SOCORRO, N.M. – Fireworks in the sky and dynamic music on stage will keep Fourth of July revelers entertained at the annual Socorro 4th of July Celebration at the city’s Rodeo and Sports Complex on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The daylong celebration kicks off with the return of the 4th of July Parade! Starting at noon, the parade will begin at Sedillo Park and end at the Plaza, followed by music, waterslides, food and drink vendors at the Socorro Rodeo and Sports Complex from 1 to 6 p.m.  Local and New Mexico bands begin at 1 p.m. and conclude at dark with fireworks provided by New Mexico Tech’s Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC). The Socorro 4th of July Celebration is a collaborative event presented by the City of Socorro and New Mexico Tech.  Admission to the event is free and free parking is available.

You can tailgate and bring your own grill at your vehicle, or picnic on the soccer field, but no grills or tent stakes are allowed on the soccer field. RV camping is available, to reserve your spot visit socorronm.gov. There is still room for vendors: for-profit ($100), nonprofit ($50). Email ccortez@socorronm.gov for more information.

There will be a Cornhole Tournament in the morning, organized by the Socorro Cornhole Club “Sugar Shackers.”  Cost is $50 a team and a blind draw at $25 a player.  This is a newly organized annual tournament commemorating Dustin Armijo, with some funds being donated to a charity.  More info will be coming on the club’s Facebook page and the Visit Socorro Facebook Page.

Dana Chavez, director of the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series, says this year’s event will have some new faces on stage, as well as our hometown favorites and she encourages Socorro-area residents to come out and celebrate the holiday with us.

“Don't forget to bring your own chairs, blankets, tarps, sunscreen, dancing shoes, good cheer and great mood,” she said. 

This year’s headliner performance comes from Sorela, 5:30-7p.m., two sisters backed by a powerhouse band, performing NM Spanish, country and rock, with an unmatched combination of beauty and talent. 

D’ette and D’anna have been singing and entertaining for most of their lives. They currently perform throughout the region as Sorela (NM Spanish and variety), Animated Jukebox (Top 40, country, rock, R&B and NM Spanish) and Plain Jane (country).  Born in Albuquerque, Sorela’s early years were spent in the entertainment capital of the world Las Vegas, Nevada. But it was in New Mexico where Sorela got their start, winning a church talent contest. After recording “Si Quieres Verme Llorar” and “Estes Tu” under the name D’Girlz, they became Sorela in 2004, meaning “sister,” a name they felt suited their style and Spanish-Italian heritage. They went on to perform and record traditional Spanish Mexican songs in ranchera, cumbia and ballad styles. They have received numerous awards from the NM Entertainment Association and National  Hispano Music Association, including Song of The Year for La Novia de Pajarillo, Vocal Duo of The Year, Latin/Pop Song of The Year, Producer of The Year for the self-titled album Sorela, Song of the Year for Te Amo Tanto, which received mass regional air play, and Female Entertainers of the Year for three years running. They performed on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion radio show which launched a national demand for their recordings and live performance. Sorela was selected twice as one of the top 15 New Mexico artists (Quince Grandes) by the Latin Music Academy of New Mexico. This award was given along with Sparx, Lorenzo Antonio, Al Hurricane Sr. & Jr., Gonzalo, El Gringo and other top NM artists. 

In addition to the headliner show, a variety of bands and artists will perform throughout the day:

• The celebration kicks off at 1 p.m. with the Socorro Community Band led by Dr. Eileen Comstock. The cherished ensemble brings together musicians of all ages and backgrounds. Dedicated to fostering a love for music and promoting community spirit, the band performs a wide range of repertoire, from classical pieces and patriotic tunes to contemporary arrangements and festive holiday music. This year there will also be some special singers, the newly formed Socorro Youth Choir.
• At 2:15 p.m. western singer and entertainer Doug Figgs presents “Cowboy country.” Known for his soothing voice, warm personality and exceptional songwriting, Figgs delivers a true taste of the West and well represents the rising talent in western music.
• At 3:30 p.m. Fuzzy Logic plays a fun variety of pop, oldies rock, ‘90s and contemporary vibes. With powerful vocals and well-known covers, their engaging stage presence and dynamic sound make them a standout act.
• At 4:35 p.m. the Et Alia Belly Dancers, led by Socorroan teacher and choreographer Julie Johnson, will perform several styles of this ancient dance form from regions of the Middle East, including classical, modern pop and folkloric with beautiful outfits and amazing grace and agility.
• The final group of the evening will perform at 7:30 p.m. Big River Band, playing country, Spanish and variety dance music. The group is led by young rising star, singer-guitarist Moises Castillo, barely 21 years old, who grew up in Socorro. The band is newly organized with some new musicians and former members of Suavecito, with Karl Lukesh on guitar, George Murillo on bass, Danny Jojola on keyboard and Jimmy Trujillo on drums. They are quickly becoming one of Socorro’s most popular bands, touring throughout New Mexico, with Mo’s rich voice and charismatic style on classic and contemporary country, mixed with favorite rock and Spanish tunes. 
• The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display from EMRTC, starting at 9:15 p.m.

Attendees are asked to keep personal fireworks and pets at home. Alcohol also is not allowed. Glass and grills are not allowed in the arena or soccer fields.

For general information, visit socorronm.org or nmt.edu/pas.