Celebrate Independence Day: Fourth of July events across New Mexico

This Fourth of July promises spectacular celebrations across New Mexico, from Albuquerque’s biggest fireworks show to Santa Fe’s beloved traditions. Here are some Independence Day festivities events across New Mexico.

ALBUQUERQUE

Freedom 4th at Balloon Fiesta Park

WHEN: 3-10 p.m. Friday, July 4

WHERE: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE

HOW MUCH: Free admission, $10 parking

The city of Albuquerque’s premier Independence Day celebration returns with national headliner Hunter Hayes, the multi-platinum country artist known for hits from his album “Red Sky.” The Louisiana native has garnered over 2 billion streams and five Grammy nominations. The day begins with local bands including The Danny Duran Band (4 p.m.), La Ansiedad Norteña (5:15 p.m.), and Michael Moxey and The Easy Sinners (6:30 p.m.), followed by a Fourth of July ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Hayes takes the stage at 7:45 p.m., with the state’s “brightest firework show” launching at 9:15 p.m.

Food lovers will find dozens of local vendors including Rex’s Hamburgers, Platero Fly Bread, TJ’s Texas BBQ and Kona Ice. The Cantina offers adult beverages from local breweries like La Cumbre Brewing Company, Marble Brewery and Tractor Brewing Co. Free kids’ activities include inflatable jumpers, climbing walls and face painting.

The event is rain or shine.

Park & Ride service will be available from Northwest Transit Center, 10401 Ellison Drive NW; and Coronado Center, west of Dick’s Sporting Goods on San Pedro Drive, south of Menaul Boulevard. Buses run 3-7:30 p.m., and returns start after the fireworks until 11 p.m. Free bike valet will be provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center.

Red, White, and Balloons at the Balloon Museum

WHEN: 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 4

WHERE: Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE

HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $30, plus fees, at balloonmuseum.com; individual lawn admission is no charge for children 16 and under

Escape the crowds and heat at this hilltop celebration featuring food trucks, a cash bar, and air-conditioned museum access. The event includes a Summer Artisan Market, face painting and reserved seating options including cabanas and Adirondack chairs. Your ticket also grants access to Freedom 4th on the field below.

Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball

WHEN: 7:05 p.m. Friday, July 4; 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 5; 6:05 p.m. Sunday, July 6

WHERE: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE

HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $20.20 at milb.com/albuquerque

Celebrate with America’s pastime as the Isotopes face El Paso Chihuahuas in the conclusion of their home stand. The July 4 game features a fireworks show, while July 5 offers a special drone show presentation, and the Isotopes will celebrate Orbit’s birthday on July 6.

Summertime in Old Town

Weekend Schedule:

7-9 p.m. Friday, July 4: Big K and Blue Train (R&B/soul)

1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 5: Lady Fingers with a Thing’r Too (swing)

7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 5: Picoso (New Mexican)

1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 6: The Fabulous Martini Tones (surf rock)

7-9 p.m. Sunday, July 6: Salsita (DJ)

Free live music at the Old Town Gazebo, 200 North Plaza St. NW, accompanies shopping, dining and museum visits.

SANTA FE

Pancakes on the Plaza

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 4

WHERE: Historic Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe

HOW MUCH: $12 individual, $40 family four-pack ($10 per additional person), at pancakesontheplaza.com

Santa Fe’s beloved Independence Day tradition returns with the Rotary Club serving fresh pancakes alongside a classic car show, local arts and crafts, live music and children’s activities. This wheelchair-accessible event supports local youth organizations.

City of Santa Fe Free Fireworks

WHEN: 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 4

WHERE: Santa Fe Place Mall, 4250 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe

HOW MUCH: Free admission and parking

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe hosts this family-friendly celebration featuring live music by Lumbros, Una Mas y La ChaCha and Alex Maryol Band. Food trucks provide dining options, or bring your own picnic, with dedicated RV and grill parking areas available. Professional fireworks begin around 9 p.m.

Los Alamos

Fortunate Son: A Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute

WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 4

WHERE: Ashley Pond Park, 2300 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos

HOW MUCH: Free

The Los Alamos Summer Concert Series presents Fortunate Son: A Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute band, followed by a drone light show as part of Sky Elements’ world record attempt.

Sky Elements Drone World Record Attempt

Locations: 9 p.m. Friday, July 4, Ashley Pond Park, 2300 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos; and 9:15 p.m. New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo

Sky Elements, holder of 13 Guinness World Records, attempts to set a new record for most drone light shows performed by different pilots in 24 hours. The company will coordinate 26 shows nationwide, including two in New Mexico featuring patriotic imagery and synchronized aerial choreography.

Grants

Fourth of July in Grants

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, July 4; 9 a.m. parade in Downtown Grants down Santa Fe Ave., from Wayne St. to First St.; “The Voice” winner Chevel Shepherd will perform at the Grants Rodeo Grounds & Cow Palace, 223 Betty Drive, at 6 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. fireworks show, Grants High School, 500 Mountain Road

HOW MUCH: Tickets for the Chevel Shepherd concert are $15-$20, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com. Grants Wild West Days continue in Grants on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, with. Admission on July 5 and July 6 is $5-$10.