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Happy weekend, Albuquerque! In today’s edition: Route 66 centennial celebration, a quantum testbed, a Three Dog Night concert, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Construction advances on new eateries: New Mexico’s first Paris Baguette is expected to open on Unser Boulevard on Albuquerque’s West Side in March, with IHOP planned for later this year at the same site — see the full opening timeline.

Americana icons come alive: Albuquerque marks the Route 66 centennial this year with celebrations along Central Avenue, including an 18-mile art tour, relit neon, refreshed landmarks, and a performance at the 99-year-old KiMo Theatre — get all the details.

Franchise growth in New Mexico: Dunkin’ is joining new construction on Albuquerque’s West Side, with a shop slated to open later this year. The project will share space with other businesses and bring about 35 jobs — get all the details.

Casual meets fine dining: Pazzi Ristorante Italiano, formerly Farina Alto, reopened in mid-January on Montgomery NE, offering a refreshed space and a menu with aged steaks, seared scallops, custom pastas, and pizzas — see what’s new inside.

Cutting-edge industry takes root: QuEra and Roadrunner Venture Studios announced a $4 million quantum testbed in Albuquerque, part of New Mexico’s $300 million, with Roadrunner Quantum Lab facilities and a planned Innovation District center — get all the details.

National fitness brand arrives: BODYBAR Pilates opened New Mexico’s first studio in January at Winrock Town Center, offering expert-led classes, state-of-the-art equipment, and a boutique for athletic apparel, owned by Albuquerque native Kate Lueker-Eaton — read the full story.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and 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.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

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

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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.

🎨 Color Your Own Mandala Craft Tray @ Quarter Celtic Taproom | Monday (2/16) at 6:00 PM – If your brain’s been stuck in traffic, come color a 10-inch mandala tray at the taproom, sip something cold, and exhale properly. No art degree required, just curiosity and good company. You leave with a functional tray, calmer nerves, and bragging rights.

🎷 Mardi Gras with Burque Jazz Bandits @ Duke City Swing | Tuesday (2/17) at 7:15 PM – Nothing beats a Mardi Gras swing night with horns and a room of Burque folks who know how to twirl. Grab the lesson, stick around for the social, and wear green, purple, or gold. It’s $15, and no, your punch card won’t charm the door.

🎶 Michela Musolino @ Juan Tabo Public Library | Wednesday (2/18) at 5:30 PM – If you think libraries are for page-turning only, recalibrate. Sicilian-American singer Michela Musolino brings folk from Sicily and Southern Italy to ABQ stacks with voice and frame drum, songs of love, protest, and daily life that make hearts sing and feet dance, free and all-ages.

❤ Speed Dating Ages 42-56 @ Town & Ranch | Wednesday (2/18) at 7:00 PM – Take a break from the apps and try real-life chemistry at a 42-56 speed dating night at Town and Ranch Tasting Lounge, run by the seasoned pros. Meet up to 12 potential matches, sip something decent, and see if the spark’s hotter than green chile.

🏃 USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field National Championships @ Albuquerque Convention Center | Thursday (2/19) at 9:00 AM – Whether you still own your college spikes or just power-walk Costco, the USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field Nationals is your annual reminder that 25-plus can still move. Details are still cooking, check the site for heat sheets, tickets, and bragging rights at usatf.org.

🛠 February Sparks @ Quelab | Thursday (2/19) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve guarded your data since dial-up or just met two-factor, hit Quelab for a hands-on privacy tune-up. Play cybersecurity bingo for actually useful prizes, and craft a Faraday bag with free supplies while they last. Bring a snack to share, kids welcome with supervision.

🎵 Three Dog Night and more @ Kiva Auditorium | Friday (2/20) at 7:00 PM – Three Dog Night, Ambrosia, and John Ford Coley deliver a sing-along of AM radio gold. Whether you wore out the vinyl or just belt Joy to the World, expect smooth harmonies, big choruses, and grins, with a two-for-one ticket offer to sweeten it.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Albuquerque report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 62°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 8%

Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 66°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Most popular house this week

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Take a peek inside →