Tomorrow is Independence Day! If you need some ideas for how to celebrate, check out the list of events below to make your 4th of July spectacular!
Put on your party hat and get out the sparklers; the Fourth of July is here. No other holiday brings so many people together to look up and enjoy what's in the sky. Find out where to see fireworks, and whether or not there's a parade near you (there probably is). If you're so inclined, you might even want to participate in that All-American pastime, and take in a baseball game. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your Fourth!
Updated for 2013
Tipsy Tow Service: Stay Safe
AAA New Mexico will be available for 30 hours over the holiday, to ensure only sober drivers are on the road. The free program will be available from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 through midnight, Thursday, July 4. Call 1-800-222-4357 or 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free tow home for up to 10 miles. Tell AAA operators "I need a Tipsy Tow" and get a ride home along with your towed car. Restrictions apply.
If you've never been to one of the big fireworks events before, you might want to consider some advance preparation. Be sure to take a blanket(s) for a picnic spot, or umbrellas, water bottles, sunscreen, and hat. If you're on a budget, take your own dinner in a cooler. Get there early to avoid the lines, and if you have kids, get there early so they have time to enjoy the jumping structures and climbing wall. There are a lot of activities for the kids at these events, so get out before dinner when the crowds are thinner and the kids won't have to wait in long lines. If you have young ones, take a stroller or a wagon. And whatever you do, don't forget the camera!
Fireworks Displays
Casino Hollywood Fireworks Display
San Felipe Casino Hollywood features a free fireworks display on July 3.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Get out to Isotopes Park for the all American game of baseball. The Isotopes play the Iowa Cubs, with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the game starting at 6:05 p.m. on July 4. And after the game is over, stay to enjoy the fireworks display. If you don't want to face the crowds of the big fireworks event, Freedom Fourth, then this is a great alternative. Hurry, though, for the 4th event, as tickets sell fast! There will also be fireworks after the game on July 5 and 6.
Freedom Fourth
The annual celebration at the Balloon Fiesta field, Freedom Fourth, celebrates the day and ends with fireworks. Find out more.
Los Lunas Fireworks
Free entertainment begins at 4 p.m. at Daniel Fernandez Park, located at 1103 Highway 314. There will be plenty of food sold at the event, or you can bring your own picnic. Fireworks start at dusk. Entertainment includes live music, inflatable jumpers, a home run derby and a men's softball game. Fireworks start at dusk. See the parade at 9 a.m. at the intersection of the "Y" at Main Street and Route 47.
Rio Rancho Fireworks Event
The city of Rio Rancho always puts on a fireworks display for the 4th of July. If you live on the west side and don't want to face the crowds of the Freedom Fourth event put on by the City of Albuquerque, this display is a wonderful alternative.
Go to the Rio Rancho High School football stadium to watch the display. The high school is located at 301 Loma Colorado in Rio Rancho. There will be parking available at the high school, the adjacent Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, Loma Colorado library, and Loma Colorado Park, for $5 per vehicle, with proceeds to benefit the Rio Rancho High School and Sue Cleveland High School booster clubs. Handicapped parking is available. The stadium will open at 6 p.m.
A family friendly movie that will be projected onto a large screen at 8:15 p.m. An intermission will take place at 9 p.m. to watch the fireworks show.
In addition to live music, there will be food available for purchase at the stadium snack bar. There will be plenty of activities for the kids.
The event is alcohol free and subject to weather. Entry to the Fireworks and movie event is free. For more information, call (505) 891-5015.
Santa Fe Fireworks
Several local agencies will put on the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at the Santa Fe Municipal Recreation Center, located at 205 Caja Del Rio Road. The display has been at Santa Fe High School in past years. The event begins at 5 p.m. Live entertainment is by Thieves & Gypsys, Nosotros. Sol Fire, Miriam Hass, Space Hero and the Duo Brothers. There is no tailgating, and no food or drinks. The event is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle.
Socorro Fireworks, Concert and Celebration
The outdoor festival features music, water slides, jumpers, family activities and New Mexico Tech's famous fireworks display. At the Macey Center on the New Mexico Tech campus. It's free and takes place at Macey Center on New Mexico Tech's campus. For 2013, hear Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr., El Gringo, Sauvecito, the Socorro Community Band, The Remedy and Dough Figgs. Clan Tynker will also entertain with juggling and magic.
Go Wild! Benefit Concert at the Zoo
Celebrate 90s pop with Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, and Gin Blossoms. The all ages concert at the Zoo is a benefit for the BioPark Society, which supports the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach. Food will be available for purchase, or bring your picnic. General lawn seasting, so bring blanket and/or lawn chairs. The concert is Wednesday, July 3 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Pancakes on the Plaza
Santa Fe has an annual tradition on July 4 that gives back to the community. The Santa Fe Rotary Club features Pancakes on the Plaza, which brings together communities around Santa Fe to celebrate our nation's birthday while providing proceeds to those in need. Purchase tickets ahead for a discount, or on July 4th at the event. Enjoy plenty of pancakes and give to a good cause. There is also a classic car show, children's activities, a silent auction, ongoing entertainment and an arts and crafts show. Enjoy a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. - noon, on the Plaza.
Moriarty Pancake Breakfast
Moriarty has its annual Lion's Club pancake breakfast, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Lion's Club (yellow building behind the Circle K). It's followed by a parade at 9 a.m. and then events will follow at the park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You'll find fun jumps for the kids and more.
Pork and Brew
Over 50 BBQ competitors from around the U.S. will be competing for the chance to go to the nationals held in Kansas City. Get out and taste some of the best BBQ there is in the parking lot of the Santa Ana Star Center. There will be activities for the kids as well as arts and crafts vendors. Pork and Brew takes place July 5 - 7.
Mountainair Outlaw BBQ and Poker Tournament
Mountainair will celebrate the 4th on July 6 with food, poker prizes, pie and cake contests and more. The poker tournament and bbq benefit Mountainair Public Schools "Battle of the Books."
Santa Fe Wine Festival
The annual festival takes place at El Rancho de las Golondrinas on July 6 and 7. Celebrate New Mexico's wines while enjoying live music, food, traditional agricultural products and arts and crafts for sale.
The Bad Bull Series
If you're in the mood for some cowboy fun, Moriarty will have its Bad Bull Series at the Moriarty Heritage Arena on July 6 and 7, beginning at 1 p.m. You can see roping, bull riding, mutton bustin, cowboy bronc riding, barrel racing and more. Events will have entrants from kids to adults.
