Ever dream of pulling your own version of Up (or maybe Danny Deckchair?), soaring through the clouds? Well you might not get to enjoy a flight from your front porch or a folding chair, but if you’re interested in taking in the views from the ground, you might want to check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
No accidental location selection, this region of New Mexico offers a climate phenomenon known as the “Albuquerque Box,” which is a fascinating combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape that helps allow balloon crew to control their flight path.
Every year, from October 5th to 13th, this colourful spectacle takes to the sky, with a mix of vibrant gas balloons and hot air balloons floating above while the crowd below watches in awe. Not to mention, locals swear that October in New Mexico is the loveliest time of the year, with bright blue skies and crisp, mild weather.
Get sky high
The festival truly begins with a 7am “mass ascension” in which all the balloons take flight. Imagine seeing balloons of all shapes and sizes dot the horizon, their cheerful designs brightening up the sky. And if you’re lucky you’ll spot the infamous “special-shaped” balloons. Picture a gigantic Darth Vader head floating by, or an enormous SpongeBob SquarePants bobbing gracefully above, hanging onto his helium for dear life. There will definitely be some unique balloons worth capturing on video to share with your friends back home. With your aloSIM eSIM for the USA or a regional North America plan, you can share every shot with your friends back home.
Oh, the people you’ll meet!
As an added bonus, the people-watching at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta can be just as entertaining as the hot air balloons. You’ll see folks decked out in full balloon-themed gear, and if you overhear someone passionately debating the finer points of balloon aerodynamics while wearing tie-dye from head to toe, congrats—you’ve found a fiesta veteran.
Food and drink
Balloon-watching is hard work (well, it looks like it must be hard work) and the fiesta’s got you covered. Vendors dish out everything from parachute-sized funnel cakes, green chile, burritos, and biscochitos (New Mexico’s state cookie).
Albuquerque also offers a renowned craft brewing and wine scene. Thirsty travellers can enjoy drinks at Steel Bender Brewyard, Canteen Brewhouse or Rio Bravo Brewing, to name a few. Wine connoisseurs might want to visit a few vineyards, including VARA Winery & Distillery or Noisy Water Winery.
Music and more
Beyond the balloons, the Balloon Fiesta features a full line up of music and dance performances that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For any woodsmen or woodswomen in attendance, the chainsaw carving exhibitions can be great fun. Skilled woodworkers take out their power tools and with the large blades of their chainsaws carve impressive and intricate works of art, transforming plain logs into statues, landscapes, and more.
Anyone with the stamina to last at the Balloon Fiesta from sunup to sundown will be treated to several incredible light shows. The Balloon Glow (also known as the Twinkle Twinkle Glow), is a breath-taking night event in which all the balloon operators fire their burners simultaneously to light up their balloons from within to create a magical display against the darkened night sky. Drone light shows and fireworks are additional features of the fiesta that add to the enchantment of the overall experience.
