“Low Rider” Legends Cruise Into ABQ for Freedom 4th

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture invites the community to Balloon Fiesta Park on Friday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m. for Freedom 4^th, one of the city’s largest and most anticipated annual celebrations. This free family-friendly event brings people together for an evening of live music, local food, fun activities, and New Mexico’s most dazzling fireworks display. This year’s celebration is headlined by iconic funk and soul group WAR.

The Freedom 4th stage will feature local groups The Kickback Counselors and Tripple-X Band ahead of the Fourth of July ceremony at 7:30 p.m., followed by WAR taking the stage at 7:45 p.m., all leading up to the spectacular fireworks finale.

“There are so many milestones to celebrate this year, like the Route 66 Centennial and America’s 250^th birthday,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Fittingly then, this should be an extra great Freedom 4^th.”

WAR has several widely recognized songs, but “Low Rider” is generally considered their best known. Other hits include “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “The Cisco Kid.” The influential Long Beach-formed group rose to global prominence and went on to define a genre-blending sound that fuses R&B, rock, Latin, jazz, and blues. Their landmark 1973 album The World Is a Ghetto topped the charts and helped drive a career-spanning decade, with more than 20 gold, platinum, and multiplatinum releases. Now led by co-founding member Lonnie Jordan, the band continues to tour and celebrate its enduring legacy.

Families will find plenty to explore throughout the day. A dedicated kids’ area offers free inflatables, rock climbing, face painting, and more. Food vendors from throughout Albuquerque will serve up local favorites like green chile cheeseburgers, roasted corn, and refreshing treats. And adults with valid IDs can unwind in The Cantina with beer, wine, and cocktails from local breweries and distilleries.

Parking at Balloon Fiesta Park is $10 per vehicle.

Two Park & Ride locations will provide free bus service to and from the event. On the Westside, parking is available at the Northwest Transit Center. On the Eastside, guests can park at Coronado Center west of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Bus service to the event begins at 3 p.m. and runs through 7:30 p.m., with return service starting immediately after the fireworks conclude.

Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of a free bike valet provided by the Esperanza Bicycle Education Center.

Sponsored by iHeart Radio, Freedom 4^th is a rain or shine event. Please leave pets at home due to the fireworks. Fore more info: https://tinyurl.com/yw84mrby