What’s Balloon Fiesta? Simply the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world, spread over a ten day period and beginning this Saturday!

Back in 1979, when I was a fresh-faced college student, I had a first date with a guy from Albuquerque. He picked me up early on a Saturday morning in his sweet 1957 turquoise blue Ford pickup truck, a bag of breakfast burritos and two steaming styrofoam cups of  coffee in the floorboard. We went to a field somewhere off I-25 and watched what may have been 25 to 30 hot air balloons fill and take off. I was smitten! Not as much with him as with the event. And even though the crowds may seem daunting and the crisp October air a bit too cold and crisp, I’m always excited to return to the Balloon Fiesta year after year. I never get tired of the sights and sounds and smells. It is New Mexico True and until you’ve experienced it, you just won’t get how amazing it is.

What started as a small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to become the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the first week in October right here in New Mexico, the Balloon Fiesta now attracts almost 600 balloons and 1000 pilots. I remember when 200 balloons felt like a lot.

In addition to the spectacular Mass Ascensions, the Balloon Fiesta has added the annual Balloon Glow, the Night Magic Glow™, and the Special Shape Rodeo™. These additions have grown to become guest favorites.

In order to preserve the magic of these spectacular events, it is estimated that more than 25 million still photographs are taken of the Balloon Fiesta, repeatedly earning it the title “the world’s most photographed event.”

2018 Daily Event Schedule

To download a PDF of the 2018 Event Schedule click here

For the 2018 Entertainment Schedule click here

*AfterGlow™ times may change due to field/weather conditions
** North end of Launch Field for the pin trading