Locals already know that Albuquerque has the largest hot air balloon event in the world, and we have watched the largest collection of hot air balloons in the world paint vibrant colors all over the Duke City skyline each October since 1972. Tom Garrity, the Balloon Fiesta spokesperson, says we’ve come a long way from launching 13 balloons at the inaugural event. Balloons from 45 states and 16 countries spanning from Canada to Kenya are participating this year. North Macedonia will make its first appearance.
“They’re gonna be easy to pick out from the field because their balloon is actually a special shape balloon which is a giant pink gnome,” Garrity says.
The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta welcomes 566 hot air balloons, their pilots, 80 food and merchandise vendors, crew members, event staff and tens of thousands of guests to Albuquerque starting Oct. 5. This year’s theme: “Embrace the Sky.”
Last year’s Balloon Fiesta set a record with just under 970,000 attendees. In case any of this sounds overwhelming, it definitely can be. That’s why we’ve got the low-down on everything visitors and seasoned Balloon Fiesta veterans alike might want to know before heading to see the mass ascension this year, and a couple of new things to check out.
Special Shapes
The special shapes are the talk of the town every year. Just in time for Halloween, old favorites like Frankenstein from Brazil and Vampirella from Belgium will be keeping the sky a bit scary. It’s been a few years since the detailed, multicolored favorite named The Brain has been here, but the new balloons are usually the big attention grabbers. Churro is a dog-shaped balloon that shares a name with its real dog co-pilot, Taiwan has a culturally significant addition shape: the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The new addition from Canada that Garrity is fired up about is called Météo.
“I love weather and it actually has clouds and a sun and a lot of caricatures on it that former weathercasters just really like,” Garrity says.
It’s no secret that New Mexicans love to hate Zozobra, and he finally got his own balloon. Garrity says in addition to the full-sized Zozobra, there will also be a quarter-scale remote controlled Zozobra balloon.
“We have 77 total remote-controlled balloons and they’ll all be participating in the Fiesta de los Globitos,” Garrity said.
The remote-controlled balloons are about one-third of the size of a regular hot air balloon and fly tethered to the ground. The special event will be held during morning sessions on Sunday Oct. 6, Wednesday, Oct. 10, and Friday, Oct. 11. They’ll also be inflated for the evening session Saturday, Oct. 12.
Transportation and Parking
Getting to and from an event that is projected to push 1 million people can be tricky, but there are four Park and Ride shuttle locations this year. Cottonwood Mall, Coronado Center and Hoffmantown Church will provide safe transportation to and from the event every day. On weekends, shuttles will be available from Intel as well. Advance purchase Park and Ride tickets are $10 – $25 and children 5 and under are free. Morning Departures start at 4 a.m. and afternoon departures start at 3 p.m.
For those who want to get some exercise or go the environmentally friendly route this year, the Balloon Fiesta has a bike valet program free of charge, you just need to pay the admission price.
“It’s so easy to get to the Balloon Fiesta by bike because you just head up the North Diversion Channel,” Garrity says. “It ends literally right there at Balloon Fiesta Park and you just follow the signs to the bike valet and they will take care of you.”
Whether they’re coming from the Westside, the eastside or cities north and south of Albuquerque such as Santa Fe, drivers can access the park from Interstate 25, exiting at either Alameda or at Tramway/Roy Road.
Albuquerque Aloft
Since the entire sky will be full of balloons for a week, it’s impossible to miss the show from anywhere in the metro, and many prefer to enjoy the array from less-crowded locations. The Albuquerque Aloft program gives the whole city a preview with a simultaneous launch from different sites around Albuquerque.
Nearly 200 pilots signed up to participate in the program this year. The Friday morning before the Balloon Fiesta starts, pilots will tether or launch their balloons from selected schools and will either fly from the campus or remain inflated at the school site. Albuquerque Aloft is the only Balloon Fiesta event where balloons launch outside of Balloon Fiesta Park.
“The balloons launch from all over Albuquerque and Rio Rancho,” Garrity says. “It’s a lot of fun to be a spectator looking around and seeing all these hot air balloons launching from different parts of the city.”
Weather permitting, inflation is scheduled at approximately 6:45-7 a.m. with a simultaneous launch scheduled for 7-7:30 a.m.
2024 Music Fiesta with Carly Pearce
The biggest gathering of hot air balloon lovers in the world will have a live soundtrack played by award-winning big-name performers and of course, local musicians. In addition to having the national anthem before every event, local acts will play at 9 a.m. on both weekends and Thursday/Friday events.
Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner Carly Pearce headlines the festival Oct. 12. along with a performance from country duo LOCASH. South-Central New Mexico act Kyle Martin & Co. will open the event with a blend of rock n’ roll and country, a genre Martin calls “Westrock.”
Balloon Glow, Other Events
The Balloon Glow was invented in Albuquerque in 1979 when pilots would light their burners on Christmas Eve, turning their balloons into giant illuminated ornaments. Since 1987, the Balloon Glow has been perhaps the most beloved event at the festival, especially the “all burn” where as many balloons as possible fire their burners at the same time. The popular drone show will be back this year but personal drones are not allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park. Visitors can watch Team Fastrax, a professional skydiving team that will do several jumps during the afternoon sessions and one before the AfterGlow fireworks display. Guests can also watch live chainsaw carving with an auction after every demonstration and additional carvings available for purchase every day. The Balloon Discovery Center at the north end of the field is designed for kids, but teaches enthusiasts of any age about the art of ballooning.
New Mexico Day
The Balloon Fiesta board of directors wants to give back to New Mexico residents who have been longtime supporters of this event. During New Mexico Day on Oct. 7, anyone with a New Mexico photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address will receive a free ticket.
Garrity reminds people that desert weather can be unpredictable in October, so wearing a hat and sunglasses and dressing in layers that can be easily shed as temperatures increase is highly encouraged. Sunscreen and lip balm may be hot commodities for anyone visiting a mile-high city like Albuquerque, and remember: breakfast burritos make excellent hand-warmers.
52nd Annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Balloon Fiesta Park
4401 Alameda Blvd. NE
Oct. 5 – 13
General Admission: $15 per person per session
Children 12 and under: free
Electronic Tickets available only through balloonfiesta.com.
Physical tickets available in the gift shop for $15.
Parking $20 (cash only)
Bike Valet: Free
Park and Ride: $10-$25, children 5 and under free