Every year, as the crisp air of autumn sweeps across New Mexico, Albuquerque transforms into a vibrant celebration of color and wonder with the arrival of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This event, the largest in the world, has captured hearts and imaginations for over fifty years, turning the city’s sky into a breathtaking canvas of floating color.
When I went to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for the first time, I realized pretty quickly that planning is key to making the most of the experience.
The story of the Balloon Fiesta is one of humble beginnings and remarkable growth.
. It all started in 1972 with just thirteen balloons taking flight from a local shopping mall parking lot, a simple celebration of a radio station’s anniversary. But what began as a small gathering quickly soared to new heights. By the following year, the event had evolved into the “First World Hot Air Balloon Championship,” drawing international attention and earning Albuquerque its title as the “Ballooning Capital of the World.”
Over 800 pilots from around the world now converge on Albuquerque in early October, each bringing with them unique and vibrant balloons. From playful cartoon characters to elegant designs, these balloons are true works of art. Watching hundreds of these colorful giants rise together against the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains is a sight that leaves a lasting impression. The early morning ascensions, where balloons cast long shadows over the desert at sunrise, and the magical “Balloon Glow” events in the evening, where the balloons light up the night sky, are moments that stay with you forever.
If you’re thinking about going, let me share a few things I wish I’d known beforehand.
First off, do yourself a favor and download the Fiesta guest guide from their website. It’s packed with useful info that’ll help you get your bearings. And while you’re at it, sign up for their monthly newsletter—it’s a great way to stay updated on everything from balloon details to events and sponsors.
Then start packing. You may think you’re going to a warm place, but it gets pretty darn chilly in the early morning when the balloons are taking off and at night during the “glow.” Think 40 degrees cold, and pack accordingly for what will keep you comfortable. Even in the “warmth of the crowd,” it will be cold.
Speaking of crowds, be prepared—last year’s event drew about 970,000 people over nine days! It’s a colorful spectacle, but it’s also busy. If you’re carrying a bag or purse, expect it to be checked by security at the entrance. They have a separate line for people with bags, and it moved pretty quickly when I was there. But honestly, the less you bring, the better. They even have express lanes for those with no bags or just a small clear plastic one. Just remember, no weapons or drones are allowed, so leave those at home.
With the Balloon Fiesta attracting nearly a million visitors, Albuquerque’s population essentially doubles during the event.
Hotels fill up quickly, and planning is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Securing your accommodation early, even in nearby towns like Los Lunas if necessary, can help set the stage for a stress-free adventure. However, some great last-minute deals often pop up–keep an eye on Booking.com and AirBnB.
Let's talk about food. 🙂
As you marvel at the balloons above, don’t miss out on the flavors of New Mexico below. The Fiesta coincides with Hatch chile season, filling the air with the smoky scent of roasting chiles. Indulge in a freshly roasted chile, or savor a bowl of red chile stew, perfectly complementing the visual feast in the sky.
Albuquerque’s culinary scene extends beyond chiles, with local breweries offering craft beers and food trucks serving up an array of delicious dishes to enhance your Fiesta experience. Yes. please! The Balloon Fiesta has some seriously tasty options, so it’s worth checking out the food guide online before you go. I’m telling you, the breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, and hot chocolate are all must-haves. Take a few minutes to figure out which vendors you want to hit up and make note of their stall numbers—it’ll save you a ton of time navigating the crowds.
You can bring your own food and drinks into the park, which is great if you’ve got little ones or a restricted diet. But even if you do that, I highly recommend trying some of the local food. There’s nothing like munching on a breakfast burrito with green chile sauce while watching hundreds of hot air balloons take off into the crisp morning air.
Getting your tickets
You can buy tickets online or at the gate. They’re $15 per session and non-refundable, but if your session gets canceled due to weather, you can use the ticket for another session—so hang onto it. The Fiesta is weather-dependent, and if conditions aren’t right, the balloons won’t fly. In 2022, for example, three morning sessions were canceled, and none of the evening events happened.
And a quick tip: tickets are sold by session, not by day, so keep that in mind when planning. There are morning and evening sessions, but not every day has both.
Getting There and Getting Around
The Fiesta is a massive event so traffic can be intense. You’ve got a few options: you can drive yourself (parking is $20, cash only), use the Park & Ride (not available Monday-Wednesday), catch a hotel shuttle, or grab an Uber or Lyft. If you go with Park & Ride, make sure everyone has a ticket before you board, and don’t be late—you’ll be assigned a check-in time, and missing it means waiting until all ticket holders are on the bus.
I have to say, Uber and Lyft have their act together for this event. They have a designated pick-up spot at Fiesta Park, complete with couches and tables. It’s like a little living room in the middle of a parking lot! They’ve got a great system where the driver tells you what numbered spot they’re in, so finding your ride is a breeze. Plus, they use their own designated streets, which makes getting out of the park quick and painless.
One thing I learned the hard way is to give yourself plenty of time to get to the park, especially for the Mass Ascensions in the early morning. You’ll need to get up super early, even earlier than you think, to beat the crowds. And trust me, you will want to have an extra day built into your schedule just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate and launces get delayed.
The Mass Ascension
If you’re planning to catch the morning Mass Ascension–when hundreds of balloons take to the skies at once–aim to be inside the park by 6:00 AM. The day kicks off with the dawn patrol, followed by a laser show and opening ceremonies, and the balloons start launching around 7:00. But don’t worry if you’re running late—there are about 500 balloons taking off, so you’ll still see plenty even if you miss the start.
As I mentioned in the packing section, it gets really cold in the morning. The temperature can be around 40 degrees, so pack hats, gloves, and layers. And don’t forget to grab some hot chocolate from the food trucks—it’s a lifesaver!
If your family isn’t full of morning people, and you’re coming from the east, use the time zone change to your advantage. If you’re visiting from the east, plan to hit the early morning events on your first day while your body is still on Eastern Time. It’ll make getting up that early a bit easier.
One more thing—after the Mass Ascension, you’ll notice people start leaving around 9:00 AM. Some days have more events scheduled, but the highlight is usually the morning balloon launch. So, either head to the next Fiesta activity or go back to your hotel for a nap. Trust me, your bed probably hasn’t been made up yet anyway.
A little tip about watching the launches: the balloons don’t all take off at once. They launch one at a time, and the officials, known as zebras (because of their striped shirts), keep things orderly. Keep your eyes open, though—the balloons don’t always rise straight up depending on the wind. And don’t limit yourself to the roadways—get on the field and get up close to the balloons. It’s incredible to watch them being filled with air and then launch right in front of you.
Once the balloons are in the air, the chase teams take off too, so keep an eye out for their vehicles. It’s all part of the experience, but you don’t want to get in their way.
This event is the most photographed in the world, and for good reason. And if you want a photo with the balloons in the background, don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby—people are really friendly at this event.
A few more tips
If you’re not attending the Mass Ascension but are still in the area, turn on the local news, and you might get a close-up view of the launches—or better yet, look out your window; you might see balloons drifting by!
Next to the Fiesta field is the Hot Air Balloon Museum, which is worth a visit. They offer viewing events that include breakfast or dinner, and it’s a great way to learn more about the history of ballooning.
When it comes to breakfast during the Mass Ascension, be prepared for long lines at the food booths. My tip? Don’t just jump into the first line you see—check all the lines because the last one, furthest from the field, is usually the shortest.
The Balloon Glow and Other Evening Events
If you’re attending the evening events, like the Balloon Glow, you’re in for a treat. The Glow events are less crowded since the balloons stay tethered to the ground, and the whole park feels a bit more relaxed. There are several types of Glow events, each with its own vibe, and after dark, the balloons light up from within—it’s pure magic. For the Balloon Glow, you’ll want to bring something to sit on, like a blanket or chair. There’s plenty of room on the field, so get comfortable and enjoy the show. And if you’re planning to shop the vendor stalls or grab a bite, do it in the evening—the lines are usually shorter then.
Once the Glow wraps up, it gets pretty dark on the field, so bring a small flashlight or glow sticks to help you find your way.
These tips should set you up for an unforgettable time at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. You’ll make memories (and take a ton of pictures) that will last a lifetime.
Happy travels!