Freedom 4th
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 3-10 p.m. | Balloon Fiesta Park
Join the City of Albuquerque and bring the family to Balloon Fiesta Park to celebrate our country's Independence Day. The brightest firework show in the state following a concert with local bands and a national headliner Hunter Hayes. Gates open at 3 p.m. for this free event.
National Headliner
Multi-instrumentalist and platinum-selling artist Hunter Hayes is an embodiment of the type of musician that embraces change and strives to rewrite the rules. After debuting on the scene with a platinum-certified album, Hayes has charted his own path, moving from his country roots into the genre-bending world that he was destined for. On his album, Red Sky, the singer-songwriter is executing at the highest level of his musical career: crafting memorable melodies and instantly catchy hooks albeit with a top-notch musician’s discerning ear. His music is both a reflection of his influences, and a product of his prodigious multi-instrumental talents, reflected by the fact that he plays every instrument on his records. The Louisiana native has garnered over 2 billion on-demand global streams since the release of his debut album, along with six gold and platinum-certified singles. In addition to his legendary headlining shows, Hayes has also toured with superstars like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and has headlined sold-out shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With over 50 award nominations and wins, including five GRAMMY© nominations, Hayes is just getting started.
For more information on Hunter Hayes, visit his website.
Entertainment Schedule
4 pm- The Danny Duran Band
5:15 pm- La Ansiedad Norteña
6:30 pm- Michael Moxey and The Easy Sinners
7:30 pm- 4th of July Ceremony
7:45 pm- Hunter Hayes
9:15 pm- Fireworks
Food & Drink
Enjoy Albuquerque's favorite sweet and savory treats from local food vendors. Choose from a variety of delicious food such as grilled burgers, turkey legs, and roasted corn. Stay cool and grab a cold beverage or a snow cone. Dozens of options will be available from Albuquerque businesses like Rex's Hamburgers, Pop Pop's Italian Ice, Platero Fly Bread, Madsen Snowie, CCR Roasting, Saunders Restaurant Group, Hotdogs N More, Quesadas New Mexican Food and Exotic Funnel Cakes, All Around Concessions, TJ's Texas BBQ , Kona Ice of ABQ, Higher Calling Concessions, Alitas LLC, One Stop Chill n Fill, Craft Q, NM Cookies LLC, Bing Tea, Busy Bee Frozen Custard, Chillville LLC, JPZ Concessions, Just Squeezed Juice, and CC's Catering and Concessions.
Visitors can head to The Cantina for a great view of the main stage and grab a beer, wine, or spirit from one of many local establishments including La Cumbre Brewing Co., Safe House Distilling Co., Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Marble Brewery, Left Turn Inc., Hollow Spirits Distillery, Kaktus Brewing Co., Tractor Brewing, Ponderosa Brewing Company, Vara Winery and Distillery, ONE Distillery, Mission Winery, Rolling Still Distillery, Sheehan Winery, and Outpost 1706.
Kids' Activities
There's something for all ages to have the best holiday celebration. Bring the kids for free fun including inflatable jumpers, two climbing walls, and free face painting!
Event Details
For neighbors of Balloon Fiesta Park, please note that neighborhood access passes will not be distributed. All residents in the area will need to pick up their individual passes at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Office or Golf & Event Center at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Admission & Transportation
Freedom 4th is free to the public and is a rain or shine event.
Getting There By Car
Balloon Fiesta Park can be accessed off of the Southbound Frontage Road to Balloon Fiesta Parkway, San Mateo Blvd., or Balloon Museum Drive.
Parking is $10.
Accessible parking is available in the North Parking Lot from Balloon Fiesta Parkway and the South Parking Lot from Balloon Museum Drive. For closer access to the stage, utilize the North Parking Lot spaces.
Park & Ride
Two Park & Ride locations will provide free bus service to and from the celebration. On the Westside, the parking area is at the Northwest Transit Center, at 10401 Ellison NW (at Coors Bypass). The Eastside parking location is at Coronado Center (west of Dick’s Sporting Goods on San Pedro, south of Menaul).
Bus service to the event will start at 3 pm and end at 7:30 pm. Return trips to the two Park & Ride locations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks show. The last bus will leave Balloon Fiesta Park at 11 pm.
There will be security and signage at each Park and Ride location for wayfinding and safety. Security will conduct bag and cooler checks before boarding ABQ RIDE buses.
*Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride buses.
Getting There By Rideshare
Drivers can drop-off/pick-up passengers in the San Carlos Cemetery parking lot. Access the Cemetery eastbound on Alameda Blvd.
Event-goers can then take a free shuttle to the event area. Parking is not available in this lot, please abide by all traffic direction.
Getting There By Bike
Skip traffic on the road, stick to the trails and take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bicycle Education Center. Take the North Diversion Channel Trail to the northeast side of the Balloon Museum or take the North Diversion Channel Trail. Look for the big yellow valet signs.
Permitted Items:
- Chairs
- Service Animals
- Umbrellas
- Tents or Canopies*
- Coolers
- Strollers
*All tents and canopies must be staked down.
*Coolers and bags will be searched upon entry.
*Tents and canopies are not allowed on Park & Ride busses.
Prohibited Items:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Glass
- Drug Paraphernalia/Weapons
- BBQ Grills
- Pets
- Fireworks
- No smoking on City Property
Let's get social!
Enjoy this City tradition and stay up-to-date on the latest event news.
