4th of July Events in the Albuquerque, NM Metro Area

This year, cap off your 4th of July by attending one of the Albuquerque area's festive events.

The city's annual Freedom Fourth at Balloon Fiesta Park, located north of Alameda between Edith and Jefferson, will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Admission is $1 per person, but parking is free. Those attending the event may also take advantage of free Park & Ride service. Up until 8 p.m., buses will depart from St. Joseph's and Coors on the west side, and from Coronado Center in the northeast heights. The event will feature a wide variety of fireworks choreographed to patriotic music, food vendors, a beer garden, and live entertainment. The contemporary Polka band Brave Combo is scheduled to perform at 4:30 p.m. Redline 7000 will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Blood, Sweat and Tears at 8 p.m. Families can enjoy free activities that include multiple inflatable jumpers, face painting, a climbing wall, juggling, and more. For more information, visit the City of Albuquerque's Web site: http://www.cabq.gov/crs/FreedomFourth.html.

Another fun way to spend this 4th of July is to visit Albuquerque's Isotopes Park. After all, what's more American than baseball? The Isotopes host the New Orleans Zephyrs at 7:05 p.m. The game will open with the Red, White, & Blue Jersey Auction and will conclude with a fireworks display. If you can't make it to the game on the 4th, the Isotopes will face off with the Zephyrs again on July 5th at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks will follow that game as well. Ticket information is available at albuquerquebaseball.com.

The City of Rio Rancho, just a few minutes northwest of Albuquerque, is hosting its annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. The parade, which begins at Country Club Drive and finishes at the Veterans Monument Park off Southern Blvd., will feature creative floats, clowns, classic cars, and marching bands. For more information, or for parade registration, please call Mike Weinbrecht at 505-891-7230. Rio Rancho will also have what it calls "the state's largest and best fireworks show" at Loma Colorado Park as soon as the sun goes down. Those who'd like to view the show from the park must pay to park at Rio Rancho High School.

In the past, the Downs at Albuquerque, Sandia Casino, Kirtland Air Force Base and Tanoan Country Club have also offered Independence Day fireworks displays, so you may want to check with them also as the date gets closer.

Most importantly, be safe and have fun as we celebrate our country's birthday together!