Albuquerque, a bustling hub in the heart of New Mexico, boasts a calendar filled with captivating events. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is among the city’s most renowned occasions. This defining fall spectacle attracts crowds of visitors for a can’t-miss experience, and it is now just around the corner.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon festival. It fills the skies of New Mexico’s biggest city with hundreds of hot air balloons, creating an astounding and colorful sight. The festival initially began in the 1970s with approximately a dozen balloons. Now, it has over 500 participating balloons and hosts several events over nine days. This year, the festival will run from October 7th to 15th.
The 86-acre Balloon Fiesta Park hosts this spectacular event. October’s cool temperature and predictable wind patterns allow the balloons to soar high into the New Mexico sky. Also, you can learn about the history of ballooning at a museum on the park’s grounds.
A wide range of events, with hot-air ballooning at the forefront, accompanies numerous other activities designed exclusively to entertain and engage attendees. The festivities will kick off on Saturday, October 7th, at 5:45 a.m. with the Drone Light Show. The Opening Ceremonies and subsequent Mass Ascension begin at 7 a.m., when the vibrant balloons take to the sky in two waves. The aerial thrills will continue throughout the day with a skydiving show, a twilight glow, a nighttime drone show, and an impressive fireworks display.
This opening day sets the tone for what lies ahead. Most days will feature drone shows, mass ascensions, and fireworks. Several other unique aerial events, such as the immensely popular Special Shape Rodeo, will provide onlookers with unforgettable sights and memories. The festival will also include various competitions, from dropping markers on specific targets to precision landings.
Apart from the balloon events, a diverse range of other attractions will surely captivate visitors of all ages. These options include chainsaw carving displays, live concerts, and a delectable array of on-site food offerings.
Prospective attendees can conveniently purchase tickets for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta online. General Admission passes grant access to either a morning or evening session and are available for purchase at $15 each. If you want to be much closer to the action, balloon rides are available for purchase. However, these must be arranged through special requests, and reservations typically sell out before the festival begins.
