The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, and it takes place every year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the early October. The festival features more than 500 hot air balloons from around the world, and it attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.
The festival takes place over nine days, from October 7-15, 2023. Tickets are required for admission, and they can be purchased online or at the gate. Prices vary depending on the day and time of your visit.
The festival schedule is as follows:
More or less…
- Morning Glow: This is a special event that takes place before sunrise each day. The balloons are inflated in the dark, and it is a magical sight to see. Morning Glow tickets are separate from general admission tickets.
- Mass Ascension: This is the main event of the festival, and it takes place each morning at 7:00 AM. All of the balloons take off at once, and it is a truly breathtaking sight.
- Special Shape Rodeos: These are events that feature balloons in special shapes, such as animals, letters, and numbers. Special Shape Rodeos take place each afternoon.
- Night Glow: This is a nighttime event that takes place each evening. The balloons are illuminated, and it is a beautiful sight to see. Night Glow tickets are separate from general admission tickets.
For more details, see: https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule
In terms of traffic and lodging, it is important to plan ahead. The festival is very popular, and traffic can be heavy. There are a number of hotels near the festival grounds, but they tend to fill up quickly. It is recommended to book your hotel early.
Here are some tips for attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:
- Bring warm clothes. It can be cold in the morning, even in October. Buy warm outdoor blankets. 🙂
- Bring a picnic blanket. There are no chairs allowed on the festival grounds, so a blanket is a must.
- Bring a camera. You’ll want to capture all the amazing sights of the festival.
- Bring sunscreen. The sun can be strong at the altitude of Albuquerque.
- Be prepared for rain. The festival is held rain or shine, so it is important to be prepared for bad weather.
If the balloons are unable to take off due to weather, there are a number of backup plans you can make. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit the New Mexico Museum of Nuclear Science and Technology.
- Have lunch at Tomasita’s Restaurant.
- See a show at the Electric Playhouse.
- Visit the Explora Children’s Museum.
- Go to the Albuquerque Zoo.
- Visit the New Mexico Aquarium.
- See the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens.
I hope this post has helped you plan your trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It is an amazing event that you won’t want to miss!
