Growing up my family and I would frequently go to a small town balloon fest. It was always a fun treat to get to experience the balloons up close and personal (even getting in the basket sometimes!), watch them fly, and see the balloon glow at night. Since that time, I have been to another one or two balloon festivals but nothing has quite matched what I experienced when I was young. Going to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival changed all of that! The experience was unmatched and something I will never forget. Here are 10 reasons I think you should plan your next trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
- The Dawn Patrol
The dawn patrol has an important job at the Fiesta. They are a select group of balloons who ascend into the sky around 6am to check weather conditions. I read over and over again before we went that you should plan to go two days just in case the weather does not allow the balloons to ascend. Of course, I didn’t plan that and on the first morning. The dawn patrol went up and they were the only balloons to take off! It was fun to see them but sad when we realized that it would be the only balloons we would see take off that day. We ended up rearranging our trip so we could go back the next day and it was worth it!
- Morning Glow
Not long after the dawn patrol is the Morning glow. This occurs around 6:30am. The morning glow will sometimes still occur even if the balloons are unable to fly. I love seeing the balloons light up as the sky is starting to brighten. It is a beautiful sight to see!
- Mass Ascension
The mass ascension was my favorite part of the Fiesta! The amount of balloons that are at the festival and flying is hard to describe! You are able to be on the field as they take off and can even get pretty close as they are taking off. If you stay around long enough after they take off, the balloons begin to come back on the field. It is unpredictable where they will land so you always need to be aware of your surroundings and when a balloon may be coming back in.
- Breakfast Burrito’s from Blake’s Lotaburger
We were either extremely hungry after waking up at 4am or Blake’s Lotaburger breakfast burritos were some of the best food we had while in New Mexico. You choose between red or green chilies and they came out hot and fresh. We went to a regular Lotaburger location later in the week and didn’t enjoy our experience quite as much, but I highly recommend grabbing a burrito while at the Fiesta.
- Twilight Twinkle Glow
This was my second favorite activity at the Balloon Fiesta. If you have ever been to a ballon fest, then you have probably seen a balloon glow. This one was incredible because of how many balloons there were and the ability you have to walk among the balloons. I love how up close and personal you can get to the balloons as well as have the ability to talk to the balloon teams!
- Morning & Evening Drone Light show
I went to the Balloon Fiesta several years ago and at the time I went, they did not have a drone show. They have a very early morning show and also some evening shows so you will hopefully be able to see at least one of them! I am sure this would be an awesome thing to see!
- Fireworks
After the drone show, the ballon Fiesta puts on a fireworks show. This makes for a fun and full evening with the balloon glow, drone show, and fireworks!
- Chainsaw Carving Auction
The chainsaw carving auction is definitely one of the most unique activities to partake in at the Balloon Fiesta. All week long there are demonstrations by the chainsaw carvers where you can see them making all different kinds of carvings. Several days during the Fiesta, they also hold auctions. It is amazing to see what some people pay to take home one of the carvings. If you are there during an auction, you should check it out. You might even come home with a fun carving for your house!
- Shopping throughout the park
Outside of the chainsaw auctions, you can also shop for other Baloon Fiesta souvenirs. I recommend taking a look around and seeing if there is anything you would like to take home to commemorate your experience. When I went, I brought home a fun puzzle with a beautiful picture of the mass ascension.
- An unforgettable experience
I’ve been to other balloon festivals and have thoroughly enjoyed them. However, this has to have been the most unique and amazing experience of all the balloon fests I have gone to. Being able to be on the field during the mass ascension and even as they were coming back onto the field (sometimes even having to run out of the way) is something I will never forget! The sheer beauty of all of the balloons in the sky was spectacular. Add this to your bucket list and I promise you, you won’t regret it!
Create your own bucket list here! https://teacher-mandy.kit.com/793556e6a0
Need more vacation ideas? Check out this post on reasons you should go on a cruise! https://pepperandpassports.com/18-reasons-you-should-go-on-a-cruise/