Above: Fireworks over Eagle Nest Lake. Photograph by New Mexico Tourism Department.
Celebrate Independence Day with a red-white-and-blue blowout. Go “full USA” at the Isotopes’ Fourth of July game with a fireworks display and the new green-chile-stuffed hot dog. Or check out one of these bashes.
Albuquerque
A huge fireworks display explodes over Balloon Fiesta Park. Country music star Jo Dee Messina headlines the party, which starts at 3 p.m. with 30 food vendors, a microbrew garden, and kids’ activities (nmmag.us/Freedom4th).
Elephant Butte Lake
See the lights from your kayak, canoe, or houseboat as multi-colored missiles launch from Rattlesnake Island, starting at dusk on June 30 (nmmag.us/Butte4th).
Red River
The longest parade in northern New Mexico is followed by a party that sprawls all over town, from music at Brandenburg Park to the egg toss at Community House (nmmag.us/RR4th).
Alamogordo
Bring your lawn chairs to the city sports complex and park yourself on the grass for the Red White and Blue Brew & Music Fest. Enjoy a day of music, food, and prime viewing for the city’s epic fireworks show (nmmag.us/Alamogordo4th).
Eagle Nest
The fun of the Fourth actually starts July 3 with a country music concert by Shawna Russell, at Enchanted Eagle Park. Come back the next night to see a fireworks display over the lake.