Albuquerque’s ‘Freedom 4th’ returns to Balloon Fiesta Park

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – The largest Fourth of July event in Albuquerque welcomed back in-person crowds at Balloon Fiesta Park Monday. The city’s Freedom 4th celebration returned to its pre-pandemic glory.

Gates opened at 3 p.m Monday afternoon and the crowd started pouring in.

For the last two years the City of Albuquerque has been putting on smaller fireworks shows spread out around town due to COVID-19. While those shows filled the need for fireworks, it just didn’t have the same hoopla as the Freedom 4th celebration.

Families brought in their lawn chair blankets and coolers to stake out a spot on the field all anxiously waiting for the same thing.

“Honestly I just came for the fireworks and to hang with this guy,” said Mike Rohbenn. 

While entrance to the Freedom 4th event is free people still have to pay for parking. 

Officials say the lots are filling up fast at the park, and they suggest grabbing the Park & Ride that shuttles folks in from both Coronado and Cottonwood mall. Those shuttles will be bringing folks to the park until 7:30 p.m. so if you are still thinking of heading out here you still have time to catch a ride.

Fireworks are set to start going off around 9 p.m.

Watch the video above to see more Fourth of July celebrations.