WORLDS COLLIDE OVER the Fourth of July weekend as the annual Roswell UFO Festival lands on the country’s 250th birthday celebration. But Tommi Jo “TJ” Conyers, the city’s special event supervisor, isn’t expecting any Independence Day fireworks. “It’s a chance to contemplate the history, resilience, and spirit of our country, while also celebrating what makes Roswell unique,” Conyers says. The UFO Festival, which runs July 2–4, features a Walk of Fame ceremony, a drone show, the Alien Chase run, the UFOlogist Invasion, and Roswell Galacticon at the International UFO Museum, plus other out-of-this-world events happening throughout town. (Look for patriotically decorated fire hydrants all over town, painted by community groups and local organizations.) On July 4, the city joins in the Great American Block Party with a celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. at Cielo Grande Recreation Area, featuring a performance by the 44th Army Band, games, crafts, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. “Combining the 250th anniversary with our vibrant UFO culture creates an event that honors both tradition and imagination,” Conyers says.
Stairway to heaven. Throughout the weekend, bands perform on two stages set in the heart of downtown. “The goal is to create a lively atmosphere from start to finish with entertainment that appeals to a wide audience,” Conyers says.
Gray matters. Galacticon, a Comic Con–style event, features alien-themed cosplay, panel discussions, and a variety of vendors throughout the weekend. “Regardless of where people stand on the subject [of aliens], the mystery sparks conversations, creativity, and exploration,” Conyers says.
Show out. More than 100 drones take to the sky on July 2 at 9 p.m. with a mash-up of patriotic and alien-themed displays. Following the show, catch performances by local musicians, robots on stilts, and fire dancers. “It’s been a big community effort to make it happen,” Conyers says.
Celebrate the semiquincentennial with fIreworks over Elephant Butte Lake.
Photograph by Aaron Blanc.
Fourth of July Celebrations
July 4
New Mexico’s cities and towns are cranking up their Fourth of July celebrations in honor of the country’s 250th birthday. Fireworks, drone shows, parades, live music, and festivals decked out in star-spangled glory mark a full weekend of Americana.
For Route 66's centennial, Albuquerque's Summerfest fills Central Avenue with four stages of music, 100 cars, food, and more.
Photograph courtesy of Route 66 Summerfest.
CavernFest ignites summer in downtown Carlsbad with live music, delicious food trucks, and more.
Photograph courtesy of Carlsbad Mainstreet.
The Swing Dolls, Alto
July 2
Dance into another era at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts with this dazzling trio.
Lincoln County Art Loop, Ruidoso
July 3–5
Visit a variety of artists’ open studios during this self-guided tour that invites you to meet the makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover original works.
International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe
July 9–12
More than 100 artists from nearly 60 different countries converge on Santa Fe Railyard Park in a celebration of traditional lifestyles.
Route 66 Rides, Gallup
July 24–26
Honor the Mother Road with an enchanting hot-air balloon mass ascension, a classic car show, pedal car races, fire dancers, and the dramatic Tunnel of Fire.
Connie Mack World Series, Farmington
July 24–8/1
Catch some of the best amateur baseball in the country.
Traditional Spanish Market, Santa Fe
July 25–26
Shop more than 160 booths, featuring tinwork, bultos, retablos, pottery, and more, while strolling Santa Fe Plaza and enjoying traditional entertainment.
Contemporary Hispanic Market, Santa Fe
July 25–26
Celebrating 40 years, this market runs along Lincoln Avenue and features more than 120 artists whose work puts a contemporary spin on traditional forms.
