The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held every year in October in New Mexico, is the world’s largest ballooning event. This nine-day festival features hundreds of hot air balloons, offering unique experiences like mass ascensions, special shape balloons, and nightly Balloon Glow events.
We had the privilege of attending the 2024 Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico with our kids. We created this guide to help you plan your visit so that you can make the most of this spectacular event.
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Is The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Good For Kids?
Yes! Our boys were 15, 12, and 10 years old when we attended for 4 nights. They were impressed by every moment of experiencing the early-morning ascension, learning about the balloons and how they’re flown, and collecting cards (like sports cards) from each of the pilots. They also loved the nighttime glows, the drone shows, fireworks, and learning about the “Special Shape” balloons that are shaped like anything other than a hot air balloon.
The morning mass ascension of hot air balloons. Walk around the grounds as the balloons take off
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts visitors from around the globe every October. The fiesta is a tourism highlight, drawing in enthusiasts and families alike to witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of balloons lifting off into the New Mexico sky. This event is more than just a balloon festival; it’s a celebration of ballooning, community, and the vibrant culture of Albuquerque.
Held at Balloon Fiesta Park, the event spans nine days of morning and evening sessions, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views. From the mass ascensions at sunrise to the Special Shape Rodeo and the enchanting Balloon Glow right after sunset, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable festival.
Camping spots for RVers are available on-site, which, in our opinion, is the best spot to stay while attending the fiesta. They offer RV spots at different price points, depending on how close you want to be to the main field. We booked a camping spot for 4 nights and got to view the balloons each morning as they floated over our travel trailer. We also assisted the balloonist in landing their huge hot air balloons in the field near our RV.
What to Pack For the Balloon Fiesta for kids:
- Hats – starts out cold and gets warm quickly when the sun rises
- Warm clothes, cool clothes, cold clothes – you may need them all
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Snacks (but isn’t that just the standard if you take your kids anywhere?)
- Portable Charger for your phone – you’ll be taking more photos and videos than you’ve ever taken
- Double whammy: Backpack with built-in portable charger
Mass Ascensions (morning sessions)
One of the most memorable events at the Balloon Fiesta is the mass ascension, where hundreds of balloons lift off simultaneously in a choreographed display. You don’t want to miss this early-morning spectacle, with balloons filling the sky in a vibrant array of colors and shapes. This is such a beautiful event to watch – hundreds of balloons rise into the morning sky at sunrise – and it’s an experience like no other!
The morning sessions often start with the Dawn Patrol, where about a dozen balloons take to the sky before sunrise to assess wind conditions. As the balloons begin to inflate on the ground, you can walk through the field to have an up-close look at them all. You may also enjoy speaking to the balloonist’s crew members and collect souvenier cards. This was a highlight for our boys. The combination of the Dawn Patrol and the mass ascensions makes the morning sessions a magical part of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Special Shape Rodeo (Evening sessions)
The Special Shape Rodeo is a unique evening event where balloons of various shapes and sizes, from cartoon characters to giant animals, inflate on the ground for visitors to admire up close. It’s an evening filled with excitement as you walk among the massive, inflated balloons at sunset. This event showcases the creativity and artistry of ballooning and adds a magical touch to the Balloon Fiesta.
Some of our favorite shapes included a balloon shaped like a 5-gallon water jug, a dinosaur emerging from an egg, and various animal shapes. It feels surreal to walk among the larger-than-life shapes as they begin to inflate around you.
These aren’t your typical hot air balloon shapes – the Balloon Fiesta Special Shapes Rodeo is one of the best sessions for kids
Balloon Glow and Night Events (Evening sessions)
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The Balloon Glow is one of the most enchanting events at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. After sunset, hundreds of inflated balloons stay on the ground in a huge field and are illuminated from within by their burners, creating a stunning visual display that lights up the night glow sky. This synchronized lighting, coordinated by an announcer, makes for a mesmerizing spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Spectacular fireworks, music, and a drone show cap off the evening sessions. The Balloon Glow completes a day of excitement at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The wind can be a bit unpredictable during the event. It is best to plan to be in the area for a few days in case the night you want to visit the Balloon Glow is too windy for the balloons to inflate. This way, you’ll have a backup date to see the evening events take place.
The night time glow is magical as all of the balloon operators pulse their flames in sync
Planning Your Visit
It’s important to plan a few months in advance before visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. With so many events and activities to choose from, having a plan will help you make the most of your visit. And if you want to bring an RV to stay on-site, you’ll have to book your spot as early as possible. This section will guide you through the essentials, including tickets, parking, the best times to attend, and what to bring.
From purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines to knowing what to pack for comfort and convenience, these tips will help you prepare for an unforgettable trip to the Balloon Fiesta.
Tickets and Parking
Tickets for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta can be purchased on-site or in advance through the official website. Purchasing tickets online will significantly reduce wait times upon arrival. General admission tickets give you access to either the morning or evening sessions, so plan accordingly. We recommend that you buy at least one ticket for a morning session and one for an evening session so that you can experience both events.
Parking at Balloon Fiesta Park costs $20 per session, with designated lots at the north and south ends of the park. Arriving early is advisable (we noticed traffic as early as 4am for the morning session!) to secure a good parking spot and avoid the rush. The park is well-organized, ensuring a smooth entry and exit process for visitors.
Money-saving tip: If you are staying in an RV on-site, you won’t need to pay an additional parking fee because you’ll be able to walk or bike to the main event area.
How General Admission Tickets Work
All tickets for the Balloon Fiesta are general admission, allowing access to either the morning session at sunrise or the evening session at sunset. It’s important to note that a general admission ticket is not an all-day pass; if you wish to attend both sessions, you will need to purchase two separate tickets.
Entry is permitted at any time during the sunrise or evening sessions, giving you the flexibility to arrive at your convenience. This system ensures that everyone can enjoy the events without overcrowding.
Our Family’s Recommendation: Purchase general admission tickets for at least one morning session and at least one evening session
(AND if you’re RVing, plan to get up early and spend at least one morning session just watching the balloons fly over the RVs!)
For the best experience, we recommend purchasing general admission tickets for both a morning session and an evening session. The morning sessions are when the balloons are inflated and launched, providing a breathtaking sight as they ascend into the sky. After the launches, you can explore the vendors, enjoy food trucks, and listen to LIVE music on the field.
The evening events offer a different kind of magic with the Balloon Glow, where the balloons light up but remain on the ground. These sessions often include LIVE music, fireworks, and a drone show. Sometimes, they will also have special events like paragliders landing in the field or a specific theme of balloon style (like the Special Shape Rodeo).
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Best Times to Attend
Weekends at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tend to be the busiest, with more events scheduled, making them lively but crowded. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, weekdays are less crowded and still offer plenty of activities and balloon launches, weather permitting.
Balloons typically launch around sunrise during mass ascensions, so early morning is the ideal time to see these spectacular displays. Consider the number of days you will be able to attend the event and decide if you want to avoid larger crowds or if the weekend is the only time you can be there. It is also best to plan to be at the Balloon Fiesta for multiple days in case the wind is too strong for the balloons to launch.
The line up for parking can start as early as 4am for the morning session. If you’re going to be driving into the festival, give yourself plenty of time, or if you own an RV, book a spot and walk over in the morning.
What to Bring
A checklist for the Balloon Fiesta should include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the event. Dress in layers to accommodate the changing weather throughout the day, and consider bringing a blanket or lawn chair to sit on while watching the balloons launch. The mornings and evenings can get quite cool in October in Albuquerque.
A camera with a zoom lens is recommended to get those close-up shots of the vibrant balloons. We also found it helpful to have a USB power bank to keep our phones charged for all the photo and video opportunities. If you want to volunteer to help a balloonist with launching their balloon and helping it land, bring a pair of leather work gloves to wear.
Our Boys’ Favorite Part of the Albuquerque Balloon Festival
Collecting trading cards from the balloon pilots kept our boys busy
One of the most exciting aspects of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for our boys was collecting the balloon collector cards. These cards, similar to sports cards, feature pictures of the different balloons at the event and are given out by the balloon crew members.
Our boys enjoyed visiting the various balloons to collect these cards and would spend time after each session organizing their collection and trading duplicates with friends.
RVing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
RVing at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is an experience in itself! Skip a morning session and watch the mass ascension from the RV lot
RVing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a unique experience. The parking is done “Rally Style,” which means first come, first served, and you park as you arrive. To park together as a group, you need to arrive together. Most RV lots are within walking distance of the festival grounds, and there is also a shuttle service available. We saw a lot of people on bikes going back and forth from the RV camping area to the main field as well.
While RV parking is in a parking lot and doesn’t offer much privacy, it does provide a fantastic opportunity to see balloons flying overhead and land nearby. As volunteers, we had a great time catching balloons and helping pilots make smooth landings by grabbing onto the baskets as they touched down.
Nearby Attractions
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is surrounded by a variety of attractions that are worth checking out if you plan to spend a few days in the city or are looking for something to do in the afternoons. From cultural sites to parks and museums, there’s plenty to explore in the area. Our boys particularly enjoyed visiting a local skate park with their rollerblades and scooters, just a short drive from the fiesta grounds.
For those interested in history and culture, the Petroglyph National Monument and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center are must-see attractions. Additionally, the Albuquerque Biological Park offers a great opportunity to see local wildlife and plants.
Balloon Fiesta Park
Balloon Fiesta Park is the central venue for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It is located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE. The park provides ample space for events and viewing, ensuring that all attendees have a great experience.
The Observation Deck at Balloon Fiesta Park offers prime viewing opportunities of balloon launches and dining events. It also provides access to the Balloon Museum, which adds an educational element to your visit. It is approximately a 5-7 minute walk from the entrance to the Balloon Museum to the southern entrance of the Balloon Fiesta Park.
Local Sights
Old Town Albuquerque is a must-visit for anyone attending the Balloon Fiesta. Filled with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, it offers a rich cultural experience that complements the fiesta. The historic buildings and vibrant art galleries are fantastic areas to explore and photograph.
For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, the Sandia Mountains offer numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The combination of cultural and outdoor attractions makes Albuquerque a perfect destination for families.
We took an afternoon to go hiking at Petroglyph National Monument on the edge of Albuquerque. There’s not much going on in the park between 11 am and 4 pm. It’s a great time to relax, visit friends, or explore Albuquerque. Here are some of our favorite free things to do with kids while exploring a new city.
We took an afternoon between sessions to go for a hike at Petroglyph National Monument on the edge of Albuquerque
Unique Balloon Fiesta Experiences
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers several unique experiences that set it apart from other festivals. From the Special Shape Rodeo to the Balloon Glow, each event provides a different perspective on the art of ballooning. These experiences are what make the Balloon Fiesta so popular.
Watching hundreds of balloons lift into the sky at sunrise, along with the opportunity to take balloon rides and observe the inflation process, is what makes the Balloon Fiesta such a memorable event that draws spectators from around the world.
We loved catching the balloons. As they were getting ready to land, the pilot would call to the volunteers, and we would put our weight on the basket to help steady the landing.
Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol is an early morning spectacle where a select group of pilots launches before sunrise. This tradition, which started in 1978, allows pilots to assess wind conditions while flying in the dark, providing valuable information for the day’s flights.
Morning events typically start with the Dawn Patrol and mass ascensions around 7:00 a.m. You’ll need to be up before sunrise to catch this event. Even though getting up early in the morning is not what we prefer to do, we enjoyed being on the field in time to watch the Dawn Patrol go up because we knew we would not be late to watch the sunrise and see hundreds of balloons begin to inflate and take off.
Balloon Rides
Taking a balloon ride at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an unforgettable experience. Rainbow Ryders, the authorized company for hot air balloon rides, offers an exceptional journey across the Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains. The views from the sky are breathtaking, and the sense of serenity as you float above New Mexico is unparalleled.
Booking a private balloon ride comes with the VIP Ryders Club package, which includes express check-in, access to the VIP lounge, a catered breakfast, and a Q&A session with the pilots. After the flight, passengers are treated to a celebratory toast and receive a souvenir balloon flight pin, making the experience even more special.
Another way to get a balloon ride (not a guarantee, however) is by offering to help a balloonist by being part of their crew for the entire Balloon Fiesta. You’ll get up early every morning to help with the balloon launch and drive out to the field where it will land to help catch the balloon. If a balloonist has space for an extra person one of the mornings that they launch their balloon, they might offer you a free ride!
Observe Inflation
Observing the inflation of hot air balloons is an exciting part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Watching the meticulous steps involved in preparing these giant balloons for flight adds another layer of appreciation for the art of ballooning.
Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and even become involved as crew members during the inflation process. This hands-on experience provides a deeper connection to the event and a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes action. It really is incredible to stand so close to these huge balloons and watch them take shape as they inflate. People cheer as the balloons lift off the ground and begin ascending into the morning sky.
Our boys loved learning about the process of hot air filling the balloons and causing them to inflate
Safety and Weather Considerations
Safety and weather are important considerations at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The nearby Sandia mountain range significantly influences weather conditions, which can change rapidly and impact balloon flight schedules. Be prepared that there will be some mornings during the event when the balloons will not go up and some evenings when the special-shaped balloons will not inflate.
From wind speed and direction to temperature inversions, various factors are monitored closely to ensure the safety of all flights. Attendees are advised to stay informed through the event’s official weather communication channels and follow safety announcements as needed.
Weather Patterns
Mornings and evenings in Albuquerque can be quite cool, while afternoons tend to warm up. This variation means that dressing in layers is essential for comfort throughout the day. During the mornings, a temperature inversion can cause surface winds to come from the north while higher winds come from the south, affecting flight paths and safety.
These weather patterns are carefully monitored by meteorologists to provide timely updates and ensure that ballooning activities proceed safely. We found that it was cool enough in the mornings and evenings to wear a jacket or light coat as well as a long-sleeved top underneath. We brought a backpack that could hold our jackets once the sun came up and our layers came off.
Safety Tips
Safety at the Balloon Fiesta is a top priority, and there are several tips to keep in mind. Always stay updated with the latest weather information and follow any safety announcements. As the balloonists inflate their balloons, the crew members will be guiding the flow of traffic around the balloons to be sure that people aren’t walking where it is unsafe. Be aware of this as you walk among the crowds and get close to the huge balloons.
It’s also important to plan ahead to avoid lines and ensure you have everything you need, such as food, drinks, and a camera or a charged smartphone for taking photos. The Balloon Fiesta has an app you can download and use during the event to help you stay informed and prepared so you can fully enjoy the festivities without missing any crucial details.
Food and Entertainment
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is not just about balloons; it’s also a hub for food and entertainment. A variety of food vendors cater to different tastes and preferences, offering everything from breakfast burritos to green chile cheeseburgers. There is something for everyone with a variety of different food options.
In addition to the food, the fiesta features LIVE music and performances throughout its nine-day event. With entertainment scheduled at multiple locations, including the Main Street stage and along Concession Row, attendees can enjoy concerts and performances by talented local New Mexico artists, adding to the festive atmosphere.
There are also a few souvenir shops on-site so that you can buy something special to take with you.
Snacks and water are permitted inside Balloon Fiesta Park, but the wide array of food vendors makes it easy to enjoy a meal on-site without having to bring your own.
Our Family Review of the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque:
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a one-of-a-kind, breathtaking event. Our boys loved the entire experience. From the stunning mass ascensions at sunrise and special-shaped balloons to the enchanting Balloon Glow and vibrant evening events, the fiesta is an experience that should not be missed. Planning, understanding the ticketing and parking arrangements, and knowing what to bring will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Whether you’re captivated by the sight of hundreds of balloons lifting off into the sky or the opportunity to participate in unique ballooning experiences, the Balloon Fiesta provides memories that will last a lifetime. It is a magical experience you must add to your bucket list. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights to help you maximize your visit to this incredible event. And maybe we will see you at the fiesta!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
Attending the Albuquerque Balloon Festival costs $15.00 per person per session. This affordable ticket price allows for an enjoyable experience at the event.
Where is the biggest Balloon Fiesta in the world?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon festival, held annually in October with approximately 600 balloons and 700 pilots participating.
What time do the balloons go up in Albuquerque?
The balloons in Albuquerque typically begin to launch at about 7:00 a.m. during the Balloon Fiesta.
When is the best time to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
The best time to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is early morning for mass ascensions or in the evening for the Balloon Glow. Attending on weekdays will also help you avoid larger crowds.
How do general admission tickets work?
General admission tickets grant you access to either the morning or evening sessions, requiring separate purchases for attendance at both within the same day. Ensure you select the session that fits your schedule.
