1 Toast to summer.

Sip and shop at New Mexico’s longest running wine festival, the Santa Fe Wine Festival, Saturday and Sunday at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. “The unique nature of our grounds being outdoors makes it a really fun summer event,” says JC Gonzalez, special event and site rental manager. Sample and purchase wines from 17 New Mexico wineries, while browsing local artisan vendors, enjoying live music, and grabbing a bite from onsite food trucks. The living history musuem makes the  event fun for the whole family with kid-friendly activities and demonstrations. “We have a lot of historic buildings onsite and areas that will be open to the public,” Gonzalez says. Raise a glass from noon to 6 p.m. on both days, and purchase tickets here.

Roswell UFO Festival brings drone shows, the UFO Light Parade, performers, costume contests, a foam zone, and alien-themed fun from Thursday through Saturday. Photograph courtesy of Roswell UFO Festival.

2 Beam up.

Put on your tinfoil hat and prepare for an alien invasion during the annual Roswell UFO Festival. From Thursday through Saturday, the festival features a variety of out-of-this-world events, including a drone show Thursday night and the UFO Light Parade on Friday, along with live music, circus performers, Aerial Aura acrobatics, an Odd-Lab Fire and Glow Show, a Crazy Alien Hair salon, a cooling foam zone, costume contests for humans and their furry companions, and much more. Check out the full event list here.

The 31st annual Lincoln County Art Loop Studio Tour opens artists' studios for demonstrations, conversations, and original work Friday through Sunday. Photograph courtesy of Art Loop Studio Tour.

3 Get in the loop.

Get inspired by Lincoln County artists all weekend during the 31st annual Art Loop Studio Tour. The event includes self-guided tours of select artists’ studios, including Lynn Eckman, Rory Combs, Sally Wimberly, Judy Pekelsma, Alan Miner, and others working in mediums such as painting, sculpture, and other artisan crafts. While exploring the studios, visitors can meet the artists, watch live demonstrations, discuss their creative processes, and purchase original works. Studio hours run 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Saturday, and noon–4 p.m. Sunday. View the full studio list here.

Cheer on New Mexico United as they play Oakland Roots SC on Saturday at Isotopes Park. Photograph courtesy of New Mexico United.

4 Kick off the Fourth of July.

On Saturday, celebrate America’s 250th birthday by cheering on New Mexico United as it takes on Oakland Roots SC at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque. Pre-game with food trucks, vendors, and a blood drive. After the match, witness one of Albuquerque’s best Fourth of July fireworks displays. Get tickets here.

Communities across the state mark Independence Day with fireworks, drone shows, parades, concerts, food vendors, and family activities. Photograph by Aaron Blanc.

5 Celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Freedom Days Fireworks, Farmington

Begin Independence Day weekend on Friday at Farmington’s Freedom Days celebration, where fireworks launch from Sullivan Hill at 9:25 p.m. The brilliant 20-minute display is choreographed to a new and old-school patriotic soundtrack available on KWYK 94.9 FM.

Holiday Drone Light Show, Angel Fire

Angel Fire Resort presents a 45-minute drone show on Friday featuring mesmerizing shapes and colors in the night sky beginning at 9:15 p.m. For the best view, bring your friends and family to the Mountain View Events Center, where the drones lift off from Village Hall.

Fireworks Show at Elephant Butte Lake

This Fourth of July, New Mexico’s biggest fireworks show returns to Elephant Butte Lake State Park from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Launched from Rattlesnake Island, the spectacular fireworks reflect across the largest body of water in the state. Park entrance fees are waived after 6 p.m. for the event.

Fourth of July Celebration Concert, Las Cruces

Looking for a night of music and celebration? Head to Las Cruces for the Fourth of July Celebration Concert. The event at Pat & Lou Sisbarro Community Park begins at 4 p.m. with a kids zone and local food vendors, followed by performances from rockabilly group Triple Jack and headliner 49 Winchester. Stick around for the annual fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.

Freedom 4th, Albuquerque

Join the Albuquerque community in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence at Balloon Fiesta Park from 3 to 10 p.m. The event includes live music featuring WAR, the Kickback Counselors, and Tripple-X Band. Grab sweet and savory fare from local vendors, and adults can visit the cantina for a drink from a local brewery and a nice view. The night ends with an exquisite fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

July 4th Extravaganza, Edgewood

Experience an all-day, small-town Fourth of July celebration in Edgewood. At Venus Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a parade, a car show, arts and crafts vendors, field games, and food vendors. After a two-hour siesta, return for more live music, food vendors, and games before the celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. 

Red, White and Mesilla

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the historic plaza in Mesilla with a live DJ, a foam party, a hot dog–eating contest, live music with Neal McCowan, and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. 

Tucumcari Rotary Club Independence Day Parade

Line the streets for the Tucumcari Rotary Club’s Independence Day Parade on Saturday. The dazzling parade starts at Wailes Park at 6 p.m., before rolling down Route 66. Afterward, attend a block party in front of Elks Lodge #1172 featuring food trucks, local artisans, and vendors.

4th of July Parade and Celebration, Red River

Experience one of the biggest mountain parades in New Mexico at Red River’s 4th of July Parade and Celebration beginning at 10 a.m., followed by festivities at Brandenburg Park with classic family games and community fun.

Fiesta Breakfast at the Castañeda Hotel, Las Vegas

Looking for a tasty celebration? The Castañeda Hotel in Las Vegas hosts a Fiesta Breakfast Buffet Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults can also indulge in the Bloody Mary and mimosa bar.

Fourth of July, Carlsbad

Join the City of Carlsbad for a special two-day celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence. On Friday and Saturday, enjoy live music, food trucks, and mini golf. Saturday’s festivities also include a parade, face painting, a Gellyball and Foam fest, a watermelon-eating contest, and fireworks.

Fourth of July, Santa Fe

Flip for the holiday at the annual Rotary Club of Santa Fe’s Pancakes on the Plaza on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stack up the fun by wandering a vintage car show and craft vendors after breakfast. The City Different continues the festivites from 4 to 10:30 p.m. at Franklin E. Miles Park, where a new drone show accompanies the traditional fireworks display.  

Great American Block Party, Roswell

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Roswell is hosting an evening celebration at Cielo Grande Recreation Area beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Roswell’s version of the nationwide event features educational exhibits, live music, food vendors, family activities, and a glorious fireworks show at 9 p.m.

4th of July After Party, Silver City

Never want the party to end? Join the third annual 4th of July AFTER party at Whiskey Creek Zócalo, in Silver City, on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The backyard blowout includes a barbecue featuring grilled sausages and peppers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Stick around for the kiddie pool bar and live music performed by the Cat Daddies.

For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.