Albuquerque's Freedom 4th returns to Balloon Fiesta Park with a big celebration of our nation's birthday. With gates opening at 3pm the grounds will soon fill with thousands ready to celebrate and share time with family and friends.

The entertainment lineup is impressive, with country band Lonestar performing hits that will have the crowd on their feet and cheering. Recognized for merging country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, the band has amassed AIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million albums since their national launch in 1995.

Their ten No. 1 country hits that include "No News", "Come Crying To Me", and crossover smash hit "Amazed" (which also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100), have made them a name in the world of country music. Awards and accolades continue to rack up as the band enters their third decade together.

Lonestar takes the stage at 7:45pm and will hit their last licks at 9:15pm, followed by New Mexico's largest July 4th fireworks show.

Entertainment
3-4:15pm Impression, led by founder Louis Gallegos, specializes in polka music and hs won numerous awards, including the "KANW Peoples' Choice Award." The band plays in various locations around New Mexico and Colorado.

4:30-5:45pm Kyle Martin, the "original Rock 'n Roll Cowboy," will bring a combination of 'two-steppin' music" and "old time rock and roll"-a sub-genre called "Westrock"-that never fails to get audiences excited. He defines his music as "highly amplified western-themed honkytonk-style

6:15-7:15pm The rockin' hillbilly band Cowboys & Indian will bring high energy that involves "twangs, bops, scoots, or boots" to be one of the most entertaining groups around. Cowboys Jeff Cooper on drums and Matthew Ezzard on bass, with Indian, lead guitarist and vocalist Gerone Fragua, never fail to get the crowd going.

7:30pm A patriotic ceremony, featuring the Albuquerque Boy Choir singing the National Anthem, will focus the celebration on the birth of our nation before Lonestar takes the stage.

7:45-9:15pm Lonestar

Activities & Refreshments
In addition to the great music lineup, there will be more than 30 different food vendors offering the widest possible selection of delectable treats that range from burgers and barbecue, to shaved ice and ice cream, with many stops in between. Thirsty? Visit the Microbrew Garden where no fewer than 14 breweries, wineries and distilleries will offer up their best.

Younger family members can experience fun activities such as face painting, Knockerball, inflatables, climbing walls, all free of charge.

Take some time to cruise by the Car Show at Freedom 4th. This giant show will have it all from, muscle cars, hot rods, classics and more.

Firecracker Café
For those who want a special treat, check out the popular Firecracker Café, offering a respite from the crowds and heat as well as other benefits that include:

-A comfortable hospitality tent with private indoor restrooms, plenty of shade, a great view of the stage, and premier concert video and sound.

-A catered meal by Taste of the Wild Catering, featuring a buffet with Carved Achiote Rubbed Tri-tip, pulled-to-order BBQ pork sandwiches, BBQ Mushroom Medley, duck-fat roasted red potato salad with bacon, grilled corn-on-the-cob with fixings, and fresh watermelon. For dessert: Bomb Pops and ice cream sandwiches. Nonalcoholic drinks are included. Local beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.

-An exclusive access road to avoid traffic, and a pass for exclusive close-in parking.

-An access pass to the premier front row Main Stage viewing area and a great view of the Fireworks Show.

Tickets for the Firecracker Café are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-12; children 3 and under are free. Purchase tickets at holdmyticket.com/event/247603.

Admission to Freedom 4th is free. This is a rain or shine event.

Balloon Fiesta Park can be accessed off of the southbound Frontage Road to Balloon Fiesta Parkway. but there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle.

A good alternative to driving is Park & Ride from either Cottonwood Mall or Coronado Mall. Service to Balloon Fiesta Park begins at 3pm and runs until 8pm, with return trips to the malls running from 8-11pm. Fares are very reasonable at $1 for adults, $.35 for seniors, handicapped persons and students 10-18, and free for kids 9 and under. Cash only and exact change, please. Bus passes will not be honored.

Skip motorized transportation completely and ride your bike to the event, where a complimentary Bike Valet provided by Esperanza Bike Shop will offer the peace of mind of knowing your wheels will be safe while you enjoy all that Freedom 4th offers.

Please join us on July 4th for the celebration of the 240th birthday of the United States of America. We hope to see you there.

Billed as "A Star-Spangled 4th of July Celebration," the Red, White and Balloons event will be a great way to spend July 4th with family and friends. From 5-10pm both outdoor and indoor events offer the opportunity to enjoy live music, share a family picnic or a catered dinner inside the museum, and-the grand finale-New Mexico's largest Fireworks show!

Imagine being on the rolling lawn of the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, acknowledged as one of the best view of the Sandia Mountains around, as you listen to an hour-long concert of patriotic music performed by the Albuquerque Concert Band. There will be fun for all ages with a variety of activities during the evening, listening to music from the Freedom 4th celebration at Balloon Fiesta Park, and then, to cap off the evening, fireworks! Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics (no alcohol or glass), or you can purchase food and beverages from on-site vendors.

Weather permitting, at dusk the Balloon Museum will host an exclusive Balloon Glow to enhance the festivities.

If you are more the indoor type, choose the Stars-N-Stripes dinner in the cool comfort of the Museum. Catered by The Cooperage, the meal will be holiday-themed and truly delicious! View the fireworks from the gallery and enjoy an evening celebrating the 240th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

Tickets for the indoor dinner and gallery viewing are $25 per person. Tickets for lawn seating are $10 for adults (12+) and FREE for those under age 12. You may reserve an outdoor table for the evening for an additional $10.

Tickets for both indoor and outdoor options are available Tuesday through Sunday from 9am-5pm at the Balloon Museum Shoppe, or you may order online at balloonmuseum.com. Space is limited, so get your tickets now!