Seasons of Nonviolence Drive-In Movie Night Draws Over 1,600 Attendees
Event offered connection to services, free food, fun activities for families.
More than 1,600 community members gathered at Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday evening for a special drive-in screening of Free Birds, marking another successful event in the Seasons of Nonviolence series.
Hosted by the Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS) in partnership with Bernalillo County, the evening brought families together for a safe, fun, and free community experience, complete with movie entertainment, music, outreach resources, and a food drive.
The event was made possible through the support of several key partners:
- Albuquerque Police Department, for assisting with event staffing and safety
- City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, for providing staff and facility support for Balloon Fiesta Park
- 99.9, for offering DJ services and equipment
- Food trucks Zia Strong, A+ Creperie, and Rollin Hot, for bringing local flavor to attendees
Event staff also collected non-perishable items to distribute to families in need this holiday season, reinforcing the event’s spirit of community care.
Throughout the night, ACS engaged families with information on behavioral health resources, violence intervention programs, and youth outreach services—fulfilling the department’s mission to connect residents with compassionate, trauma-informed assistance.
“Events like this show what happens when we create free, welcoming spaces for families to come together,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These gatherings not only bring joy to our community, but also open doors for outreach and connection to the vital services provided by ACS.”
“The success of these events reflects the strong partnership between the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa. “Together, we’re providing safe, uplifting opportunities for families to enjoy time together and feel supported by their community.”
“ACS is proud to lead this effort,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “When families show up in such large numbers, it tells us these events matter. We’re building connection, trust, and community—one event at a time.”
The Seasons of Nonviolence campaign continues throughout the year with more events and outreach opportunities focused on promoting nonviolence, connection, and community well-being.