Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (the largest balloon convention in the world) has been the biggest annual event in the Duke City since 1972. Each year 750 balloonist from around the world gather in early October for this nine day event which brings as many as 100,000 spectators daily. The first Balloon Fiesta, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of KOB Radio, was held at Coronado Center, but has since been moved to Balloon Fiesta park located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE.

Every October the skies of Albuquerque are filled with hot air balloons. This is an event that is unforgettable, and perhaps the most photographed in the world. There are many different events such as Dawn Patrol, Mass Assentions, Special Shapes Rodes, Balloon Glows and competitions. The largest events are the Mass Assentions where hundreds of balloons launch at one time. Dawn Patrol is where pilots take off before the sun comes up and land after day break. The Special Shapes Rodeo is a favorite because the balloons, such as the bees shown below, are inflated together. If you are not morning person, the Balloon Glow is where balloons are inflated after dark, but they do not take off in flight.

When you attend the Balloon Fiesta, allow yourself plenty of time and leave as early as possilbe to avoid traffic and lines. When I go I usually leave my house around 4:00am, this gives me time to see the Dawn Patrol before the other balloons go up. Another option to avoid some of the traffic congestion are park and rides which are scattered throughout the city. Information about the park and ride locations is provided below.There are plenty of food booths, my favorite guilty pleasure is the funnel cake, and coffee stands, so bring money to enjoy the good eats.

To-Do List – Balloon Fiesta

• Dress in Layers – it is freezing in the morning and warms up as the sun rises
• Leave Early – if you are driving leave as early as possible
• Take the Park and Ride to avoid extremely long traffic lines
• Get Hotels early because decent rooms are hard to find during the fiesta
• Take your camera – it’s a photographers dream
• Weather – The Fiesta is often canceled due to windy or inclimate conditions – be flexible with your schedule and allow yourself more than one day to see this event.

Map

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Helpful Links

Balloon Fiesta Website
Park and Ride Website

Gallery