This is your sign to experience the world’s largest hot air balloon festival- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The festival, native to New Mexico, is famous for a spectacular experience where more than 500 hot air balloons take flight creating a scenic view with the Scandia Mountains in the backdrop. While we bid adieu to summers and welcome the fall, this festival makes for the best event in the US. The hot air balloon festival is all set to take place from 5 th October to 13 th October in 2024. It is a must visit for photographers, adventurers and families looking for a fun vacation.
How did Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begin?
In the year 1972, the hot air balloon started with only 13 balloons. As the years passed, the fiesta evolved and now hosts more than 500 hot air balloons. As the chilly mornings of October set in, this festival is held during the first few weeks of the month. Albuquerque Box, a unique phenomenon where the wind pattern gets compatible for the balloon flights happens at this time of the year. The winds blow in a box pattern which sometimes lead the balloons right back from where they started. Thus, October
beginnings have become signature to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The balloon pilots get a chance to navigate their balloons in a certain direction which makes it possible for the event to take place in a synchronized manner.
This festival is not just a balloon fiesta but a celebration of culture, nature and art community for Albuquerque for more than 50 years.
Do not Miss! - Main experiences at the Fiesta
The world’s largest celebration of man’s first flight technology- hot air balloon brings about many events to attract the viewers. The highlights of the hot-air balloon fiesta are:
- Dawn Patrol show: Before dawn sets in, this show begins in which the balloons take flight in a choreographed display. If you are an arly bird, make sure to not miss this spectacular show that puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day. This is not just a show but also a chance for the pilots to understand the pattern of the wind for the day.
- Mass Ascensions: Happening on the first two days of the festival, which is also a weekend, this mass ascension include the two waves of balloons lift which fills the horizon in a pristine beauty. This is a great chance for photographers, so make sure to not miss it.
- Special Shape Rodeo and Glowed: During the fiesta, many balloons are uniquely shaped as different cartoon characters or animals. It could be a pig in the air or your favorite cartoon character from childhood. These balloons high in the sky are sure to keep the children excited and bring out your inner child. Then these balloons glowing at the AM and PM glow show is a seen not to be missed.
- Flight of the Nations: This is a mid-week mass ascension where selected pilots ascend their hot air balloons with their country’s flag, representing the international ballooning community. This demonstrates the largest Balloon Fiesta in the world.
- Competitions: Different competitions and races are held throughout the week. Mostly the launches on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday would be special this year in which the pilots will show the abilities of flying expertise, control, and accuracy while they compete for the international prizes. Few competitions include ring toss competitions and dropping markers onto the target location.
- Afterglow Fireworks: As soon as the balloons are cleared from the sky every evening after the Glow shows, the most beautiful firework show in the state begins. Make sure to bring your blankets or your chairs to witness this magical scenery with your partner, friends or family. You must arrive early for this firework show since the timings are subject to change without any prior notice.
Programs and Clubs for an upgraded experience
- Fiesta Camp 505: If you are interested in camping at affordable pricing, Fiesta Camp 505 is for you.
- Condola Club: For a more comfortable experience, purchase the morning and evening sessions of the Gondola Club, which is present at the scenic location of the park. This will give you a VIP experience.
- Chasers’ Club: To upgrade your Fiesta experience to a more sophisticated one, purchase the AM and PM ticket of the Chasers’ Club and enjoy the luxury while you watch the sky filled with colorful balloons.
- Concierge Program: If you are a first timer and wish to experience everything about the festival, this guided program comes to your rescue.
- Glamping: An all-new experience at the Albuquerque International Fiesta from your personal camp. This camp village is set up at walking distance from the launch field where you will witness hundreds of balloons scattered in the sky with Sandia Mountains in the background.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Tickets
Anyone over the age of 13 will have to pay $15 per session to enter the Balloon Fiesta Park. Children under 12 years and below can enter for free. Tickets are non-refundable but if any session is cancelled, they can be used for a future session.
There parking fee for each session is $20.
Location of the Balloon festival and how to reach there
The Albuquerque Balloon Festival is held at the Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque near the Balloon Museum. The park is designed to host this particular event which makes sure that there is enough space for the launching and landing of balloons along with accommodating over a million visitors, foods vendors and shopping booths. The park is situated 10 miles from Albuquerque. You can easily drive, book a taxi or use a park ride service to travel from the city. If you are staying near the Balloon Fiesta Park, you can simply walk or use a bike to reach the location.
If you have read till here, then this is the time to plan your visit for this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. We assure you that this will be an unforgettable experience.
