Freedom 4th
Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 3-10 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park
Join the City of Albuquerque and bring the family to Balloon Fiesta Park to celebrate our country's Independence Day. The brightest firework show in the state following a concert with local bands and national headliner Michael Ray. Gates open at 3 p.m. for this free event.
National Headliner
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. Looking to expand his sound, Ray sought out CMA Album of the Year Award-winning producer Michael Knox. The pair have taken his brand of country to a new level for Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, Ray’s six-song EP available now via Warner Music Nashville, featuring current single and haunting duet “Spirits and Demons” with Meghan Patrick, a two-time Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year. Currently on the road headlining shows through the summer, he’s taking his music where it matters: to the people.
Entertainment Schedule
- 4 p.m.- DeNankius (Variety)
- 5:15 p.m.- Second 2 Last (Variety)
- 6:30 p.m.- The Memphis P Tails (Blues/ Funk)
- 7:30 p.m.- 4th of July Ceremony
- 7:45p.m.- Michael Ray
- 9:15 p.m.- Fireworks
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. 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.
Applications to participate as a food vendor at the 2024 Freedom 4th celebration are linked here.
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.
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 and the South Parking Lot. For closer access to the field, 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 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. 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 p.m.
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 busses.
Getting There By Rideshare
Drivers can drop-off/pick-up passengers in the San Carlos Cemetery parking lot. Access the Cemetery eastbound on Alameda Blvd.
Event-goers can then take a free shuttle to the event area. Parking is not available in this lot, please abide by all traffic direction.
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
Let's get social!
Enjoy this City tradition and stay up-to-date on the latest event news.
