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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
by Tom Clynes
 Nuts and Bolts

Held Annually: October

Locale: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nearest Airport:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

General Information:
To watch the air and ground action from Balloon Fiesta Park costs $4 per person per event (children 12 and under are free). Five-event Ticket Packs are $15.

To purchase tickets, and for more information on the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit the official Web site.


BalloonThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an extraordinary, lighter-than-air spectacle, where thousands of cameras snap in unison and "oohs" and "aahs" fly as readily as the balloons themselves. Here, nearly 900 balloons take to the air in one of the most colorful airborne festivals on earth. Indeed, this is a perfect event to plan a trip around, allowing you to explore the Southwest--and get up, up, and away from the daily grind.

The planet's largest ballooning festival covers two weekends over nine days in October and draws one-fifth of the world's hot-air balloons to the skies around Albuquerque. The event draws more than one million visitors.

Skyline Big crowds gather for the spectacular mass ascents at sunrise each Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Wednesday, and super-early risers can gape at the illuminated balloons launched long before dawn. After sunrise, crowds comprised of tourists and locals alike gather in Balloon Fiesta Park, and tailgate rituals reign. Chief among them: indulging in breakfast burritos and bloody marys.

But for those who can't imagine rousing themselves from their beds before 10am, fear not: Once the sun has settled over the orange horizon, hordes of "Balloon Glows" will light up the sky, creating a magical, sensory experience for all. Other airborne highlights held throughout the event include fireworks shows and the popular Special Shapes Mass Ascension, which is like a higher altitude Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The sky is filled with huge balloons shaped like everything from Harleys to dinosaurs. This wacky event is symbolic of what the entire Balloon Fiesta is about: fantasy, fun, and flying high.•

Inside Scoop
 • Depending upon where you arrived from, you may need a day or so to acclimate to Albuquerque's high altitude. As headaches and lightheadedness are common symptoms, it's a good idea to start your visit at a slow and easy pace.

 • With more than one million visitors expected at this year's Balloon Fiesta, getting there can be a hair-tearing experience. Our advice: Use public transportation for hassle-free access to Balloon Fiesta Park.

 • Don't forget your hat and sunscreen. Even in October, the sun is strong in New Mexico. Dress in layers so you'll be comfortable during the area's warm days and cooler nights.

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