Fireworks at Ballon Fiesta Park

Will also be meeting at Geckos Bar and Grill on Academy about 3pm and then figuring out ride arrangements and heading to BF park around 430pm.

Every July 4th, the City of Albuquerque puts on what can only be described as an amazing fireworks display. This year, as in years past, the 4th of July Fireworks display, Freedom Fourth, will take place at Balloon Fiesta Park. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. and the event runs from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Besides the fireworks, there are lots of other reasons to love this family friendly activity. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge, and everyone else pays just $2 to get on the field. That’s affordable. And while there, there are food vendors, a beer garden and lots of kid friendly activities, from face painting to inflatable jumpers to a rock climbing wall. And if buying food at the event isn’t within your budget, take your own picnic basket and a blanket, and enjoy the green grass of the park.

This year’s musical lineup starts with the southwestern sounds of South by Southwest at 4:30, followed by the Cuban street music of Savor at 6:00 p.m. The evening’s music ends with the Blues Brothers Review at 7:30. When the music stops, the fireworks begin, set to a musical score. The special aerial effects are always a delight.

Fireworks Display

Following this fabulous musical line-up, at approximately 9:30 pm, fireworks will illuminate the Albuquerque sky with a variety of unique aerial effects, all choreographed to a festive musical score, creating the ultimate spectator experience. Fireworks are subject to weather conditions.

Getting There

Will also be meeting at Geckos Bar and Grill on Academy about 3pm and then figuring out ride arrangements and heading to BF park around 430pm.

There are several ways to get to Freedom Fourth. Free parking is available at Balloon Fiesta Park, but the lines won’t be quick. Get to the park from Alameda and Balloon Museum Drive if coming from the south. Coming from the north, access the park from the I-25 Frontage Road and Balloon Fiesta Parkway.

ABQ Ride offers free rides to two locations. On the west side, park at St. Pius High School at Coors near Ladera. On the east side, park at the northwest corner of Coronado Center. Park and Ride to the Balloon Park runs between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and return trips run until 11:00 p.m.

Those who take Park and Ride will pay their admission fees before boarding the bus. Tickets are checked at the park entry.

What to Bring – And What Not to Bring

The City of Albuquerque has a list of what is not allowed at the event or on the Park and Ride buses. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, glass containers, drug paraphernalia, weapons, fireworks, or open containers. No pets are allowed.

The city does allow coolers and picnic baskets, but they will be searched at the park entry gates and before loading at Park and Ride bus locations. Blankets, umbrellas and sealed plastic containers are also allowed, but umbrellas will be restricted to certain park areas so view of others will not be blocked. Pop up tents are allowed in the park but not on the buses.

ATM machines will be on site. This is a rain or shine event.

http://www.cabq.gov/c...