10 Reasons you should go to the Albuquerque, New Mexico Balloon Fiesta

Updated October 7th

All information is current as of the date this post was written.

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 Fiesta 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 that ascend into the sky around 6 a.m. to check the weather conditions. I read over and over again before we went that you should plan to attend the Fiesta for at least two days in case the weather doesn’t allow the balloons to ascend. Of course, I decided it would be ok and we did not plan on going a second day. On the day we went, the Dawn Patrol went up, and they were the only balloons to take off! It was fun to see them but also 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. The Morning Glow takes place around 6:30 a.m. 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! It is hard to describe how it feels experiencing the vast number of balloons that are at the festival and flying all at the same time! You are able to be on the field as they take off and can even get pretty close. If you stay around long enough after they take off, the balloons begin to come back onto 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 Burritos from Blake’s Lotaburger

Blake’s Lotaburger breakfast burritos was some of the best food we had while in New Mexico. It may have been because we were very hungry after waking up at 4am, but our first bite was everything we had hoped for and more. You choose between red and green chilies and they came out hot and fresh. We went to a regular Lotaburger location later in the week for their lunch menu 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 balloon fest, then you have probably seen a balloon glow. This one was incredible because of how many balloons there were and the ability to walk among the balloons. I love how up close and personal you can get to the balloons as well as the opportunity to talk to the balloon teams!

• Morning & Evening Drone Light Show

I went to the Balloon Fiesta several years ago and at the time, they did not have a drone show. Now though, they have an early morning drone show and also some evening shows, so you will hopefully be able to see at least one of them! From my experience with drone shows so far, I am sure this would be an awesome thing to see!

• Fireworks

After the drone show, the Balloon 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 enjoy at the Balloon Fiesta. All week long, there were demonstrations by the chainsaw carvers where you can watch them make all 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

In addition to the chainsaw auctions, you can also shop for other Balloon 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 one of the most amazing and unique experiences so far. 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!

If you’re in town for the Balloon Fiesta, you should check out the St. James Tea Room. We had the BEST experience there!

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