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The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a Southwestern must-see! I’d heard a bit about the festival beforehand, but nothing prepared me for just how massive and thrilling it would be.
This annual colorful fiesta features more than 500 stunning hot air balloons of all shapes and designs. The variety was incredible, from classic patterns to a Chick-fil-A-themed balloon and even a teddy bear-shaped one. It’s an event that truly has something for everyone.
The main event happens over the first two weekends in October. We roadtripped down from Colorado during the first weekend, and were super tempted to visit the next weekend as well!
After experiencing this unforgettable event, I realized there were quite a few things I wish I’d known in advance. So, I put together this ultimate guide to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! While the official website has some great details, certain tips can only come from experiencing it firsthand.
If you plan to go, continue reading to discover all the magic and tips to prepare for your trip!
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Why does Albuquerque host the International Balloon Fiesta?
Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta started with just a few hot air balloons in the early 1970s. Since then, it has grown into a beloved annual tradition, celebrating not only hot air balloons but also art, music, and community spirit. With hundreds of balloons and spectators from around the world, it has become one of the most photographed events globally.
When is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs during the first two weeks of October. Mass ascension only takes place on weekends, so plan your visit around a Saturday or Sunday.
- 2025 Dates: October 4th to 12th
- 2026 Dates: October 3rd to 11th
- 2027 Dates: October 2nd to 10th
- 2028 Dates: October 7th to 15th
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Is there an admission fee?
Yes, an admission fee and entry tickets are required to attend the festivities. General admission is $15 per person and can be bought online here. You can also find other premium tickets on the Balloon Fiesta’s website.
In addition to the entry fee, there is also a fee for parking. Parking is $20 per session (morning and evening). There is no re-entry for admission or parking, so keep that in mind. We left after mass ascension in the morning and went back the same evening and did have to pay for parking again.
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How to get to the Balloon Fiesta
Address: Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87121
The International Balloon Fiesta takes place at the appropriately named Balloon Fiesta Park. Parking can be found off Edith Blvd NE if you plan to drive. On the weekends, the police assist with directing traffic, so it’s not hard to find.
Traffic getting to the morning mass ascension is incredibly bad. Even if you stay close to the event, plan to triple your time in the car. We stayed at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, a mere 10-minute drive under normal conditions, yet it took us over 45 minutes to reach the park that morning.
For a stress-free alternative, Albuquerque’s park-and-ride locations offer easy access to the fiesta without the congestion. Arriving early is still important, but this option lets you relax and enjoy the journey to the park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, tent camping and RV parking are available on-site. Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!
What kind of activities take place at the balloon fiesta?
The Albuquerque balloon fiesta truly has something for everyone! Plenty of activities take place every day, but most happen on weekends. Throughout the week, fiesta goers can enjoy light shows, chainsaw carving, balloon exhibitions, shopping, and food vendors.
During the weekend, there are two sessions, morning and evening. During the morning session, visitors can enjoy the incredible mass ascension. Mass ascension is pretty self-explanatory – it’s when hundreds of gorgeous balloons take flight simultaneously. Balloons include stunning designs, branded balloons, oddly-shaped ones like Smokey the Bear, and even a few devils.
I was absolutely awe-struck to see all of the hot air balloons take flight at once. It was truly remarkable, and I can see why this is one of the most photographed events in the world!
The evening session’s most popular event is the Twinkle Twinkle Glow. When we were there, most balloons were not set out. Instead, balloonists set up their baskets (also called gondolas) and lit up their flames in sync. It was awesome! Some balloons also took off, which was fun to see in combination with the flames. After Twinkle Twinkle Glow, the night ends with an incredible firework and drone show. We loved it!
What to bring to the fiesta
What to bring will depend on whether you attend the morning or evening session. We walked around more during the morning session to see all the different balloon displays and to watch the balloons take flight. However, before ascension begins, you may want something to sit on and have breakfast. I recommend a blanket because it’s much easier to pick up and take around the park.
The evening is more laidback. We did relocate our chairs twice, but we spent most of the evening relaxing on our foldable chairs while enjoying the entertainment. This included musical performances, balloon glow, a drone show, and fireworks.
Morning session:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Picnic blanket
- Jacket
- Water
- Camera
- Fiesta entry tickets
Evening session:
- Foldable chairs
- Jacket
- Water
- Camera
- Fiesta entry tickets
Keep in mind that there’s a short walk down a hill from the parking lot down to the park. Shuttles are available but they can get crowded quickly, so keep in mind when deciding what to bring.
Final Thoughts
Let us know if there’s anything else you’d like to know about this amazing event and if you visited, how you liked it!
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2 responses to “Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: A Quick Guide”
Adding this to my bucket list! This looks magical 🥰
It was totally magical! 🙂