New Mexico is famed for its unique history and scenic landscapes. With high-arching mountains, barren deserts, and craggy canyons, this state’s unique topography and unearthly natural environment make it a haven for outdoor lovers. The state’s incredible landscape is enhanced when hundreds of hot air and gas balloons take to the skies above Albuquerque for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every October. This is a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring event that is one of the state’s biggest occasions; this year, the festival will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The festival takes place on the vast expanse of the Balloon Fiesta Parkway and will run from October 1st-9th. The event’s October start date adds to the event’s excitement, as this is typically when New Mexico’s temperatures are mild and the skies are blue. Hundreds of balloons of all kinds will fill the air, many decorated with unique shapes and designs.
Each day of the event will have different themes and activities, but the main focus is the massive amount of piloted hot air and gas balloons that will be seen throughout the city. Many of the balloons launch early in the morning with a coordinated mass ascension. Watching these balloons soar through the sky from the ground below is an experience well worth the price of admission.
For adventurers, you don’t just have to watch these balloons soar through the air. There is also the opportunity to schedule a balloon experience with the Rainbow Ryders. This must be reserved well in advance but is a bucket list-worthy experience. Those who partake in this will witness stunning views of New Mexico from above as they soar in a hot air balloon amongst the countless others taking to the sky.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has an array of entertainment options that will make it an enjoyable experience for all. For art lovers, there will be an exciting showcase of rare talents when the chainsaw sculpture exhibition begins. This will be a live exhibition that features incredible artists who will carve blocks of wood into sculptures using a chainsaw. These wood-carved sculptures will then be auctioned off, so there is the opportunity to own a truly unique art piece.
A broad range of performers will be at the fiesta. Some of these will be talented musicians playing at the different event stages. These musicians include New Mexico locals and will cover various genres. Strolling performers, including dancers and magicians, will entertain attendees as well. Bigger spectacles are also scheduled, such as aerial competitions featuring balloon pilots. And, a performance from Team Fastrax Skydiving will showcase talented professionals performing jaw-dropping aerial stunts sure to get the viewers’ hearts pounding.
Different days will have different themes and events, including the Special Shape Rodeo, which will feature a huge array of balloons of varying shapes and sizes. At night, many balloons will light up and glow in the sky, and there will also be massive fireworks displays.
Tickets for the event are on sale now, with varying prices based on the package purchased. General Admission tickets are $15 per person per session. Each day has two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening. There are also more expansive packages with additional offerings, with prices varying.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an incredible experience. Thousands of balloons will soar across the New Mexico sky throughout this festival’s duration, displaying a very memorable aerial view. With an exciting schedule of performances, themed balloon shows, and contests, the 50th anniversary of the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival will be an experience to remember.
