If you've never been to one of the big fireworks events before, you might want to consider some advance preparation. Be sure to take a blanket(s) for a picnic spot, or unbrellas, water bottles, sunscreen, and hat. If you're on a budget, take your own dinner in a cooler. Get there early to avoid the lines, and if you have kids, get there early so they have time to enjoy the jumping structures and climbing wall. There are a lot of activities for the kids at these events, so get out before dinner when the crowds are thinner and the kids won't have to wait in long lines. If you have young ones, take a stroller or a wagon. And whatever you do, don't forget the camera!
Fireworks
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
July 2 and 3
Get out to Isotopes Park for the all American game of baseball. The Isotopes play the Memphis Redbirds, with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the game starting at 7:05 p.m. And after the game is over, stay to enjoy the fireworks display. The fireworks are after the games on Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3. If you don't want to face the crowds of the big fireworks event, Freedom Fourth, then this is a great alternative.
Los Lunas Fireworks
Free entertainment begins at 4:00 p.m. at Daniel Fernandez Park, located at 1103 Highway 314. The lineup features Eddie Benavidez e Los Jesters, Vanessa Aragon, and Roberto Griego y Su Banda. A Home Run Derby begins at 5:00 p.m. and a men's softball game begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be plenty of food sold at the event, or you can bring your own picnic. Fireworks start at dusk.
Rio Rancho Fireworks Event
The city of Rio Rancho always puts on a fireworks display for the 4th, and this year is no different. If you live on the west side and don't want to face the crowds of the Freedom Fourth event put on by the City of Albuquerque, this display is a wonderful alternative.
Go to Loma Colorado Park at 555 Loma Colorado NE to watch the display. There will be parking available adjacent to the park at Rio Rancho High School, which is directly across the street. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and proceeds benefit the Rio Rancho High School booster club. Handicapped parking is at the lot by the park.
The park opens at 4:00 p.m. with the Brahma Band, followed by the Hit Squad playing classic rock and country from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Finally, the Sting Rays will play classic and modern rock from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. At the end of the music, the fireworks will begin.
In addition to live music, there will be food available for purchase from O’Hare’s Grill and Pub. There will be plenty of activities for the kids.
And there will be a pie baking and salsa contest, with ribbons awarded for each event at 5:00 p.m. Anyone who wishes to participate must do so by pre-registering. Call (505) 891-5015 to enter the contest. The fee per entry is $2.
The event is alcohol free and subject to weather. Entry to the Fireworks event is free. For more information, call (505) 891-5015.
Freedom Fourth of July
Every July 4th, the City of Albuquerque puts on what can only be described as an amazing fireworks display. This year, as in years past, the 4th of July Fireworks display, Freedom Fourth, will take place at Balloon Fiesta Park. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. and the event runs from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Besides the fireworks, there are lots of other reasons to love this family friendly activity. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge, and everyone else pays just $2 to get on the field. That’s affordable. And while there, there are food vendors, a beer garden and lots of kid friendly activities, from face painting to inflatable jumpers to a rock climbing wall. And if buying food at the event isn’t within your budget, take your own picnic basket and a blanket, and enjoy the green grass of the park.
This year’s musical lineup starts with the southwestern sounds of South by Southwest at 4:30, followed by the Cuban street music of Savor at 6:00 p.m. The evening’s music ends with the Blues Brothers Review at 7:30. When the music stops, the fireworks begin, set to a musical score. The special aerial effects are always a delight.
Getting There
There are several ways to get to Freedom Fourth. Free parking is available at Balloon Fiesta Park, but the lines won’t be quick. Get to the park from Alameda and Balloon Museum Drive if coming from the south. Coming from the north, access the park from the I-25 Frontage Road and Balloon Fiesta Parkway.
ABQ Ride offers free rides to two locations. On the west side, park at St. Pius High School at Coors near Ladera. On the east side, park at the northwest corner of Coronado Center. Park and Ride to the Balloon Park runs between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and return trips run until 11:00 p.m.
Those who take Park and Ride will pay their admission fees before boarding the bus. Tickets are checked at the park entry.
What to Bring – And What Not to Bring
The City of Albuquerque has a list of what is not allowed at the event or on the Park and Ride buses. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, glass containers, drug paraphernalia, weapons, fireworks, or open containers. No pets are allowed.
The city does allow coolers and picnic baskets, but they will be searched at the park entry gates and before loading at Park and Ride bus locations. Blankets, umbrellas and sealed plastic containers are also allowed, but umbrellas will be restricted to certain park areas so view of others will not be blocked. Pop up tents are allowed in the park but not on the buses.
ATM machines will be on site. This is a rain or shine event.
