When you think about the 4th of July, I bet the things that come to mind are fireworks, flag décor, parades, and BBQ. That pretty much sums it up here in the Land of Enchantment, with a few oddities thrown in. While some people like to kick back with a brew and BBQ in their own yard, others like to celebrate the red, white, and blue with a healthy dose of community spirit. Here are a number of ways to celebrate our nation’s biggest blowout throughout northern New Mexico.
Albuquerque
Freedom Fourth
The big celebration is at Balloon Fiesta Park with the largest fireworks show in the state, local brews in the Microbrew Garden, and free activities for kids. This year’s national headliner is the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band—the iconic country-rock and American-root band. The event is free but parking at Balloon Fiesta Park is $10 per car (cash!).
Isotopes Game and Fireworks
Watch Isotopes play the Las Vegas Aviators (game starts at 6:30 p.m.) and then stay for the fireworks display.
Las Vegas
Fiestas de Las Vegas
July 4 kicks off the Fiestas de Las Vegas (July 4-7). Now in its 131st year, Fiestas showcases great entertainment and is a way to connect with family and friends while appreciating local culture.
Music at Historic Plaza Park
Enjoy a full roster of music in the Historic Plaza Park from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fireworks
Come out for the show at New Mexico Highlands University.
Bennett’s Amusement Carnival
Another fun open is to enjoy the carnies on July 4 at the West Las Vegas Parking Lot.
Los Lunas
July 4 Parade
Annual 4th of July parade at 9 a.m. at Lambros Loop.
July 4 Festival
Free live entertainment, food, and activities for the whole family start at 4 p.m. at Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park. The music line-up includes local favorite Nosotros. Fireworks at dusk.
Red River
July 4 Parade and Celebration
A classic celebration—with a parade starting at 10 a.m., picnic, and live music at Brandenburg Park. The annual Egg Toss and other family-friendly games will be on the lawn of the Red River Community House.
Rio Rancho
July 4 Parade and Ceremony at City Hall
A parade and music to honor the country—marching bands, floats, and more.
Bike Decorating Contest
This annual tradition has participants decorating their bikes in vibrant colors, themes, and unique décor. Prizes are given for best decorated, most patriotic, and most original. Judging takes place where the parade line-up takes place.
Four Miles on the 4th Run
Here’s a really healthy way to get your heart pumping. This runs takes place at 7:30 a.m. at the Mariposa Basin Park.
Fourth of July Extravaganza
Enjoy fireworks at Loma Colorado Park. Food vendors on site; blankets and coolers permitted.
One of my favorite 4th of July memories is spending the day with my family at the Isotopes Baseball Park. Food, fun, baseball, and fireworks! –S. Hosford, Rio Rancho resident
Santa Fe
Pancakes on the Plaza
When locals in Santa Fe think of July 4th, they think Pancakes on the Plaza. The Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser features pancakes (natch), groovy cars, and toe-tapping music. This year marks the 44th year of this unique way to celebrate our nation’s independence and make a difference to people in need. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 day of the event. Get your tickets at the St. Michael’s State ECU branch.
Fireworks at Santa Fe Place Mall
This year the city’s annual fireworks display funded by Kiwanis will take place in a space adjacent to the Santa Fe Place Mall. In addition to fireworks, there will be live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and more. The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. and fireworks will launch at approximately 9:30 p.m.
We always camp at Carson National Forest. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors. We bring volleyball nets and fish for rainbow trout. Then we cook them over an open fire and also make s’mores. The kids always have a great time—it’s awesome! –F. Nawrocki, Santa Fe resident
Taos
Arroyo Seco Parade
This annual parade draws thousands and is an eclectic show at this hamlet outside of Taos.
Taos Ski Valley
After the Seco parade, head up the mountain for some awesome tunes, dining, and duck races? Yup the 19th Annual Rubber Duck Races will take place around 2:30 p.m. in support of Field Institute of Taos scholarships.
Free July 4th Concert at Kit Carson Park
We can hardly believe that there will be a FREE Fourth of July concert featuring War and Ozomatli at Kit Carson Park. Register online or call Hold My Ticket at 505-886-1251.
Patriotic Playlist
Need some ideas for the perfect July 4 playlist? According to sources such as Billboard, Spotify, YouTube, etc., these are some popular ones, year after year.
All American Girl-Carrie Underwood
America – Neil Diamond
American the Beautiful – Ray Charles
American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
American Woman-Lenny Kravitz
Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue and Made in America – Toby Kieth
Firework-Katy Perry
Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
Pink Houses – John Mellencamp
Sweet Home Alabama-Lynrd Skynyrd