👋 Good morning, Albuquerque!

Something rare has been falling from the sky this week. It's a welcome sight for many of us and, hopefully, a sign of a nice, comfortable weekend ahead.

That's right, it's rain.

And if you're heading to the State Fair this weekend, hopefully it stays nice and cool and the rain holds off while you're there.

If the State Fair isn't your thing, or you already made it out last week, there are still plenty of ways to keep the kids busy. Whether they want to build something, see a baseball game, eat their way through Rio Rancho, or you just need somewhere to take them for a few hours, I found quite a few good options.

Let's get into it!

THIS WEEK'S EVENT
Rio Rancho Food Truck Fiesta & Fall Market

This one's for the foodies! Rio Rancho's Food Truck Fiesta is back for the fourth year and should be the biggest one yet.

The event started in 2023 and is back at Cabezon Park this Saturday with food trucks, craft vendors, and more. The 2026 food truck lineup hasn't been posted yet, so if you're trying to decide what you're having for lunch, keep an eye on the event's Facebook page as vendors are announced.

When: Saturday, September 19, 10am–3pm
Where: Cabezon Park, Rio Rancho
Cost: Free

MORE THIS WEEKEND

Friday, September 18

  • New Mexico State Fair — Expo New Mexico. Final weekend, wraps up Sunday.
    Time: Fri & Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9pm | Price: $15 adults online ($20 gate), $10 kids 6–12 online ($15 gate), free for kids 5 and under

Saturday, September 19

Sunday, September 20

TO DO
Build Your Own Hot Air Balloon at the WHEELS Museum

The WHEELS Museum might be one of the best kept secrets in Albuquerque.

For starters, the museum is always free, but this Saturday, kids ages 5 and up can build their own hot air balloon at the WHEELS Museum.

Opening in 2009, the WHEELS Museum sits in Albuquerque's historic Rail Yards, an area that played a huge role in the city's growth. The Rail Yards opened during Albuquerque's railroad boom in the early 1900s and brought thousands of jobs and businesses to the area. Today, the museum keeps that history alive with everything from old wagons and cars to model railroads and locomotives.

The museum is a pretty cool place to explore with kids because you can actually see how transportation has changed over time, from horse-drawn wagons to the cars and trains that shaped Albuquerque.

And this Saturday's workshop gives you another reason to check it out. Kids will get to build their own hot air balloon, with all supplies provided. An adult does need to stay with them throughout the workshop.

When: Saturday, September 19, 10–11am
Where: WHEELS Museum
Cost: Free, ages 5+

DUKE CITY EATS
Billy's New Mexican Style Kitchen

This week I stopped by Billy's New Mexican Style Kitchen.

The walls are painted red and green, you're immediately greeted at the counter, and behind them is a big open kitchen where you can watch your meal being made. I went with the breakfast burrito, where you have the choice of hash browns or potatoes and, of course, I went with green chile.

The portions are no joke. Billy's has a 4.8-star rating on Google, with people consistently mentioning the generous portions and great value. After visiting, the rating didn't surprise me. The people working there were extremely friendly.

I was even more surprised to see how responsive the owner is to Google reviews, responding to every complaint, although there are very few. It makes supporting a local spot like this even easier when you can see how much they care about their food and customers.

One thing I love about their menu is that they have a little bit of everything while still staying on theme. Along with all the New Mexican favorites, they have a Power Wraps & Gym Fuel section with lighter options.

And I have to give them a 10/10 for the kids' menu name. It's called Little Lobo Meals. It's for kids 12 and under and comes with a choice of French fries or beans and rice, plus a drink. They have chicken tenders, grilled cheese, a kid's quesadilla, and a bean and cheese burrito.

Since Billy's is a takeout spot, grab your food and make a little outing out of it. Find a nearby park, let the kids burn off some energy, and enjoy your meal.

Pay close attention to the hours, though. It might be tough to grab breakfast here on your way to work, but a breakfast burrito at lunchtime still hits the spot.

Where: 800 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Suite G
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm

QUICK ASK
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We're excited about where this is going. The newsletter is just the beginning. We want to keep finding the best things happening around Albuquerque, bring parents together at in-person events, and build a community that's actually useful for raising kids here.

Thanks for being part of it. See you next Thursday! 👋

That's all for this week.

Have a great weekend, Albuquerque!

Jasmine & Jacob

Duke City Parents