Things to do in Albuquerque for 4th of July
“There’s more to do in ABQ,” especially this 4th of July!
Here’s what happening in Albuquerque during the 4th of July! From firework shows to great music and amazing BBQ, ABQtodo has got you covered! Here we go…
Freedom 4th
Albuquerque’s Freedom 4th returns to Balloon Fiesta Park with a big celebration of our nation’s birthday. With gates opening at 3 p.m. the grounds will soon fill with thousands ready to celebrate and share time with family and friends.
The entertainment lineup is impressive, with country band Lonestar performing hits that will have the crowd on their feet and cheering. Recognized for merging country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, the band has amassed AIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million albums since their national launch in 1995.
Their ten No. 1 country hits that include “No News”, “Come Crying To Me”, and crossover smash hit “Amazed” (which also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100), have made them a name in the world of country music. Awards and accolades continue to rack up as the band enters their third decade together.
Lonestar takes the stage at 7:45 p.m. and will hit their last licks at 9:15 p.m., followed by New Mexico’s largest July 4th fireworks show.
Entertainment
3 – 4:15 p.m. Impression, led by founder Louis Gallegos, specializes in polka music and hs won numerous awards, including the “KANW Peoples’ Choice Award.” The band plays in various locations around New Mexico and Colorado.
4:30 – 5:45 p.m. Kyle Martin, the “original Rock ‘n Roll Cowboy,” will bring a combination of ‘two-steppin’ music” and “old time rock and roll”-a sub-genre called “Westrock”-that never fails to get audiences excited. He defines his music as “highly amplified western-themed honkytonk-style music played in a hard rock format with a heavy beat.” Don’t miss this one!
6:15 – 7:15 p.m. The rockin’ hillbilly band Cowboys & Indian will bring high energy that involves “twangs, bops, scoots, or boots” to be one of the most entertaining groups around. Cowboys Jeff Cooper on drums and Matthew Ezzard on bass, with Indian, lead guitarist and vocalist Gerone Fragua, never fail to get the crowd going.
7:30 p.m. A patriotic ceremony, featuring the Albuquerque Boy Choir singing the National Anthem, will focus the celebration on the birth of our nation before Lonestar takes the stage.
7:45 – 9:15 p.m. Lonestar
Activities & Refreshments
In addition to the great music lineup, there will be more than 30 different food vendors offering the widest possible selection of delectable treats that range from burgers and barbecue, to shaved ice and ice cream, with many stops in between. Thirsty? Visit the Microbrew Garden where no fewer than 14 breweries, wineries and distilleries will offer up their best.
Younger family members can experience fun activities such as face painting, Knockerball, inflatables, climbing walls, all free of charge.
Take some time to cruise by the Car Show at Freedom 4th. This giant show will have it all from, muscle cars, hot rods, classics and more.
Firecracker Café
For those who want a special treat, check out the popular Firecracker Café, offering a respite from the crowds and heat as well as other benefits that include:
– A comfortable hospitality tent with private indoor restrooms, plenty of shade, a great view of the stage, and premier concert video and sound.
– A catered meal by Taste of the Wild Catering, featuring a buffet with Carved Achiote Rubbed Tri-tip, pulled-to-order BBQ pork sandwiches, BBQ Mushroom Medley, duck-fat roasted red potato salad with bacon, grilled corn-on-the-cob with fixings, and fresh watermelon. For dessert: Bomb Pops and ice cream sandwiches. Nonalcoholic drinks are included. Local beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.
– An exclusive access road to avoid traffic, and a pass for exclusive close-in parking.
– An access pass to the premier front row Main Stage viewing area and a great view of the Fireworks Show.
Tickets for the Firecracker Café are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 – 12; children 3 and under are free. Purchase tickets at http://holdmyticket.com/event/247603.
Admission & Transportation
Admission to Freedom 4th is free. This is a rain or shine event.
Balloon Fiesta Park can be accessed off of the southbound Frontage Road to Balloon Fiesta Parkway. but there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle.
A good alternative to driving is Park & Ride from either Cottonwood Mall or Coronado Mall. Service to Balloon Fiesta Park begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m., with return trips to the malls running from 8 – 11 p.m. Fares are very reasonable at $1 for adults, $.35 for seniors, handicapped persons and students 10 – 18, and free for kids 9 and under. Cash only and exact change, please. Bus passes will not be honored.
Skip motorized transportation completely and ride your bike to the event, where a complimentaryBike Valet provided by Esperanza Bike Shop will offer the peace of mind of knowing your wheels will be safe while you enjoy all that Freedom 4th offers.
Please join us on July 4th for the celebration of the 240th birthday of the United States of America. We hope to see you there.
More info: Freedom 4th
Freedom Celebration 2016
Join Calvary Albuquerque for our Freedom Celebration 2016 on Saturday, July 2, at 4 pm at Isotopes Park. As Americans, we have so many freedoms to be thankful for; as believers, we are thankful for the greatest freedom of all: freedom from sin and death.
Join us for an evening of free music, fireworks, and soft toys for the kids. Come early and grab some dinner from a variety of food concession stands, including Funnel Cakes of New Mexico, Hatch Chile Shack, Dion’s Pizza, and Donut Mart. Let the kids go wild on the inflatable bounce houses, Topes Tower, and a carousel! Then get the celebration started with Calvary’s ownBattledrums, followed by a high-energy show from Canadian rock band Hawk Nelson. Then sit back and hear a special message from Pastor Skip Heitzig about how to seize real freedom. The evening will culminate with a rocking performance by alternative rock duo for KING & COUNTRYand a dynamic fireworks display.
This will be an event for the entire family you won’t want to miss! For more information, visit freedomabq.org. Invite everyone; bring someone!
Gates Open, Inflatable Bounce Houses, and Concessions Stands at 4:00pm
Join us early and bring the family! Enjoy the summer evening and grab some dinner from a variety of food concessions stands including Funnel Cakes of New Mexico, Hatch Chile Shack, Dion’s Pizza, and Donut Mart. Visit with family and friends and let the kids go wild on the inflatable bounce houses, Topes Tower, and carousel*!
Battledrums at 6:00pm
Battledrums will get the celebration started with upbeat anthems of freedom and victory.
Hawk Nelson at 6:30pm
Canadian rock band Hawk Nelson will continue our celebration with kinetic, driving songs.
Message by Skip Heitzig at 7:25pm
Skip Heitzig will share how you can seize real freedom.
for KING & COUNTRY and FIREWORKS! at 8:50pm
The evening will culminate with a rocking show by for KING & COUNTRY and a dynamic fireworks display!
The 13th Annual Pork & Brew
The 13th Annual Pork & Brew and New Mexico BBQ State Championship will return to the Santa Ana Star Center July 2nd – 4th. Bringing together the best BBQ vendors from around the region, this three-day festival featuring BBQ, local beer, live music and interactive family activities will be one of the biggest events of the summer. Returning to the event will be Galloping Grace Youth Ranch, showcasing a petting zoo and pig races throughout the weekend.
More info: Pork & Brew
Albuquerque Isotopes!
Your Albuquerque Isotopes take on the El Paso at Isotopes Park! with a Firework show to follow!
more info: Isotopes 4th of July!
Red, White & Balloons
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Balloon Museum with fun for the whole family! Lawn & Inside Activities
Avoid the crowds! Exclusive experience with a limited number of tickets available.
Get your toes tapping to the patriotic tunes of the Albuquerque Concert Band.
Bring a picnic** or enjoy traditional Independence Day favorites. Food available for sale.
Indulge in an exclusive meal at our reserved “Stars-N-Stripes Dinner”. Tasty 4th of July fare by The Cooperage included with Reserve Ticket.
Prepare to be awed by the Best View of the Fiesta Field Fireworks Show.
Event Schedule:
4 p.m.: Parking opens
5 p.m.: Gates open for activities and food/beverage purchases
6 – 7 p.m.: Albuquerque Concert Band performs
7 – 9 p.m.: Lawn activities continue
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Stars-N-Stripes Reserved Ticket Dinner in our VIP upstairs viewing gallery
9 p.m.: Fireworks
More info: A Star Spangled 4th of July Celebration
Have a fun & safe 4th of July from ABQtodo!
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