The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a 9-day, world-renowned annual event each October. Renowned with good reason. It offers an unforgettable and magical perspective on the city’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Watch the mass ascension, ride high on a hot air balloon, and enjoy a scenic drive or hike through the Sandia Mountains.
Albuquerque’s unique atmospheric conditions and natural geography make it one of the best places for ballooning. Its weather patterns are ideal. It benefits from a meteorological phenomenon known as the “Albuquerque Box,” characterized by predictable wind patterns. This allows balloons to launch and land in close proximity to the launch site. Its wind conditions are ideal. The city’s location in the Rio Grande Valley provides consistent and gentle winds. Predictable wind speeds and directions create a reliable and stable environment for pilots to navigate. Its geographic features are ideal. The Sandia Mountains and the vast Rio Grande Valley create a picturesque backdrop for balloon flights. Albuquerque, New Mexico, also has a vibrant ballooning community, and ballooning has deep roots in the city’s cultural heritage.
Oh, and of course, Albuquerque is known for its spicy cuisine, which features dishes such as green chile stew, enchiladas, and posole. Sample some of the local craft beers, wines, and spirits or indulge in some of the city’s famous sweet treats like biscochitos or sopapillas.
Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Whole Foods Market, Wyoming Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Trader Joe's, Holly Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Sprouts Farmers Market, San Mateo Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Sandia Mountains, New Mexico, USA
Sandia Peak Tramway, Tramway Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Elena Gallegos Open Space Parking, Albuquerque, NM, USA
The Artichoke Cafe, Central Avenue Southeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Farm & Table, 4th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Ex Novo Brewing Company, Corrales Road, Corrales, NM, USA
Before Breakfast in Albuquerque
Mass Ascension
Head to Balloon Fiesta Park, the main venue for the event, before sunrise, to witness the Mass Ascension. Hundreds of hot air balloons take off in a spectacular display of colors and shapes. Check out the gas balloons too. You won’t regret the early wake-up call. Bundle up; it’ll be cold. And brace yourself for parking traffic or take a shuttle. Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while watching the balloons inflate and take flight.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Albuquerque
Balloon Fiesta Park
Explore the many activities available in Balloon Fiesta Park – live music on a few different stages, food vendors, chain saw carving, photo contests, skydiving, landing competitions, and dawn patrols. Wander the grounds, weaving in between and around the balloons. Learn hands-on about the sport and science of ballooning at the Discovery Center. Hop on a tethered hot air balloon or take an official ride with Rainbow Ryders, for a unique perspective.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Albuquerque
Sandia Mountains
Head to the nearby Sandia Mountains for a scenic drive or hike. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the Balloon Fiesta and offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding desert landscape. Take the Sandia Peak Tramway up to Sandia Crest (a 15-minute ‘flight’ after a 15-45 minute wait; purchase tickets online). Drive up the backside (which can take an hour depending on where you are departing from) via I-40 and NM 536). Or explore dozens of trails of varying length and ability in the foothills at Elena Gallegos Open Space, where there are also covered picnic areas.
Best Places for Dinner in Albuquerque
The city is known for its spicy cuisine and dishes such as green chile stew, enchiladas, and posole. Sample local craft beers, wines, and spirits, or indulge in famous sweet treats like biscochitos or sopapillas.
The Artichoke Café
The Artichoke Café is a sophisticated eatery known for its elegant, contemporary ambiance and creative cuisine. Enjoy expertly crafted dishes that highlight seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, such as the signature green chile and goat cheese fondue or perfectly grilled steaks.
Farm & Table
A culinary gem with a rustic-chic ambiance, the North Valley fave Farm & Table offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Savor dishes made with ingredients sourced from their own farm and other local producers. From creative vegetarian options to perfectly prepared meats, Farm & Table’s commitment to sustainable, seasonal, and locally inspired cuisine creates an extraordinary dining experience that connects diners with the region’s agricultural roots.
Best Places to Stay in Albuquerque
ABQ Vrbo
Find the perfect place for your stay in Albuquerque by choosing from 834 houses, 43 condos, and other vacation rentals. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or just your furry companion, vacation homes have the best amenities for spending time at your vacation home. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find a rental that has what everyone needs.
After Dark in Albuquerque
Glows
Head back to the Balloon Fiesta Park for evening events, which, depending on the night, might include a Twilight Twinkle Glow, Drone Light Show, After Glow fireworks, or Special Shapes “Glowdeo” (a magical display of hot air balloons glowing against the night sky). Enjoy music, food, and a festive, colorful spectacle.
Ex Novo Brewing
Ex Novo, a renowned craft brewery from Portland, Oregon, has a super inviting atmosphere. Their Corrales location is spacious and relaxed; their diverse beer menu ranges from flagship IPAs to stouts and experimental brews. The brewery is committed to sustainability and philanthropy, with a portion of its profits dedicated to charitable causes.
Bonus Pro Tips
As Tom Gainor the photographer of this image says: “If you have ever been to the Ballon Fiesta in Albuquerque, you know what a unique sight this is. In 2017, they had over 500 balloons fly on the first day. I caught a moment early in the day just before sunrise where there was a single balloon making its way across the early morning sky.” Great pic!
Guidebooks We’ve Used & Love
Frommer’s Easy Guide (Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque)
Secret Albuquerque: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful & Obscure, by Ashley Biggers
Moon (Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque)
