Freedom Fourth

Join us on Thursday, July Fourth, to celebrate our Nation's Independence.

Enjoy live music, family entertainment, food vendors, and much more.

Food & Beverages

Enjoy the comfort of the Firecracker Cafe with preferred seating, food and beverage.

See cafe menu.

Entertainment

The main stage features local musicians throughout the day featuring national country star John Michael Montgomery, followed by one of the state's largest fireworks displays.

Other activities to include:

• A car show
• Free children's activities
• Food vendors
• A local beer garden.

Admission

This event is free to the public. This is a rain or shine event.

Parking

Parking prices:

• At the event - $10
• Handicap parking - $10
• Park & Ride - $1

Park & Ride service inbound to the Park begins at 3 p.m. and will continue until 8 p.m.

After 8 p.m., limited outbound service to the two Park and Ride locations begins.

The bulk of the return trips to the two Park and Ride locations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks show, with the last bus leaving the park at 11 p.m.

View more Park & Ride information.

Car Show is Closed

Due to the overwhelming response we have had from participants, we are no longer accepting cars to be part of the show.

Performers

Enjoy these musical performers at Freedom Fourth.

John Michael Montgomery

John Michael Montgomery has turned an uncanny ability to relate to fans into one of country music's most storied careers.

Behind the string of hit records, the roomful of awards and the critical and fan accolades that have defined his phenomenal success lies a connection that goes beyond his undeniable talent and his proven knack for picking hits. Since the days when "Life's A Dance" turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, John Michael’s rich baritone has carried that most important of assets--believability.

It is readily apparent in love songs that have helped set the standard for a generation. Songs like "I Swear," "I Love the Way You Love Me," and "I Can Love You Like That" still resonate across the landscape. Pop icon and country newcomer Jessica Simpson cited "I Love The Way You Love Me" as an influence in a recent interview.

Even in the pure fun that has always found its way into John Michael's repertoire--songs like "Be My Baby Tonight" and "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)," where John Michael's vocal earnestness takes musical whimsy to another level.

Read more about John Michael Montgomery

Summer XO

Who is Summer XO? Summer XO is a girl. A girl who writes songs, then sings them while playing guitar and keyboard.

It's not rocket science. But it is authentic. In the indie-pop style of Feist, Fiona Apple, and Regina Spektor, the music is clear-voiced with an inevitable lyrical twist.

When people ask what she sounds like, she usually says, "A girl." Her songs embody all the vulnerability, complexity, and strength of the female element.

Summer is also a visual artist. Her poster-size pastel paintings depict abstract female faces in a pop art style. New paintings are added for sale on her website each month.

Bartender 4 Mayor

Just the mention of Merle Haggard and the boys of Bartender 4 Mayor might doff their trucker caps and get a little misty-eyed.

These five good-ole boys are pure classic country with a shot of redneck rock. They can swing into modern country straight from the radio, move you with some of their original numbers and then kick into party gear with a little Jimmy Buffett.

Based in Albuquerque, they've spent way more time with bartenders than with mayors. But what's that band name mean? Buy 'em a beer and sit back for a while. It's a long story.

Burnin' Bridges Band

We offer up high quality, fun and danceable Classic Rock from 60's to current, pop, variety and 80's music.

We have been featured many times on the morning show with Erika Viking, Coyote 102.5, performed in all the casinos in town, and have worked with just about every music venue in town.

Ida Huber Mitchell - National Anthem Singer

Soprano Ida Huber Mitchell won over critics in Europe and America alike. Critics in France said of her Violetta in "La Traviata:"

"From the passion and polish with which she 'lived' her role, she recalls the fire which animated Maria Callas. A warm voice, providing an infinite variety of tone breathed straight from the heart."

In the United States, singing Queen of the Night in "The Magic Flute," "Huber (Mitchell) is brilliant."

Cultural Stage

This year's second stage will become the Freedom Fourth Cultural Stage, featuring all of the wonderful and diverse cultures that make America and Albuquerque great.

Cultural Stage Schedule

• 4-4:30 Japanese Folk Dancing Group
• 4:45-5:15 Sadaqah
• 5:30-6 Tahitian Dancers
• 6:15-6:45 Coleman Academy of Irish Dance
• 7-8 National Institute of Flamenco

Microbrew Garden

Enjoy the taste of Made in Albuquerque beer.

Local microbreweries La Cumbre, Broken Bottle Brewery, Bosque Brewing, and Il Vicino will be onsite to quench your patriotic thirst.

Firecracker Cafe

Enjoy premium seating with great views of the Mainstage and the Fireworks. Enjoy a fabulously prepared meal by our friends at A Taste of the Wild Catering. Beer will be available to purchase from Broken Bottle Brewery.

Please note, exit from the Firecracker Cafe parking lot will be restricted from the beginning of Fireworks show until cleared by the Fire Marshal's Office.

Cafe Tickets

Your ticket also comes with a dedicated entrance and exit from the park and premier parking spots.

Tickets available at the Balloon Fiesta Offices, 4401 Alameda NE, $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under, or at Hold my Ticket.com.

Cafe Menu

• Pork Ribs with Brown Sugar and Cayenne Pepper Seasoning
• Large BBQ Chicken Legs
• Corn on the Cob
• Tomato Caprese Salad
• Watermelon Caprese Salad
• Mixed Green Salad
• Roasted Red Potato Salad

Dessert

• S'mores Bar
• Melon Slices

Drinks

• Water and Soda's included with tickets
• Beer available for purchase from local micro-brewery.

RV Parking

RV Parking is also available for the event. Register for RV parking.

Prohibited Items

The following items are banned at Freedom Fourth:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass containers of any kind
• Drug paraphernalia
• Weapons
• Pets
• Fireworks

Permitted Items

The following items are allowed at Freedom Fourth:

• Chairs and blankets
• Service animals
• Umbrellas
• Tents or canopies (must be staked to the ground)
• Coolers, which will be searched upon entry
• StrollersSponsors

Thank you to our sponsors:

• KKOB-AM
• KOB-FM
• 99.5 Magic-FM
• 103.3 eD-FM
• It's All About Satellites
• U.S. Marine Corps
• Fiat of Albuquerque