Freedom 4th
Celebrate America’s 250 Anniversary with the entire community!
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 3-10 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park
Join the City of Albuquerque and bring the family to Balloon Fiesta Park to celebrate America’s 250 years of independence. Enjoy a concert featuring local bands, followed by a headlining performance from WAR, and end the night with a dazzling firework show lighting up the sky.
Entertainment Schedule
4 pm – The Kickback Counselors – Country
5:45 pm – Tripple-X Band – Variety
7:30 pm – 4th of July Ceremony
7:45 pm – WAR– Funk/Soul
9:15 pm–Fireworks
Headliner
WAR has several widely recognized hits, but “Low Rider” is generally considered their most famous song. Other hits include “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “The Cisco Kid.” The influential Long Beach–formed soul/funk group rose to global prominence and went on to define a genre-blending sound that fuses R&B, rock, Latin, jazz, and blues. Their landmark 1973 album The World is a Ghetto topped the charts and helped drive a career spanning decade, with more than 20 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum releases. Now led by co-founding member Lonnie Jordan, the band continues to tour and celebrate its enduring legacy.
For more information on WAR, visit WAR.
Local Talent
Kick off the dust and hold onto your hats as The Kickback Counselors burst out of central New Mexico with loud, rowdy country‑rock chaos, peddling your favorite covers and high‑energy originals!
Founded in 1989, Tripple‑X Band bursts out of New Mexico with generations‑deep heart and high‑energy sound. With a wide variety of crowd‑moving tunes, they keep the music alive with grit, pride, and pure New Mexico soul.
Food & Drink
Enjoy Albuquerque's favorite sweet and savory treats from local food vendors. Choose from a variety of delicious food such as grilled burgers, turkey legs, and roasted corn. Stay cool and grab a cold beverage or a snow cone. Dozens of options will be available from Albuquerque businesses like Rex's Hamburgers, Pop Pop's Italian Ice, Platero Fry Bread, Madsen Snowie, CCR Roasting, Sanchez Tacos, Island Noodles of NM, Anytime Eats, Latin Flavor, Kona Ice of ABQ, Higher Calling Concessions, Alitas LLC, Craft Q, Bing Tea, Busy Bee Frozen Custard, JPZ Concessions, and CC's Catering and Concessions.
Visitors can head to The Cantina for a great view of the main stage and grab a beer, wine, or spirit from one of many local establishments including La Cumbre Brewing Co., Safe House Distilling Co., Left Turn Distilling, Hollow Spirits Distillery, Tractor Brewing Co., ONE Distillery, Sheehan Winery, Outpost 1706, Beer Creek Brewing Co., As Above So Below Distillery, Sidetrack Brewing Co., Boxing Bear Brewing Co., and Brew Lab 101
Kids' Activities
There's something for all ages to have the best holiday celebration. Bring the kids for free fun including inflatable jumpers, two climbing walls, and free face painting!
Event Details
Admission & Transportation
Freedom 4th is free to the public and is a rain or shine event. Gates open at 3 pm.
Getting There By Car
Balloon Fiesta Park can be accessed off of the Southbound Frontage Road to Balloon Fiesta Parkway, San Mateo Blvd., or Balloon Museum Drive.
Parking is $10.
Accessible parking is available in the North Parking Lot from Balloon Fiesta Parkway and the South Parking Lot from Balloon Museum Drive. For closer access to the stage, utilize the North Parking Lot spaces.
Park & Ride
Two Park & Ride locations will provide free bus service to and from the celebration. On the Westside, the parking area is at the Northwest Transit Center, at 10401 Ellison NW (at Coors Bypass). The Eastside parking location is at Coronado Center (west of Dick’s Sporting Goods on San Pedro, south of Menaul).
Bus service to the event will start at 3 pm and end at 7:30 pm. Return trips to the two Park & Ride locations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks show. The last bus will leave Balloon Fiesta Park at 11 pm.
There will be security and signage at each Park and Ride location for wayfinding and safety. Security will conduct bag and cooler checks before boarding ABQ RIDE buses.
*Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride buses.
Getting There By Bike
Skip traffic on the road, stick to the trails and take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center. Take the North Diversion Channel Trail to the northeast side of the Balloon Museum or take the North Diversion Channel Trail. Look for the big yellow valet signs.
Permitted Items:
- Chairs
- Service Animals
- Umbrellas
- Tents or Canopies*
- Coolers
- Strollers
*All tents and canopies must be staked down.
*Coolers and bags will be searched upon entry.
*Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride busses.
Prohibited Items:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Glass
- Drug Paraphernalia/Weapons
- BBQ Grills
- Pets
- Fireworks
- No smoking on City Property
Applications
Applications to participate as a vendor in the 2026 Freedom 4th are open. This summertime event is perfect opportunities to feature your business, promote a new product, and invite the community to get to know you!
If your local business is interested in participating in City events apply today by clicking the link below.
Local Food Vendors Click Here to Apply
Thank you to our sponsors!
Let's get social!
Enjoy this City tradition and stay up-to-date on the latest event news.
