Country Artist Michael Ray Headlines Freedom 4th

The City of Albuquerque's Freedom 4th is back at Balloon Fiesta Park for a day packed with entertainment and family-friendly activities on Thursday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m. Headlining the free event is country singer/songwriter Michael Ray. The day will also include performances by local artists, free activities for kids, and the state’s brightest fireworks show.

Forged on the small stages of Florida’s rural communities, Michael Ray has created an impressive foundation. With four No. 1 songs including RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World Or Mine” brings his tally to four RIAA Gold-certified singles. He has garnered over 2 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents and over 150 million YouTube views. He is a true country star who’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry 73 times.

Full entertainment schedule:

4 p.m. - Denankius

5:15 p.m. - Second 2 Last

6:30 p.m. - The Memphis P Tails

7:30 p.m. - 4th of July Ceremony

7:45p.m. - Michael Ray

9:15 p.m. - Fireworks (weather permitting)

Throughout the evening, concert goers can grab a bite to eat from local food vendors offering treats ranging from burgers to ice cream. Local breweries, distilleries, and wineries will be onsite in The Cantina, where there will be a great view of the main stage. Free activities for kids include face painting, inflatable jump houses, and two climbing walls.

All parking at Balloon Fiesta Park is $10 cash only per vehicle upon arrival. Two Park and Ride locations will provide free bus service to and from the celebration.

Park and Ride Locations 

• Northwest Transit Center: 10401 Ellison NW, ABQ, NM 87114 (Coors Bypass)
• Coronado Center: 6600 Menaul NE, ABQ, NM 87110 (San Pedro between Menaul & Cutler)

This is the first year that ABQ RIDE is activating the Northwest Transit Center for this event, which hosts 300 newly-striped parking spots and bright LED lighting. 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. 

ABQ RIDE will operate a continuous shuttle system with bus service to Balloon Fiesta Park from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Return trips to the two Park and Ride locations will be provided whenever attendees wish to leave the event with the last bus leaving Balloon Fiesta Park at 11 p.m. The service is free of charge.

Note the following rules for Balloon Fiesta Park and on Park and Ride buses:

• Allowed: Sealed plastic containers, blankets, strollers, umbrellas, picnic food and small compact chairs. Coolers and picnic baskets are subject to search prior to loading onto the Park and Ride buses.  
• Not allowed: Pets, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, weapons, fireworks, and open containers. You also cannot bring grills, camp stoves and other cooking devices, or pop-up tents.

Freedom 4th is free to the public. This is a rain or shine event. Visit https://bit.ly/3xAnlOw for more details and a full list of permitted and prohibited items.