character with contemporary polish, near the base of the Sandias with sweeping mountain views, glowing sunsets, and city lights. Inside, three distinct living areas surround a modernized chef’s kitchen with sleek cabinetry and premium finishes. Updated baths and refrigerated air add comfort, while multiple patios create a serene, private outdoor retreat.

Take a peek inside →