Albuquerque, the Balloon Fiesta still gets us excited after all these years! There’s still time—and what a time it is—to be swept away by the magic of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! The 53rd ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off on October 4 and will continue to soar through October 12. This one-of-a-kind spectacle is in full swing right now, so if you missed the first weekend, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of sky left to enjoy.
Do you know why Albuquerque is the perfect balloon capital? There’s something truly special about our high desert location that makes this festival possible. The Rio Grande Valley brings brisk autumn mornings, and the Sandia Mountains create an otherworldly backdrop for the breathtaking majesty of the mass ascensions. The famous “Albuquerque box” wind pattern enables pilots to have incredible control over their balloons, making our skies the perfect natural amphitheater for this aerial ballet.
Imagine waking before sunrise to a sea of colorful balloons inflating across the horizon, propane burners roaring, and early‑morning light casting long, dramatic shadows across the launch field. That’s not just an event, it’s a ritual, and you can still be part of it. With well over 500 balloons expected this year, this festival truly lives up to its “international” reputation.
Reference: AP News+3Visit Albuquerque+3Balloon Fiesta+3 Pilots from dozens of U.S. states and many countries around the world converge on Albuquerque each fall.
One of the greatest spectacles to witness is the Mass Ascension. A Mass Ascension happens when all 500+ balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta Park. It will take approximately 2 hours for all 500 balloons to ascend. Picture yourself surrounded by families from around the world, all looking up in wonder, as, weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at approximately 7:00 a.m. on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Reference: NM Newswire+2AP News+2 In 2024 alone, the festival welcomed 838,337 guest visits, most coming from out of state—an incredible testament to just how far its draw reaches. Reference: KOB.com+2Balloon Fiesta+2
What’s still to come? You can stroll among the balloons before lift-off, chat with pilots, snap epic photos, and watch as hundreds rise in unison during the mass ascensions. Nighttime glows turn the field into a glowing tapestry of tethered balloons. Unique, shaped giant animals, characters, whimsical designs—always pop up and steal hearts. Reference: The spectacle will entrance AP News+3, Visit Albuquerque+3, Balloon Fiesta+3, and it’s a perfect family adventure—bring blankets, snacks, warm layers, and let everyone soak in the wonder. The evening balloon glows are pure enchantment. Imagine hundreds of balloons tethered to the ground, shining like enormous colorful lanterns against the dusky New Mexico sunset. It’s the kind of sight that makes grown adults tear up and kids believe in magic again.
If you missed opening weekend, you haven’t missed your chance. The middle and final days still offer full sessions, balloon glows, evening events, and the magic that keeps people coming back year after year.
As longtime Albuquerque residents and real estate experts, the Sandi Pressley Team can’t wait to help you plan your perfect Balloon Fiesta trip—and maybe even show you around the city while you’re here. Whether you’re visiting from afar or here locally, this is your invitation to elevate your fall with one of the most unforgettable events in the Southwest.
Ready to experience it yourself? Reach out to the Sandi Pressley Team today. Call (505) 263‑2173 or visit www.sandisells.com. Let us help you make memories—on the ground and in the sky.
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