Belen’s free summer concert series opens May 29 at Anna Becker Park

Belen families will have a no-cost night out when The Big River Band plays the city’s Summer Concert Series at Anna Becker Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29. The city says the event is free and asks attendees to bring chairs and blankets, making it an easy option for neighbors looking for an inexpensive evening of live music close to home.

The concert will take place at Anna Becker Park, which the city lists as a reservable facility at 315 North 4th Street, Belen, NM 87002. Belen Parks & Recreation says it works to promote a healthy quality of life for residents of Belen and Valencia County and to collaborate with other organizations to provide “new, fun, safe, and organized programs and events for all ages,” a mission that fits the series’ community-focused format.

That approach matters in a city where public events often double as a small boost for the local economy. A free concert can send families toward nearby restaurants and shops before or after the show, while giving parents, seniors and younger residents a simple summer outing without buying tickets. The setting also keeps the evening centered in a familiar public space, which can help turn Anna Becker Park into a regular gathering point rather than a one-time venue.

The concert arrives as the park continues through a period of change. City material says the Anna Becker Park gazebo had long served as the backdrop for celebrations and gatherings, but the structure reached the end of its usable lifespan and demolition was set to begin Feb. 17, 2026. Even with that transition, the park remains active in the city’s recreation system and continues to host public programming.

The Big River Band’s own schedule also places Belen within a broader New Mexico run, with other 2026 dates listed in Socorro and Pie Town. For residents who want a free evening outside the usual restaurant-and-movie routine, the May 29 concert offers a straightforward summer plan and a reminder that Belen’s parks are being used as more than open space. For more information, residents can call 505-966-2700.