Freedom 4th at Balloon Fiesta Park Honors America’s 250th
City leaders encourage Burqueños to celebrate with professional fireworks and follow holiday safety tips
ALBUQUERQUE – WAR, of “Low Rider” fame, cruises into Balloon Fiesta Park for this year’s Freedom 4th event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. City of Albuquerque officials encourage celebrating safely and responsibly as the holiday weekend approaches and high fire danger exists in the Duke City and statewide.
Even with recent rainfall, Albuquerque is at a high fire danger risk, especially in our shared open spaces. For the safety of our communities, no fires or fireworks are permitted in city parks, open spaces, or the bosque.
“In the 250 years of our experiment in democracy, parks have been one of America’s best ideas, and events like Freedom 4th remind us why,” said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon. “They bring people together to celebrate our community and our country.”
Skip the backyard fireworks and head to Balloon Fiesta Park for Freedom 4th on Saturday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m. This free family-friendly event brings neighbors together for a lively evening of music, local food, kids’ activities, and New Mexico’s most dazzling fireworks display. WAR takes the stage at 8 p.m. following local bands The Kickback Counselors and Tripple-X Band, and the 4th of July ceremony. Fireworks will follow (weather permitting).
People are encouraged to sign up for ABQ Alert to receive real-time event updates and emergency notifications. More details, including parking and Park & Ride information and restrictions, can be found here.
"We’re asking everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and join us at Freedom 4th,” said Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo. "Every Fourth of July our crews respond to preventable fires and emergencies. You can help us keep our neighborhoods and first responders safe by choosing a professional fireworks display like Freedom 4th and using only legal fireworks carefully."
The City reminds the public to call 911 only in the event of an emergency, and to use 311 if reporting illegal fireworks. Those with digital access are encouraged to report illegal fireworks online at cabq.gov/fireworks or on the ABQ311 app.
“America’s 250th is a milestone worth celebrating together,” said COO Matthew Whelan. “And the City has great ways for folks to do that responsibly.”