The Albuquerque Balloon Festival is one of the most popular events happening in October. It will be taking place from October 4th-12th and over 100,000 people are expected to be in attendance. This year it is celebrating its 42nd year and hundreds of balloons will be flying in this festival. The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival.
Events:
America’s Challenge
The America’s Challenge is a gas balloon race. Participants from many different countries participate in this event. There’s no limit on the number of entries which makes it quite a sight as there are usually many competitors. The balloon that travel the longest distance is the winner of the race.
Balloon Glows
This is one of the most beautiful events that takes place during the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Many different balloons participate in the Balloon Glows, even balloons that are special shapes. During this event the balloons don’t take off and they stay stationary.
Dawn Patrol
Dawn Patrol began in 1978. It takes place before the sun rises and the balloons land just as the light comes up over the horizon. Dawn Patrol is actually a very important event for other balloonists since they can watch the participating balloons and get an idea as to the wind speeds occurring that day.
Mass Ascensions
This event is considered to be one of the biggest that occur at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. During his event hundreds of balloons are launched into the sky at different periods. There are so many balloons that the festival’s launch directors, known as zebras for their black and white attire, direct the balloons during each launch to make sure that there are no midair crashes.
Ticketing Information:
The Albuquerque Balloon Festival has two sessions each day. The first session runs from 4:30 a.m. until around noon. The evening session starts anywhere from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. dependent on the day of the event. During the midday, between the two sessions, there are no balloons flying and the vendors usually close. Tickets for each session are $8 each.
The Albuquerque Balloon Festival is a highly anticipated event each year. Nowhere else in the world can attendees see so many beautiful balloons at one time. In addition to the sites at the balloon festival, Albuquerque in and of itself is absolutely amazing and there are many natural attractions to view. A trip to Albuquerque to see the balloon festival will prove to be an unforgettable travel experience.
How much would it cost to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
There are a couple of packages we recommend. The first package is with Globus, and it is a 5 day package called Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. See the mass ascension of balloons and more during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event in the world and one of New Mexico’s most dazzling spectacles. Experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable mass ascension of hundreds of hot-air balloons, where the sky transforms into a rainbow of colors. In the evening, see the dramatic Balloon Glow, when all the balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and After-Glow Fireworks Show. There’s also time for sightseeing with visits to the International Balloon Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a fascinating museum and crafts market operated by New Mexico’s 19 pueblos. Experience a traditional lunch with a demonstration on corn grinding, and enjoy a guided trolley tour in Santa Fe, including the San Miguel Mission and Loretto Chapel’s “Miracle Stairway.” Without a doubt, this is the best way to experience the wonder of the spectacular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! The price is $1,229 per person, but there are some early booking deals where you can save 10% off the brochure rate. There is another package called Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta also where you spend 3 nights at the festival and 2 nights in Santa Fe.
