The city of Rio Rancho announced plans Wednesday for an event to celebrate the 4th of July at Campus Park.

The event will kick off with a parade through City Center at 6 p.m. and conclude with a 15-minute fireworks extravaganza starting at 9:15 p.m.

In between,  spectators can enjoy live music by the Rio Grande Symphonic Band and the New Mexico Philharmonic. Admission to these events is free. For those wishing to only view the fireworks and not wanting to attend the musical performances or visit Campus Park, there is ample parking available in the multiple lots surrounding City Center. Visitors may park in the lots and tailgate as they enjoy a dazzling fireworks display.

 Event Schedule

  • Parade line-up 4-5 p.m.
  • Parade float judging 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Food trucks and beer garden 5-9:15 p.m.
  • Parade through City Center 6 p.m.
  • Rio Grande Symphonic Band Performing in Campus Park Sky Room 6-7:30 p.m.
  • NM Philharmonic Performing in Campus Park Sky Room 8-9:15 p.m.
  • Fireworks Extravaganza 9:15-9:30 p.m.

Parade Registration

Participants are encouraged to decorate floats that reflect a patriotic theme. Parade registration can be done online by visiting www.rrnm.gov/ParadeRegistration, in person at City Hall or by calling the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (505) 891-5015. It is free to take part in the parade. The deadline to register for the parade is June 27. The parade route begins and ends in the upper northwest parking lot of the Rio Rancho Events Center. All participants must be on site, registered and lined-up no later than 5:30 p.m. Each group will line-up by position determined by parade officials. Line-up positions will be emailed and posted online prior to the day of the parade.

Additional Information

All event start times are subject to weather and may be canceled or delayed due to such conditions as rain, wind, or lightning. Admission is free. Parking and park seating space is available on a first come, first served basis. Blankets and coolers are permitted. Food vendors and beer garden will be on-site. No glass, outside alcoholic beverages, or individual grills will be allowed. Visitors can access City Center via Unser Boulevard/King Boulevard and Paseo del Volcan/Broadmoor Boulevard. The 4th of July parade, fireworks and associated activities are coordinated by the City of Rio Rancho and the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Fireworks Restrictions

The City of Rio Rancho encourages citizens to attend a public fireworks display, rather than risking an injury or potential fire with the use of fireworks at home. The City of Rio Rancho prohibits fireworks that go higher than 10 feet and are louder than a cap gun. Any fireworks that do not meet this standard are deemed illegal, and anyone caught in possession of them and/or using them may be subject to fireworks seizure, citation, and penalty. A violation carries a potential fine of up to $500 and/or jail time of up to 90 days. Igniting fireworks, starting, or maintaining any fire or smoking in the Rio Rancho Bosque is prohibited by City ordinances at all times. Those found in violation of these restrictions can face a fine up to $500, 90 days of jail time, or both. The City of Rio Rancho continues to have a ban in place regarding all of the types of fireworks it can legally prohibit under State statute. Only changes to State law would give the City the authority to completely ban the sale and use of currently legal fireworks in the community.