The Biggest Balloon Festival in the World Is Going Down—or Up, Rather—in Albuquerque
It’s the view of a lifetime.
It’s sweater weather in Albuquerque, and nothing marks the change of the season than the city’s marquee event: the International Balloon Fiesta, where from October 5–13 more than 600 hot air balloons take to the sky for a dazzling display of colors. The hot air balloon festival kicks off on Saturday, October 5 where every day, twice a day, (except the day of the show stopping opening ceremonies) beginning at 7 am (weather permitting) more than 600 gigantic hot air balloons lift off to pepper the sky with a dizzying array of colors and design.
Drive Time:
6.75 hours from Denver
8.5 hours from Las Vegas
7.75 hours from Houston
This festival is home to, of course, the aforementioned majesty of seeing a coordinated flight of hot air balloons. But it doesn’t stop there. The Special Shape Rodeo, a tradition started in 1989, appeals to those who think a flying balloon in the sky isn’t quite strange enough. To take it one step further, these balloons are shaped like cows or cacti or aliens (oh my) and fly at 7 am on October 10. Don’t miss the nighttime Glowdeo at 6:30 pm on the same day. Or, if you’re only coming to the balloon festival for family friendly fun on October 11 (Kids’ Day) you won’t miss this rodeo as these unique balloons will return to the sky at 7 am and 6:30 pm October 11 as well.
Other entertainment can be found during the festival at the chainsaw carving exhibition, Drone light shows, or the Fiesta de Los Globitos – a remote controlled balloon exhibition. See the festival’s complete programming here.
Anyone looking to experience some of the natural splendor that New Mexico has to offer while in the area should plan to hit the Sandia Mountain trails which are ideal for hiking or biking and provide options for beginner to advanced levels. The Petroglyph National Monument hiking trails are ideal for anyone looking for a historical hike that speaks to the city’s Native American culture. Pino Trail is just outside of the city and is considered an easy trail. Expect hikers, horseback riders, runners and dogs are welcome but they must be leashed.
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One more thing to do outdoors: Sandia Mountain trails are ideal for hiking or biking and provide options for beginner to advanced levels.
One thing to eat: VARA Winery and Distillery, a craft producer of New Mexican wines and spirits, will be extending hours and offering special menus for grab-and-go options for picnics (as well as offering picnic space on their property during the balloon fiesta).
One thing to drink: Watch balloons on the patio at Steel Bender Brewyard beginning at 7 am during the Balloon Fiesta. Craft beer, cider and housemade hot cocoa are on the menu alongside breakfast burritos and local pastries.
The place to stay: Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is one of the city's most popular choices due to it sitting on a lavender farm where alpacas and peacocks roam the grounds freely.