Anyone traveling out to Rio Rancho in the last year or so has probably encountered the mass of construction-related chaos along Southern Boulevard, one of those projects that had to be done, but no one really wanted to endure. Well, the original plan was for that construction to be complete around now, so the City of Rio Rancho planned out a special Shop & Stroll event that included three breweries — Turtle Mountain, Brew Lab 101, and 1933 Brewing.

Well, the construction is not finished yet, but the party will still go on this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. It is a free event for people of all ages. Brew Lab 101 co-owner/brewer Scott Salvas sent us plenty of info to help encourage folks to brave those last orange barrels and celebrate all the businesses up and down this vital east-west artery in Rio Rancho.

For those who find it a little far to walk between each of the breweries, there will be free shuttles moving back and forth. Each brewery will have an extended outdoor beer garden into its parking lot, so ride share services or carpooling is recommended for anyone attending who cannot walk or bike from home. A different radio station will be broadcasting from each brewery.

Turtle Mountain will have its Oktürtlefest party going on, including a fundraiser for the St. Felix Pantry. There will be live bands playing outside including Judy & The Jets from 3 to 4 p.m., Brian Marshall 33 RPM from 4:30 to 6, Die Polka Schlingel from 6:30 to 7:30, and RJ Perez from 8 to 10. Games for people of all ages will include a magic mirror photo booth, a bouncy castle, and a dunk the clown tank (which, yes, will include owner Nico Ortiz, so somebody better send us a good photo of when he goes down for the first time). There will be a whole lot of authentic German festival food, including Shine’s traditional sauerbraten, authentic knockwurst and weisswurst, and locally made bratwurst with TMBC’s applekraut.

1933 Brewing is hosting a First Responders Appreciation Event from 4 to 9. It will also be the site of a color fun run that starts at 2. There will be beer, games, food, special vendors, and more.

As for Brew Lab 101, things kick off at 3 with the CARMA Battle of the Bands. CARMA is a charity that helps care for homeless animals. Corner House will perform at 5:30, followed by Hitmen at 8. Punchy’s Pizza, Karibu Cafe, and Wing It Up will be the food trucks on hand. There will be games, face painting, balloon animals, and a photo booth for the kids and people-who-still-act-like-kids. There will also be a special balloon glow at 7:30.

The goal of all of this, per Scott, is for this festival to become the new Rio Rancho Oktoberfest, held between the three neighboring breweries. Get on our there and show your support this Saturday to make it happen!

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister