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Every October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta transforms New Mexico’s skies into a breathtaking spectacle of color, with hundreds of balloons rising against the Sandia Mountains. Recognized as the world’s largest balloon festival, it offers nine incredible days of aviation, art, culture, food, and family fun. Visitors can experience morning mass ascensions, evening balloon glows, fireworks, and thrilling competitions. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide will help you plan tickets, transport, and insider tips to make the most of this unforgettable Fiesta.
The History Of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began in 1972 with just 13 balloons and a handful of spectators. Today, it has grown into the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, hosting over 500 balloons and nearly a million visitors. From a small community gathering, it has evolved into a global event featuring pilots, artists, and fans from across the world. Famous as one of the most photographed events, it celebrates aviation, culture, and the magic of watching the skies transform into a vibrant canvas.
When Is Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2025?
Photo: a4gpa auf flickr.com / Wikimedia Commons
From Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 12, 2025, the 2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be here before you know it! Over these nine days, you can experience morning mass ascensions and balloon glows, fireworks, competition, skydiving exhibitions, drone light shows, and the famous Special Shape Rodeo. Every day is different with a slightly different daily schedule.
Best Days To Visit
If you cannot go to all nine days, then you should try to visit on these days:
- Opening Weekend (October 4-5, 2025): The largest crowds and the most balloons
- Midweek (October 7-9, 2025): Smaller crowds with easy parking, same great views
- Final Weekend (October 11-12, 2025): Closing celebrations and farewell Mass Ascension
Venue: Balloon Fiesta Park
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta happens every year at Balloon Fiesta Park, an enormous and well-laid-out site that makes it easy for both balloonists and attendees alike. Here is what all travellers need to know.
Size & Location: A 365-acre park in north Albuquerque with beautiful backdrops of the Sandia Mountains.
Launch Field: The heart of the fiesta, equivalent to 56 football fields, where hundreds of balloons will take off all at once.
Vendor Row: A row of food booths, souvenir booths, and local arts and crafts where visitors can sample and purchase food and products from the best of New Mexican culture.
Hospitality Areas: This is reserved seating (the Gondola Club and Chasers’ Club) which includes food, seating, and the best viewing of the balloons.
Parking Facilities: The park has several parking lots surrounding the venue and should be purchased in advance because parking is very limited.
Park & Ride Areas: There are a number of designated shuttle pick-up and drop-off points throughout the city that make getting to and from the venue easy.
Accessibility: Accessible seating, shuttle service, and designated areas for visitors that require mobility assistance.
Entertainment Areas: Entertainment stages, balloon discovery areas for kids to interact with balloons, and more are provided for visitors as an added bonus beyond the balloons.
2025 Schedule Highlights: Unmissable Events
Photo: BriYYZ / Wikimedia Commons
Here’s a preview of what will take place (events vary by day. Please reference the Daily Event Schedule prior to attending):
Dawn Patrol (5:45-6:00 AM): Before the sun rises folks launch a handful of balloons in darkness and they glow against the early morning sky. Dawn Patrol’s purpose is to transition those in attendance to the day, but mostly to give pilots and their chase crews an opportunity to check the winds.
Mass Ascension (7:00 AM): This event is the Fiesta’s featured event. Hundreds of balloons launch in two waves, depending on wind conditions. At the same time, as the sun rises the entire sky erupts with colours and various whimsical shapes.
Special Shape Rodeo (Oct. 9 & 10): This annual favourite features balloons shaped like animals, cartoons, or objects usually associated with our daily lives (e.g., cows, Darth Vader, or oversized soda). You have to see it to truly appreciate it!
Balloon Glows & Glowdeo (Evenings): In the evenings, tethered balloons (not flying), light up the night sky; all balloons in unison produce a ‘lantern-like’ glow against the backdrop of night. Glowdeo™ is a feature associated with special-shaped balloons.
Fireworks Shows (8:00 PM): After the evening glow, hang around for live events and fireworks.
Chainsaw Carving Competitions (daily): Wood carving contest, one of its kind.
Team Fastrax Skydiving & Drone Light Shows: New technology and excitement.
Tickets, Admission And Special Experiences
Photo: Yaabq_c3b / Wikimedia Commons
Tickets for the Balloon Fiesta are sold by session (either morning or evening). Tickets can be purchased from balloonfiesta.com or by calling 1-855-725-1824.
General Admission
- Adult (ages 13+): $15 per session
- Children (ages 12 & under): Free
- Parking: $20 per vehicle
Park & Ride (Includes admission)
- Advance: $25 (Adult ages 13-61), $23 (Senior ages 62+), $13 (Kids ages 6-12), Free (Kids ages 5 & under)
- Day-of: $28 (Adult ages 13-61), $26 (Senior ages 62+), $16 (Kids ages 6-12)
VIP & Premium Experiences
Gondola Club ($150 per adult/session)
- Great view of the Launch Field
- Gourmet buffet and hosted bar
- Private restrooms & parking
- Shuttle service to Main Street
- Collectable pin and souvenir gift
Chasers’ Club ($75 per session)
- Outdoor patio seating near Launch Field
- Hot food, drinks, and private bathrooms
- Great views during the morning or evening
Fiesta Sky Box ($5,000 per session, up to 20 guests)
- Upper deck seating above the crowds
- 20 Admission tickets and 7 parking passes
- Private host, dedicated bathrooms
- Grazing boxes and hosted bar
How To Reach
Photo: Rocker Sta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Getting to the Balloon Fiesta is half the fun. Here are the best ways to reach Balloon Fiesta Park:
By Air: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the closest airport at just 12 miles (about 20 minutes) from Balloon Fiesta Park. ABQ has multiple major airlines including Southwest, Delta, American, and United, and a significant number of non-stop flights from U.S. cities. When you arrive at ABQ, you can rent a car, find a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or take a taxi to the venue.
By Car: Balloon Fiesta Park is easy to reach by car via I-25 (Interstate 25). From downtown Albuquerque, it takes 20 minutes. From Santa Fe approximately 1 hour. From Denver approximately 6 hours.
Park & Ride Shuttle: One of the easiest ways to get in and out during the busy sessions at Balloon Fiesta. Shuttles will be working from several pickup locations around Albuquerque, near Cottonwood Mall, Coronado Centre, and Hoffmantown Church. No Park & Ride service is available Monday-Wednesday so plan accordingly.
By Rail Runner Express (Regional Train): Runs between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Riders can connect with local buses, or rideshare from downtown Albuquerque Station to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are plentiful. There are designated drop-off and pick-up areas near the south entrance of Balloon Fiesta Park.
Biking Option: Balloon Fiesta offers bicycle valet free of charge for eco-conscious travellers. Albuquerque has great biking trails, including the North Diversion Channel Trail, which leads right into the park.
Where To Stay During The Balloon Fiesta
Photo: Philip Halling / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, hotel prices rise, so booking 6–9 months early is smart. Near Balloon Fiesta Park, rooms cost $300–$500 (₹26,400–₹44,000), while Downtown/Uptown average $200–$350 (₹17,600–₹30,800). Budget stays at $120–$180 (₹10,600–₹15,900) fill fast. RV camping ranges $55–$125 (₹4,800–₹11,000), nearby campgrounds $40–$80 (₹3,500–₹7,000). Glam camping is $1,500–$2,500 (₹1,32,200–₹2,20,200) for 3–4 nights. Vacation rentals cost $180–$300 (₹15,900–₹26,400), with luxury $400+ (₹35,200+).
Where To Eat During The Balloon Fiesta
Photo: Chitokan C. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Inside Balloon Fiesta Park, visitors can enjoy breakfast burritos, roasted corn, nachos, turkey legs, and churros, spending about $15–$25 (₹1,320–₹2,200) per meal. For authentic New Mexican cuisine, Frontier Restaurant near UNM serves burritos and green chile stew at $10–$20 (₹880–₹1,760). El Pinto offers enchiladas and margaritas at $20–$35 (₹1,760–₹3,080), while Sadie’s Ranch serves hearty plates for $15–$25 (₹1,320–₹2,200). Breweries and gastropubs average $20–$35 (₹1,760–₹3,080). Upscale picks like Farm & Table or Campo run $40–$70 (₹3,520–₹6,160).
Important Tips And Guidelines
Photo: Staff Sgt. Jamie Carrillo-Madrid / Wikimedia Commons
Make the most of your Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta visit with these essential tips covering comfort, safety, planning, and insider advice for a smooth, memorable experience.
- Wear layers for the chilly mornings and still warm afternoons.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking long distances.
- Arrive early (before dawn) to avoid traffic delays.
- Use your Park & Ride shuttle services to avoid parking issues.
- Weather may cause flight delays and/or cancellations, so plan for flexibility.
- A lightweight stroller works best for travelling families with younger children.
- Book tickets, hotels, and special experiences well in advance.
- Bring both cash and cards; not all vendors accept all forms of payment.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From breathtaking mass ascensions to glowing balloons and fun special shape rodeos, every moment is magical. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, the 2025 Fiesta blends tradition with unforgettable memories. With the right planning, you’ll witness hundreds of balloons painting the New Mexico sky. Plan your epic trip with TripXL—book today for a seamless and memorable Balloon Fiesta adventure!
Cover Photo: Raychel Sanner / Pexels
