For nine days in early October, thousands come from near and far to watch the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons ascending into skies for an extravagant air show at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Heather Hunter shares her bird’s eye view of this marvelous event.
Up, Up, and Away at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Now in its 52nd year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta holds the title for the nation’s largest balloon event, making Duke City the ballooning capital. With more than 500 balloons and pilots, and nearly one million attendees in 2023, Balloon Fiesta is far larger than it was in 1972, when it began life as an intimate gathering of thirteen balloons. Considered to be the most photographed event in the world, Balloon Fiesta attracts an international crowd of experienced balloonists and a sea of spectators who come for awe, and a skyful of wonder.
October is the ideal time for the annual event because the winds are more pronounced and predictable. Known as the “Albuquerque Box,” the winds make it easier for balloon pilots to navigate in the Rio Grande Valley. The cool morning temperatures also help the balloons rise faster and manage better.
Best Tips for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
If you are going to Balloon Fiesta Park—a full square mile—be prepared to arrive early. “Balloons begin to take off at the first sign of sunrise, so you want to be at the park to catch the mass ascension—a breathtaking scene,” says Patrick Slater, a crew chief for the last thirty years. He is the liaison between the pilot and the crew, helping the balloons with lift-off and landing. He also has two balloons he flies during the event.
“You need to be on the field to see the balloons come up,” says Slater. “This is one of the few balloon rallies in the country that allow you to walk amongst the balloons.” Slater says a typical flight lasts about an hour, depending on the prevailing weather conditions, including wind and temperature.
The pros highly recommend taking Park & Ride, which makes life easier for everyone as the ingress can be daunting. Just be sure to purchase online tickets in advance to secure your spot on the bus.
Greatest Views of the Balloons
If you would rather watch from a distance, local Jessica Moose offers these suggestions, “Just south of the Balloon Fiesta Park is Vista del Norte Park. That is the place to be for a great view, as is Vic’s Daily Café, where you can watch the balloons while enjoying their famous Vaqueros breakfast— chicken fried steak Christmas-style with two fried eggs.” The City Park on Osuna is also a designated viewing area.
For the more adventuresome, Moose suggests renting a kayak or paddle board to witness the balloons as they cross the Rio Grande.
The balloon glow event, held at night, is another opportunity to experience the enormity of the balloons up close and personal. About 200 balloons fill with air, light up, and stay on the field. The pilots let visitors get inside the gondola to check them out.
Frankie Martinez, a commercial balloon pilot who has been chasing balloons since he was in elementary school, says, “Glow is a fun crowdpleaser. It’s fun for the crowds to get close to the balloons and ask questions.”
High Flying Facts About The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Last year there were 546 registered balloons and 629 pilots at Balloon Fiesta.
- In 2023, close to one million people attended the event.
- The typical balloon is the size of an eight-story building.
- The inside of a balloon is about 100,000 cubic feet.
- The fabric of a balloon is called the envelope, and the basket you fly in, the gondola, can carry up to three passengers.
Story by Heather Hunter / Photography by Alfred Grey and Susie Elliott
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