-updated July, 2021
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) is the premier hot air ballooning event and the most photographed event in the world!
2022: October 1 – 9
Here is everything you need to know about Balloon Fiesta.
AIBF takes over Albuquerque each year, beginning on the first full weekend of October, for 9 days straight, through the second weekend.
Visitors double the population during this time (in 2019, there were over 800,000 attendees!)…So it’s important to plan ahead.
There are 2 parts to this article: All About Hot Air Balloons, and Facts About Attending. Jump to: Facts about attending
The Magic of Fiesta
You arrive on Balloon Fiesta Field before first light. It’s chilly; you can see your breath in the night air. The stars are twinkling merrily above, and there’s an air of excitement. Food vendors are open with coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, and breakfast burritos – the smell of green chile wafts through the air. There’s a sense of anticipation as Pilot Briefing wraps up; the Dawn Patrol balloons light up the field and then fly off. Spectators wander onto the field to watch balloon crews and pilots set up their balloons for launch as the sun begins to rise over the Sandia Mountains.
The zebras (launch directors), pilots, and crew members are ultra busy readying 600 hot air balloons for takeoff into the Albuquerque sky – and then, it happens! Wave after wave of hundreds of beautiful, colorful balloons leave the earth to float aloft in the pure blue New Mexico sky.
If you’ve been there, you know. If you haven’t been, you should experience this!
AIBF Schedule of Events
- Albuquerque Aloft – The Friday before the first day of Fiesta, pilots inflate balloons at all the area Elementary Schools, an innovative learning experience for the kids.
- Dawn Patrol – Each morning of Fiesta, a small number of balloons take off at around 6 a.m. (before sunrise) to give the other balloonists an idea of the wind speeds and direction at different altitudes. The colorful balloons lit against a pre-dawn black sky makes this event both practical and beautiful.
- Mass Ascensions – On all weekend mornings and Wednesday, all the balloons fly from Fiesta Field, and these Mass Ascensions are when you’ll see the most balloons in the sky you’ve every seen! So exhilarating!
- Balloon Glows – Just before dusk on the weekends, balloons are inflated and tethered (they won’t fly), and the balloons glow in the night sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. A spectator favorite (and a crew nightmare!)
- Fireworks – Some of the most spectacular fireworks I’ve ever seen occur on the field after the evening glows.
- Ballooning Competitions – On weekdays: pilots compete for big prizes.
- America’s Challenge™ Gas Balloon Race – Gas balloonists come from around the world to Balloon Fiesta Park to participate in the event; the team that flies the longest distance wins.
- Wood Carving, Skydivers, Car Shows, aeronautical displays – after the balloons are aloft, there’s lots of activity: music, vendors, there’s always something going on!
All About Hot Air Balloons
I’ve been on a balloon crew for about 20 years; here are answers to the questions asked most about hot air balloons and what it’s like to crew. The first balloon picture below is of the balloon I crew for, “Seeking Nirvana” – widely believed to be the prettiest balloon in the skies over Albuquerque. 😉
Construction: The “envelope” – the colorful fabric part – is made of reinforced rip-stop nylon. Polyester and other very lightweight and very strong fabrics may be used. The sturdier fabric at the lower portion of the envelope, the “skirt,” is a heavier fire-resistant material like Nomex (which is what firemen and race car drivers wear). The basket, or “gondola” is woven out of wicker, which is strong, lightweight and flexible. Wicker is also easy to maintain and holds up well under the stress of repeated landings.
How to Inflate a Hot Air Balloon
You will see balloons being inflated and flying off the field many times when you attend Fiesta. Here are some explanations of what you’ll see.
How to Inflate a Hot Air Balloon, [pro tip: never talk about “blowing up” a balloon – no one wants that!] Part 1: Put together all the parts. Balloonists travel in groups – it takes four+ people to get a balloon inflated. First, assemble the gondola and envelope – we take the envelope out of the bag and lay it out on the ground. The burners are attached to the basket uprights. The basket it tipped on its side and the envelope is attached to the basket with steel cables. At this point, we wait our turn for the next step. [A great time to chat with the crew – not so busy right now.]
How to Inflate a Hot Air Balloon, Part 2: Cold Pack the Envelope. When ready, crew members hold the envelope’s ‘throat’ open, and a gasoline-powered fan blows air into the envelope. Crew members at the far end of the envelope close up the top (the round part known as the ‘parachute’) with Velcro tabs. Someone holds the rope taut at the crown to steady the envelope as it’s being cold packed. [Another good time to chat.]
How to Inflate a Hot Air Balloon, Part 3: Going Hot! When the envelope is full of cold air, the burners are turned on and fire is blown into the envelope to heat the air. The hot air rises, lifting the balloon upright while the crew helps right the basket. [A terrible time to try to chat with crew! Very, very busy and critical time.]
Once the balloon is standing upright with all that hot air in it, crew members gather around the gondola to hold it down – you’ll hear cries of, “Weight on!;” the balloon is quite light and buoyant at this point, and is ready to fly. But still, we wait.
Launching a Hot Air Balloon
Consider this: when the pilot and passengers are in the basket and the envelope is inflated above them, it is impossible to see what’s in the sky above the balloon. At a balloon rally, with so many balloons launching and flying, Launch Directors (known as “Zebras” at AIBF) observe the air space and surrounding environment of each balloon; when conditions are perfect, the zebra will blow a whistle and give the pilot a double thumbs up to indicate that they should take off.
Zebra giving the unmistakable “all clear – LAUNCH” signal to a balloonist at AIBF
-photo credit: Jerry Larson
The crew, who’ve been “weighing on” ever since the balloon stood up, back away from the basket, and the pilot and passengers ascend quickly into the air to join the throngs of other balloons. What a thrill if you’re one of the lucky passengers! The balloon rises gently, offering awesome views of the surroundings.
During an AIBF Mass Ascension, seeing the Field below filled with inflating and launching balloons is amazing.
Flying in a Hot Air Balloon
Because there are so many balloons at AIBF, the pilots try to take off quickly and get high enough to not impede other balloons. The burners are arm’s length above your head, and you can feel the heat when they’re on. The cool air wafts against your face as you gaze over the landscape. It’s a gentle feeling, like floating – which is exactly what you’re doing!
While flying, passengers do their part by watching for any potential obstacles (like powerlines) and for balloons ascending from below – remember, balloonists below a can’t tell what’s up above, and they have the right-of-way.
Balloon Pilots are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), just like any other pilot; theirs is a Lighter-than-Air (LTA) certification. They attend Ground School, do Test Flights with their instructors, practice takeoffs and landings, and finally fly solo several times before being certified.
Splash & Dash
One of the pilots’ favorite flying feats during Fiesta is to head toward the Rio Grande River to attempt a “Splash & Dash” – dipping the gondola into the river! The balloons may go ‘sailing’ along for awhile before ascending again.
It’s great practice for precision flying.
Meanwhile, Back on the Field…
Once the balloon launches, the crew waves goodbye and gets back to work, bleeding the lines of the fan, and stowing it and other ballooning accoutrements in the trailer. If conditions are calm, there may be time to talk with visitors and take photos. (No matter how many times I’ve attended Fiesta, I still take a zillion photos every year!)
When it’s time to chase the balloon, several of the crew guide the truck and trailer carefully among the oblivious spectators – who are all gazing skyward! – out of the Park. The crew drives in the general direction the balloons are flying.
The pilot and crew communicate via 2-way radio if necessary, and the crew hopes to be right there when the balloon lands. If conditions are good and there’s enough propane, the pilot may decide to do a second hop, switching out passengers. And after a glorious couple of hours of flying, it’s time to deflate and pack up the balloon.
After the Flight…Pack Up
What goes up must come down! Once the pilot is finished flying for the day and is in a good spot to lay down the envelope, she lets the hot air in the balloon begin to cool down. As the balloon becomes less buoyant, other passengers exit the basket. At a critical moment, the pilot rips out the envelope’s parachute, and the crew member on crown pulls the top of the envelope away from the basket. Others help tip the basket onto its side and keep the envelope from falling onto anything that could pierce or tear it.
The throat is closed off, and crew at the top pull the lines to help compress the envelope; lots of hot air rushes out of the top. Someone squeezes the envelope progressively toward the top (called “milking” the envelope). When the envelope is long and thin, the crew pack it into the envelope bag and try to compress it further by sitting on it. The burners are disassembled, and everything is stashed in the trailer.
Back to the Park – Party Time!
After all the work and the fun of flying, it’s time to drink lots of water and return to Fiesta Field. We choose a tailgate spot, and the pilot takes the trailer to refill the propane tanks. Now it’s time for ceremonies, tailgating, games, shopping Main Street, and general crew shenanigans. While we’re hanging out, often spectators will come by to collect balloon cards from the various crews.
First Flight Ceremony
Your first flight in a hot air balloon is so exciting, so exhilarating, so memorable! All first flyers are honored in a special ceremony, which includes the story of the start of ballooning, and the Balloonist’s Prayer:
“The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. You have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.”
Champagne is involved, and since you didn’t use your hands to fly, you don’t get to use them to toast, either – all in good fun.
Shopping – Hanging Out – Relaxing
Facts: 1 – Getting to the Park
Driving?!?!???!!! Noooo…..
OK, yes, you may drive to the park, but just don’t do it. The traffic is ridiculous, and it costs $20 to park – more than the price of admission!
Consider this: almost 9,000 vehicles can be parked at Fiesta Field – do you really want to be one of those??
(This is me, at 4:45 a.m., trying to meet the rest of the crew!)
I can’t tell you the number of people with whom I’ve spoken who tried to drive to the park, but got stuck in traffic and never got to the field. (If you insist on driving, plan to arrive by 4:30 a.m. at the latest – maybe 5 am on weekdays.)
➡ Balloon Fiesta Express Park & Ride
As attendance has grown, so has increased traffic congestion and parking issues. AIBF has wonderful park and ride services. Enjoy special prices if you park your vehicle at one of several Albuquerque locations and take the Balloon Fiesta Express Park & Ride bus to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 1-855-725-1824. Note: Tickets cannot be purchased at the remote lots – get them ahead of time! All riders must have a ticket before boarding the bus.
Locations of Park & Ride:
Eastside: Coronado Mall (SW corner) or
Hoffmantown Church – 8888 Harper NE
Westside: Cottonwood Mall
NB: no Park & Ride on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Ride Shares (Lyft, Uber)
Uber and Lyft have been informed about specific routes to and from Balloon Fiesta Park. The pick-up/drop-off areas for Fiesta attendees is already programmed into the driver’s software. Warning: they can get caught in traffic, just like you can!
Bicyclists
Attendees who enjoy riding bikes have access to free parking, an easy-access bike trail, and safe storage with Balloon Fiesta’s Bike Valet, at the south end of the Launch Field next to the Balloon Museum. Take the bike trail that runs along the North Diversion Channel under Paseo del Norte and Alameda, ending just north of the Balloon Museum. The Bike Valet can accommodate more than 1,000 bicycles each session.
Facts: 2 – Entry Into the Park
• General admission…………..$15
• Children (12 and under)…..Free
• General Parking……………….$20 per car
Tickets are on sale as of July 2; they are non-refundable; however, your ticket may be exchanged for another 2021 session if an individual session must be canceled due to weather. [See Weather Disclaimer below]
AIBF is an enormous, international event. There’s a consortium of 20 federal, state and local law enforcement, first responder, and government entities to ensure that AIBF is a safe place for its pilots, guests, volunteers and employees.
There are 8 public entrances which each have 6 to 8 lanes for bag checks and metal detector screening. There are marked lanes for those with stuff (Bag Check Lanes) and those without (Express Lanes).
What’s Allowed in the Park:
- Backpacks/bags (1 per person) will be inspected. Clear bags will expedite this
- Blankets or coats should be carried over the shoulder to be screened quickly
- Folding chairs will have to be removed from the carrying case for inspection
- Food – resale is prohibited
What’s Prohibited in the Park:
- Weapons, knives over a 4” blade, any item that may be used as a projectile
- Jewelry or chains with spikes
- Any animal with the exception of an ADA service animal
- Glass bottles and hard sided coolers (soft-sided coolers are OK)
- Alcohol or drugs
- Religious or political paraphernalia
- Drones
- Cigars, cigarettes, pipes (you can take them in, but can’t use them in the Park)
More about Balloon Fiesta Park:
- As of July 2, real face masks must be worn by everyone ages 2 and up (2021).
- It’s crowded, and there’s lots of distractions – tag your tots for free inside.
- ~100 vendors along Main Street sell food, crafts, balloon souvenirs, art, and much more.
- There are restrooms, some picnic tables, and ATMs available.
- The Balloon Discover Center is informative to visit.
- Mobility Issues?: There is hard surface handicap parking close to the entrance gates. The Park consists of more than 360 acres. There are a limited number of scooters and wheelchairs available to rent, as well as shuttles.
Balloon Fiesta Park is a 360 acre space – 100 acres of grass (the “Field”) that will be filled with balloons, with concession booths on the edges of the field (“Main Street”).
The field is divided into large squares, A-W and 1~15.
See the red circle? – that’s where Seeking Nirvana, the balloon I crew for, likes to set up – far away from the massive crowds near Main Street. We’re generally around S-10 or so. Come say, “Hi!”
Enhanced Fiesta Experiences 😲
- Concierge – your personal tour guide for the session! Includes parking pass, 2 admission tickets, and being driven around in a golf cart to all parts of the field. $350 per session for 1-2 people; $50 per additional person, up to 4 total.
- The Gondola Club is a VIP experience. It has a reserved area with parking, private seating, gourmet buffet and bar, a shuttle to Main Street, and private bathrooms just for members. Adults $125 per session; children (4-12) $65.
- Chaser’s Club – another upgraded ticket for $60, this outdoor area has hot food, private bathrooms, and cocktails for purchase.
- Glamping – 168 square foot safari tents for 1-2 people, choice of a queen or 2 twin beds, with restroom and shower trailers. Walk to Fiesta Park; $1500 for 3 nights includes admission for all 3 days.
- To arrange for the Concierge, Gondola Club, Glamping, or Chaser’s Club, email Shamaine Giannini – sgiannini@balloonfiesta.com or call (888) 422-7277.
This article may contain an affiliate link or 2 to products I use and trust; this means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase via any of my links. Thank you! – this enables me to continue operating this website and community for free. See my full disclosure here
Facts: 3 – Frequent Questions
How Big are Hot Air Balloons?
The typical sport balloon ranges in size from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet in volume, and when inflated stands around 70 feet tall (or equivalent in height to a building with seven floors). To better visualize this, think of 1 cubic foot as the size of a basketball.
How do Hot Air Balloons Fly?
Hot air balloons fly because hot air rises. When the pilot heats the air inside the envelope, it becomes lighter than the air around the envelope and floats up into the sky. (This is why hot air balloons generally fly in early mornings, when the air is much cooler.) The pilot can control the balloon’s altitude by adjusting the temperature of the air inside the envelope. To make the balloon come down, the air inside the balloon is allowed to cool. To climb, more heat is added, increasing lift.
How does one Steer a Hot Air Balloon?
You don’t. The balloon goes where the wind takes it. Note, the winds at varying altitudes move in different directions and at different speeds, so pilots climb or descend to an altitude where the wind is blowing the direction they want to go.
How Fast do Hot Air Balloons Go?
As fast, or as slow, as the wind. The balloon has no forward propulsion system, so its speed is determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That’s why balloon races are events of accuracy rather than speed.
When’s the Best Time to Fly a Hot Air Balloon?
Conditions are usually the best just after sunrise and one or two hours before sunset. This is the time of day when winds are calmest and the air most stable and cooler.
How High do Hot Air Balloons Fly?
Most balloon flights occur between 500 and 2,000 feet above the ground, but balloons can fly as low as treetop level or go much higher. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 65,000 feet.
How Long can a Hot Air Balloon Stay in the Air?
It depends. Normally, the balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for two hours, but factors like outside air temperature, the weight being carried in the basket, and the weather determine the duration of the flight.
What Kind of Fuel is Used in Hot Air Ballooning?
Propane is the most common fuel; butane is sometimes used in remote areas where propane is not available. The fuel is carried in aluminum or stainless steel tanks that range from 10 – 25 gallons in size and sit in the gondola. The average fuel consumption for a sport size balloon is about 15 gallons an hour.
How are the Balloons retrieved?
The chase crew leaves the field in the balloon’s truck sometime after the balloon launches. The crew is usually in contact with the pilot by means of two way radios, and follows the flight of the balloon (as well as the existing roads allow) and should be on hand to make the recovery when the balloon touches down. Safety around Balloons
Because of its 48-year safety record, AIBF is one of the only balloon aviation events where you are actually able to walk among the balloons as they are inflating and talk to the pilots. Please do not touch any parts of a balloon, or step on or over them or any ropes. Follow the directions of the pilots, crew members, and Launch Directors (Zebras).
What’s the Difference between a Hot Air Balloon and a Gas Balloon?
A gas balloon is completely enclosed and is filled with helium or hydrogen gas. A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air within. Hot air balloon flights usually last an hour or so, while gas balloon flights can last for days. Gas balloon flights require more preparation for cold weather, high altitudes, and flying at night. Gas balloonists pack oxygen equipment and enough food and water for several days.
Why are AIBF Launch Directors called “Zebras?“ – because they wear black and white striped shirts…
Here’s my favorite zebra, with a couple of gas balloons.
Zebras are very knowledgeable, fun, and can be kinda crazy!
Join the Fun!
Can I Arrange for a Flight?
Reservations for a hot air balloon ride can be made at any time of year. Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Flights
Can I Crew for a Balloon? The chase crew helps the pilot inflate and deflate his/her balloon for each flight. Lots of balloons come from overseas, and they often need local people to crew for them. Interested? Register here, starting July 15, through Sept. 15. To Crew: Wear non-flammable outerwear, no dangling strings or scarves. You’ll need these types of leather work gloves and sturdy boots to crew.
Why Albuquerque?
Brisk mornings give way to warm afternoons with mild temperatures throughout the day and normally stiller winds. This ideal weather, combined with its diverse altitudes and geography makes Albuquerque an ideal location for ballooning in October. The Rio Grande River valley to the west is 11,000 feet lower than the Sandia mountain range to the east, and the prevailing winds aloft create the legendary “Albuquerque Box.” When the Box is functioning, gentle winds blow in a box pattern, sometimes leading balloons right back to where they started. This natural phenomenon makes Albuquerque home to some of the best ballooning in the world.
More About Weather
Ballooning is completely dependent upon the weather. Regardless of how we as spectators observe the weather on the ground, AIBF monitors conditions and announces at Pilot Briefing (around 6 a.m.) whether we will fly, wait, or be grounded that day. For morning flights, winds faster than 10 knots (~11.5 mph), visibility of less than 3 miles, clouds below 1500 feet, or rain will postpone or cancel the launch.
Near the Main Stage on Main Street, there’s a flagpole that flies a color to let spectators know what’s happening: Green = all OK; Yellow = Weather Hold; Red = No Flying. Balloon Fiesta Park will remain open even in the case of a balloon flight cancellation.
The Balloon Fiesta offers no refunds for unused tickets. However, rain checks
will be issued if an individual flying session must be cancelled due to weather
or other safety considerations; the tickets can be used for any other flying
session at that year’s Fiesta.
This is why I cringe when I hear people saying they’re coming for Fiesta for only 1, 2, or 3 days – they may not see the balloons fly.
Conclusion
Upcoming AIBF Dates:
- 2021 – October 2 – 10
- 2022 – October 1 – 9
- 2023 – October 7 – 15
It’s a lot of work, but we love it! If you ever visit Albuquerque, be sure to visit during Fiesta, and also – get in touch!
For more about New Mexico: Life in New Mexico.
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So excited to be a Zebra this year!!
This is on our bucket list! Thank you for such an informative post!
This is very informative. There’s a balloon festival near the city I moved to last fall. The festival was a few weeks ago. I didn’t know it happened until the day after. Maybe next year.
That looks AMAZING! I would love to see that in person!!!
These photos are absolutely stunning! I’m thinking the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I know it’s on mine.
A friend of mine went a few years ago and loved it. We have a small rally locally that we try to get to at least to see the glow.
Gorgeous pics! Would love to visit the stunning Albuquerque, NM balloon festival!
My brother has gone to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and loved it. I really want to take my kids one of these days when we can manage it around their school schedule. We’ve tried to go up in a balloon a few times but the weather has never cooperated for us.
So interesting! So beautiful! Looks like so much fun! What an experience!
I just flew in a hot air balloon in Scottsdale. It was my first time – floating over the desert at 5,000 feet is crazy and beautiful at the same time.
Cool! It’s unlike anything else, isn’t it?!
I think it’d be amazing to see all the hot air balloons in the sky together. It looks like a fund day at the Alburquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The Air Balloon Festival would be magical! I would love to go!
I learned so much from this article! I think I need to go now!!
What a fun and beautiful experience!
Interesting read. It was nice to see the pics of the beautiful balloons! Thanks for sharing.
It really does look like such a magical experience. I have had this on my list for a long time. Maybe next year!!
I have been on a hot air balloon, but not to a festival. This looks like it would be amazing to see. My little guy loved the cow!
This sounds spectacular! And it seems reasonably priced too!
WOW! This is on my bucket list! Where I grew up, balloons flew every weekend, we even had one land across the street once.
Oh my goodness! This looks & sounds AMAZING! I HAVE to go!
Definitely a bucket-list item, Whitney! If you’re serious about visiting during Fiesta, book lodging about a year ahead of time.
This looks fantastic, my kind of event. It really is stunning and you took beautiful photos.
Angela – this event has been documented as the most photographed event in the world! Even the crew take photos every year, no matter how many we have.
We passed through Albequerque in November and I was thrilled to see four balloons over the city.
The ride balloons fly every day! (Weather permitting.)
This looks so amazing! How beautiful! What a neat experience!
I’m afraid of heights but still got in a hot air balloon one time. It was a lot of fun and not at all scary like I thought it would be.
I don’t know if I can muster the nerve to get in one of those, but i could watch this Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for days.
Oh, I have wanted to experience one of these for years! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve never been in a hot air balloon before but if I had a professional trained to help, sign me up!
Can’t say I would ever have the nerve to do this! But… I certainly would love watching from the ground!
WOW! Those are some amazing balloon photos! This looks like an amazing time.
I am so afraid of heights, but I would love to go in a balloon. My husband is upset because I backed out of two helicopter rides that we paid for. I’m sure he would love a balloon ride even more. Your pictures are fascinating.
I want to visit Albuquerque in general, but these hot air balloons get awesome!
Loved this article! I’ve wanted to go to this festival for some time now – I really, really want to try a Hot Air Ballon ride, even though I’m a little afraid.
I’ve always wanted to see the hot air balloons! My mother and stepdad have attended several times.
I will certainly have to visit this balloon festival!! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful!
I’ve always wanted to do a hot air balloon ride but haven’t had the chance to yet!
We enjoy a balloon rally local to us every year. So beautiful. We really enjoy the evening “glow”.
Wow, This is incredible!
I love your pictures! My mom has really wanted to go to this for a few years, and now I want to go, too. We are actually planning to maybe be in the area next month for the first time, but we won’t be there for the fiesta. Someday!
So unfortunate that the Balloon Fiesta is cancelled for 2020…
My husband and I have been to a balloon festival, but we haven’t taken the kids yet. I love seeing all of the beautiful unique balloons.
This looks like so much fun!
This looks like a great experience!
What a magical experience!
Amazing! Bucket list!
Beautiful! Would love to see one of these in person one day!
Beautiful pictures! This looks like an amazing time.
How pretty to see all the balloons up in the air!
I have always wanted to attend a hot air balloon festival. It looks great.
I love hot air balloon Festivals! Looks like you all had an amazing experience! I’m ready to go back soon!
This is definitely something I’d love to see in my lifetime! Great pictures! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to see this…the balloons looks so beautiful in the sky!
I want to go sooo bad! We have a Hot Air Balloon Festival here in Oregon, but I’ve never been to it. I need to put it on my bucket list.
I had no idea that many people came to this! How fun!
Striking pictures! Looks like so much fun!
Lovely ! I love the picture of the balloons reflection on the water.
Would love to witness this! Would be a photographers dream! I’ve been on a hot air balloon just once… was a lot of fun!
Oh, yes–it’s the most photographed event in the world! Definitely plan on coming out, and be sure to let me know.
Pics are great but would have liked a bit more info on the AIBF itself. What time do they inflate the balloon? Can you walk around the balloons while they are being inflated? How many balloons participate each year? Etc.
Thanks, Elaine. The majority of the balloons begin inflation at about sunrise…but, if you’re not on the field by about 6 am, you won’t get there! You can walk all around the balloons. The entries are capped at about 700 balloons; one year, there were 1000, and that was simply too many!
We love Albuquerque! We will be posting two blogs on New Mexico in the next couple of weeks. The photos are beautiful!
Excellent! Thank you.
I’ve heard about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta but didn’t know much about it. Thanks for giving me a behind the scenes look at the event. It looks like so much fun. I’m going to add the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to my list of must-do trips!
Let me know if you do!
Michelle, I tried to comment on your Paris page, but it was blocked as a suspected bot…thought you should know.
Great photos! Would love to visit Albuquerque for this festival some time.
Let me know if you do!
Having lived in Colorado for close to 25 years, I’ve been to the balloon festival a few times – it’s just spectacular!!
Isn’t it great?! Are you still in CO?