Resources & Information:
- Official Site: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
- What is it?: This 9-day annual event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world with over 500 hot air balloons each year.
- When is it?: October
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
Accommodations:
- Planning -- You should start planning your trip about 4-5 months in advance (May / June timeframe).
- All Options -- Look at all options including budget hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals, and family & friends. We suggest trying AirBnB.
Events:
- Dawn Patrol -- Balloons that are lit up and fly from before dawn until just after sunrise.
- Mass Ascensions -- One of the biggest events of the fiesta, where all participating balloons launch in two waves, filling the sky with hundreds of balloons at once.
- Special Shape Rodeo -- A very popular event where many non-traditional, uniquely shaped balloons are launched at the same time. Some of the most famous shapes include a milk cow, a wagon coach, twin bees, soda pop cans & animals.
- Balloon Glows -- Large numbers of balloons are illuminated at night by their propane burners, creating what's known as the "Glowdeo" for the special shapes balloons.
- Special Events & Competitions -- There are a variety of piloting, skill, and speed competitions. The Fiesta Challenge drops a marker toward a target and the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race is a distance challenge.
Tips / Advice:
- Transportation -- Consider using the Park & Ride service. Get there before 6:45am so you don't miss the Dawn Patrol balloons.
- What to Bring -- Camera, Sun protection, Lawn chairs, Backpacks allowed but are subject to inspection
- What to Wear -- Hat, Comfortable shoes, Dress in layers
- Weather -- Morning temperatures are 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and afternoon temps get to 50-70 degrees F.
- Food & Drink -- You're allowed to bring your own but no glass or alcohol are prohibited. There are also lots of food and drink vendors at the event.
Cost:
$ $ $
Difficulty:
⚒ ⚒
Bliss Level:
☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎