(AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan), Hot air balloons prepare to lift off as part of a re-enactment of the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 1972 during a special event at Coronado Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Team Fastrax Skydiving sponsored by the City of Las Vegas, NM. It has been on our bucket list for years, and it was a dream to finally witness it for ourselves last year. In 2022, three of the nine morning sessions were cancelled, and none of the evening events were held. Watching the balloons from the ground is amazing on its own, but riding a hot air balloon during the festival takes it to the next level. . The 2019 event generated $186.82 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies. Water and honey trucks are available. Please visit one of our information centers in Old Town or at the airport to obtain a guide. TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 7th at 9am Mountain Time. If you are in the area for the Fiesta, and not attending the Mass Ascension, turn on the television news and youll get an up close view of the balloons launching. Pro Tip: If youre into photography, check out the Canon booth. Balloon Fiesta Evening Session at Chaser's Club: Return to Chasers Club for an Exciting Evening of Hot Air Balloon Events, the incredible Evening Glow and Fireworks Show. 26. Get the latest news & insider deals from Albuquerque and Bottger Mansion. 2nd to 4th June 2023. Albuquerque has a lot of family fun and is home to the ABQ BioPark which contains a zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden, the Explora Science Center and Childrens Museum, Old Town, and the Sandia Peak Tramway. If you plan on attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, were going to cover what you need to know, our experience, and give you plenty of tips to help you plan your trip. The Midlands Air Festival returns for a fifth year of excellent family fun! The morning session runs from 5:30 AM to 10 AM, and the evening sessions goes from 5 PM to 9 PM. In 2022, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is scheduled to be held from October 1, 2022 to October 9, 2022. This exciting journey also includes time in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, two . 15. Breakfast and open-air seating here. 3. So balloon pilots can launch their hot air balloon from Balloon Fiesta Park, drift down the Valley, catch another wind current and drift back north and land near the place they started. Theres perhaps no better way to see and appreciate the stunning landscapes of New Mexico than to take hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque. All Rights Reserved. For 2022, the balloon fiesta is scheduled for October 7 th, 2023 and ending on October 15 th . This hot air balloon festival takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Don't forget to dress up! Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. 8. Or better yet, look out the window and you might be surprised at what you see. if we are arriving early morning and staying all day, do we need two tickets if we arent leaving the park or is the morning ticket going to let us stay there all day? RaceNM presents the Great Balloon Chase Marathon, 10K, and 5k. If youre ready to enjoy views in a way that few others do, its time you join us at our #1-rated Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast near Old Town. The reenactment will launch a day before this years first mass ascension and coincide with Albuquerque Aloft. Only the fourth hotel ever built by Conrad Hilton, Hotel Andaluz was later returned to its former glory in 2008 by current owner Gary Goodman. Come event days, you may head to a different area since they have parking spread out but well go over those details a little further down. VIP Gondola Clubtickets include a prime viewing location; special parking area; buffet meal including appetizers, entree and dessert; shuttles to take guests to Main Street; private bathrooms; live entertainment during evening events; and a collectable Gondola Club lapel pin. Arizona's Premier Hot Air Balloon Race & Festival is held in Phoenix, Arizona each year. Here is the 2023 Albuquerque Balloon Festival Schedule of Events. That year, 13 balloons launched from an open lot near a shopping center on what was then the edge of Albuquerque. Express lanes can be used by people without bags or only bringing in a small clear plastic bag. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Heres more info from the Fiesta websiteEach Glow is a static display of the balloons after sunset in which their burners illuminate them. Youll also have memories (and probably a lot of pictures) that will last a lifetime. Pro Tip Note: Dont book your flight on the last day in case there are cancellations due to weather. He's piloting a special-shaped balloon that was modeled after a chalet at the top of a famous Swiss bobsled run. Once the balloons are inflated (this starts shortly before dark), the announcer will do multiple countdowns and all of the hot air balloon pilots will fire their burners at once. Plan now to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest balloon festival, and be part of an amazing hot air balloon experience. There is no other destination race like this! Once the balloon launches, the chase team takes off. 18. 10 Minute Avg Wind: 4.0 mph. Once you get to the booth you want to order from, dont just get into the first line you see. There isnt a better breakfast than eating a breakfast burrito with green chile sauce, while watching 100s of hot air balloons take off into the crisp morning air. The Albuquerque Balloon Festival happens every year in October. Hot Air Balloon Rides - If you've been dreaming of going "up, up and away" on a magnificent hot air balloon, what better place to do it than at the Fiesta?! Reservations went on sale at 9 a.m. however . This does not affect our opinions and we only feature products that we already own or genuinely would recommend regardless of an affiliate relationship. Rides usually run for at least $430 (normally $150) and they book up quickly. The experience of watching hundreds of gentle airy giants take flight is at once humbling and inspiring. So, what else is happening in ABQ during the Balloon Fiesta? Hundreds of hot air balloons will be lifting off over the nine-day annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe for 50 years. The city's International Balloon Fiesta is a signature . Be sure to book a hotel far in advance, or arrange to bring an RV and camp at the grounds. She made the trip from Colorado to participate in a re-enactment of that 1972 flight on Friday. They do have an efficient system with numbered parking spots, so once your Uber/Lyft arrives, the driver will tell you what numbered spot they are parked in. Rise and shine and enjoy the Chasers Club at the Balloon Fiesta Grounds. (As long as I mentioned crowds2022s event had an estimated 829,000 spectators over the nine day Fiesta.). Its fun to watch, and we were front and center last year as the Wells Fargo stagecoach balloon was inflated. This 4.5 hour reservation includes a Southwestern breakfast catered by Little Anita's. The Balloon Fiesta is very dependent on the weather, and if its not good conditions for the balloons to fly, they wont. Tickets for the rest of the family can be purchased on the Fiesta website and printed ahead of time, or purchase at the gate. Favorites are the breakfast burritos, Krispy Kreme donuts, cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. You can drive yourself (parking is $20, cash only), park and ride (not available Monday-Wednesday), take a shuttle from your hotel (if available), or use Uber and Lyft. Though several companies offerhot air balloon rides in Albuquerque, we recommend you take flight with Rainbow Ryders. If your family is not a bunch of morning people, than maybe you can use the time zone change to your advantage. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Housekeeping probably hasnt made up your bed yet anyways. It grew into a multimillion-dollar event that draws people in from around the world. Updated 02/07/23 4:22p. 16. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan), Denise Wiederkehr McDonald, left, prepares for a ride in a hot air balloon as part of a re-enactment of the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 1972 during a special event at Coronado Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. As a recipient of the Heritage Preservation Award in the Architectural Heritage category, Hotel Andaluz was able to both preserve historical elements of the property and gain LEED certification. The World's Largest Balloon Festival. I remember the first time being down in the balloons with them all standing up and inflating and not being able to see the sky because it was all colored fabric. Drawing over 900,000 visitors and 600 pilots from seven countries over a nine day period . If you are carrying a bag or purse inside, it will be checked at the entrance by security. Balloon Fiesta public parking sites are also available, and guests are encouraged to purchase advance admission tickets to avoid lines at the gates. These tips will help you plan your trip, and set your family up to have an awesome time at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Cancellations made after August 1, 2023 forfeit amount already paid. We look forward to welcoming you to Albuquerque and to the Balloon Fiesta! Be a part of the biggest balloon event in the world as 500 hot air balloons take to the sky in a stunning spectacle of aerodynamic wonder. Outside food and drinks may be brought into the park. The Fiesta is a fun event, and isnt a long October weekend spent in New Mexico a great mini vacation? Tickets are purchased for morning or evening sessions. Albuquerque Aloft is the unofficial kickoff to the Balloon Fiesta. Best of all, proceeds from Shoppe support education, exhibitions and the Foundation. Wednesdays opening ceremony will begin with international pilots flying their countries flags from their balloons. Experience the excitement and beauty of a morning run as you witness hot air balloons from the world's largest hot air ballooning event take to the sky backdropped against the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande River Valley. The site, just steps from the field, is a dry camping experience. With the expansive blue skies and dramatic scenery below, its easy to see why hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque are one of the most popular activities. 27. Most days have a morning and evening session. Hot air balloon festivals are events where tens to hundreds of balloon pilots and crews aim to launch and fly at coordinated times, where both aviators and spectators can enjoy. Pilot Gene Dennis, 78, remembers the snow storm that almost caused him to miss that first fiesta. In 2022, they schedule the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to be held from October 1, 2022 to October 9, 2022. The 50th event, will feature more than 600 hot air balloons, of which at least 100 are anticipated to be special shape. La Quinta Inn Albuquerque Northeast is a 2.5 star hotel located at 5241 San Antonio Dr Ne in Albuquerque. Her father, Matt Wiederkehr, was one of the first 10 hot air balloon pilots in the U.S. and held numerous world records for distance and duration and built a successful advertising business with his fleet of balloons. Wake up early to start your day at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. 28. If you find hot air balloons to be as dreamy as we do, we highly recommend this event as well as hot air ballooning in Cappadocia Turkey. We are ATLiens who explore a new city every year. Were currently in Las Vegas. Try to beat the rush! Either move on to the next Fiesta activity, or maybe go back to the hotel room for a nap. Children 5 & Under - FREE. View Digital Visitors Guide. Jacob joined the Chase Crew of the balloon that I rode and helped pack up the balloon once we landed. Since we had our own car and a parking pass, we ended up booking a hotel nearby so that the morning commute to beat traffic wouldnt be long. 2018-2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. Official Mobile App Sponsored by Visit Albuquerque. Reservations can be made on a per person basis for a donation of: $16.50* for evenings. Walk among the moving picture show of hot air balloons lifting gently through the crisp, fall air. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, NM. Wind: 3.0 mph From NW (322 Deg.) The balloons take off one at a time, and the officials are very orderly about it. Including 4-star hotel, VIP Balloon Fiesta Chaser's Club viewing suite, winery visit, day trip to Santa Fe by train, all transportation & more. The Balloon Fiesta National Rally provides Airstreamers a front row seat to the world's largest ballooning event. $200 cancellation fee can be applied to any future re-booking. Visit our sister site, Mardi Gras Insider Tours, For all-inclusive vacation packages to Mardi Gras 2022 in New Orleans! Enjoy spectacular views of the balloons flying high against a stunning background of the Sandia Mountains from the tent village. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers ballooning enthusiasts nine incredible days of fun featuring uniquely shaped balloons, balloon rodeos . Fiesta de Los Globitos: Balloon Fiestas second annual remote-control balloon rally will feature dozens of tethered balloons, which are scale model balloons, about 30 feet tall. October 7, 2023. The Fiesta website has a guest guide available to download. Weather permitting, we would like to stay all day on Sat. Each October the skies of Albuquerque are filled with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons while shiny silver trailers sparkle below them. TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 7, 2023. This is a seated event, seating is guaranteed. General admission tickets run $15 per session and are non-refundable. The festival runs for 9 days with all types of events happening throughout the week. During evening events, plan to be at the park by 4:00 pm. About the Arizona Balloon Classic. Out of the 14 events for the 2017 Fiesta, two were cancelled due to weather. (This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. The race is set to launch from Balloon Fiesta Park on October 1, 2022. Unfortunately, there isnt a good way to predict which way theyll go each day. Make sure everyone is observant and stays clear of the vehicles. Fortunately you can make that happen by booking a ride with the Rainbow Ryders. Spectators and balloon pilots from all over the world gather (some even camping in their RVs) to watch mass ascensions held in the . 19 miles: Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post Photo credit: Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post. Which means "no more flights over . The food is very tasty at the Balloon Fiesta. If you want to plan for a special occasion, they also offer private & special hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque. Hot air balloons will inflate and perhaps fly from the playgrounds of almost all APS elementary schools on Friday, Sept. 30, for Albuquerque Aloft , the first flying event of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta . The fireworks will begin after all the balloons are cleared from the field. This hotel lands you in the perfect location, just 9 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park where all of the hot air balloon magic happens! The 2019 event generated $186.82 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies.. Tickets for 49th Balloon Fiesta to go on Sale July 2. With so much to do, see, taste and experience . RaceNM presents the Great Balloon Chase Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Once the Balloon Glow wraps up, its very dark on the field and hard to see where you are walking. Learn how your comment data is processed. They even rent out cameras to try them out during the balloon festival. Once youre in Albuquerque, there are a few different options to get to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Wiederkehr McDonald, who went on to set her own ballooning records before becoming a commercial airline pilot, was wearing one of her father's faded ballooning jackets and held a cardboard cutout of him as the balloon she was riding in lifted off. 19. A visit to the popular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is undoubtedly an event worth planning for, and now is the perfect time to do so. Fortunately there are also a lot of options. Also, be aware that the balloons dont rise straight up. Old Town, with its Spanish and Native American history as well as myriad shops and restaurants, is a 5-minute drive away. Just think about how excited your kids get when they see a hot air balloon floating in the sky, now picture their excitement at seeing hundreds of hot air balloons floating right above their heads. The Balloon Glow is the original and largest of this type of event and occurs on the first Sunday night. Balloon Fiesta staff, board of directors and volunteers are in the midst of planning details for the nine-day event, however some general dates and events that guests can begin to plan for include: Reenactment Balloon Flight: The 50th Balloon Fiesta celebration will include a reenactment flight of the original 13 balloons, at Coronado Mall on Friday, September 30, 2022. Nice! ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. 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