Getting Ready to Take Flight

It’s that time of year again! The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta just a few weeks away, starting on October 5 and running through October 13.

Held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, the event will feature lots of themed sessions and events, both balloon related and non-balloon related. In addition to the iconic “Mass Ascension” of hot air balloons into the Albuquerque sky, there will also be a chainsaw carving competition, fireworks shows, a rodeo, and more. You can view the full Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta schedule here.

According to the festival’s website, this year’s event should be yet again the world’s largest ballooning event, though it hasn’t always been that way:

From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with over 600 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States. 

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 Since crowds for some of our events are in excess of 100,000 people, arriving sooner is better. For weekend events, plan to arrive at the park by 4:30-5:00am. During evening events, try to be at the park by 4pm. Gates open at 4:30am and 3:00pm. 

 Because of our 38-year safety record, we are one of the only balloon (aviation) events where you are actually able to walk among the balloons and talk to the pilots. We are a hands-on event, but please be courteous to hot air balloons and do not step on or over any.

For a comprehensive review of all that the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has to offer, click here, and remember to follow @balloonfiesta for updates on the event!