If you’re in town for several days during the Balloon Fiesta, these events are fun for the whole family and definitely worth checking out. They also often have smaller crowds than the Mass Ascensions, making them a great alternative if you’re looking for a smaller and more intimate event.
What can I expect at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
During this renowned festival, people from around the globe make their way to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to watch as hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky. There are local foods to try, and international balloon pilots to meet. There are fireworks shows, skydiving displays, and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
How much is a balloon ride at Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
$300 for adults
Cost is $300 for adults and $250 for children. World Balloon also offers flights during Balloon Fiesta. All flights are $250, for children and adults. The launch site is five miles west of Balloon Fiesta Park.
How long does the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque last?
nine day
Each Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday during the nine day-long event begin with Dawn Patrol and a breathtaking mass ascension, when all balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta Park in two waves, speckling the sky above. Balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 a.m. each day.
What do you wear to the Balloon Fiesta?
What should I wear? Desert temperatures drop at night and remain low into the morning, when Fiesta-goers arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park. Expect morning temperatures around 40°F, and dress accordingly, in layers and with a jacket.
What are the best days to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
There is generally no best day to attend the Balloon Fiesta, but the most popular event is the morning mass ascensions which generally take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as on one of the weekday mornings. In the evening, the Balloon Glows are beautiful and generally followed by some great fireworks.
How early should I leave for Balloon Fiesta?
The balloons start launching around 7:00. This is from the Fiesta guest guide…”For some of our most popular events, such as Mass Ascension, crowds have reached nearly 80,000 people, so arriving early is advisable. For weekend events, plan to arrive at the park by 5:00 am.
How long will a hot air balloon last?
With an appropriate and regular care, the envelope can last between 5 and 20 years, or approximately 500 hours of effective flight. The burner and the basket can last longer when well cared.
How safe are hot air balloons?
Decades of data shows that hot air balloons are one of the safest forms of air travel. Most forms of air travel are considered safer than driving a car. Going by injury and fatality statistics alone, this is also true of hot air balloons.
How many people should be in a hot air balloon?
On average, about six to eight people can fit in a hot air balloon. This is for a standard size hot air balloon, and those numbers would include the pilot as well. Usually, there is only one staff member aboard a hot air balloon. The pilot will call down to staff on the ground to coordinate the takeoff and the landing.
How much do you tip for a balloon ride?
Like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated. A typical tip would be 10% of the total price. You’ve heard it before, “If you like the ride, tip your guide”.
How much is parking at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
$20 per vehicle
Advanced general admission tickets are only $15 per person. General parking is $20 per vehicle. Advanced Express Park & Ride tickets are only $22 per adult when purchased in advance and $25 per adult when purchased at the bus location and include admission and transportation from five convenient Albuquerque locations.
Can you ride in a hot air balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
Rainbow Ryders’ — Official Balloon Ride
As the official balloon ride concession for the world’s largest ballooning event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, RAINBOW RYDERS, INC. is the only balloon ride company authorized to take off from Balloon Fiesta Park during the Balloon Fiesta®.
What should I pack for Albuquerque?
When packing for Albuquerque, think layers. Anything goes in terms of dress. It’s mostly a casual town, but there are certainly venues for more formal wear, and of course many visitors and locals alike dress in (local) silver and turquoise jewelry and stylish clothing, including great-looking cowboy boots.
How many balloons are in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
With over 500 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.
What is the Albuquerque Box?
The cool Albuquerque morning temperatures in October and the Albuquerque box! The “box” is a set of very predictable wind patterns that can be used to navigate the balloons — at low elevations the winds tend to be southerly (from the south), but at higher elevations they tend to be northerly.
Is Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2022 Cancelled?
The 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta dates have been set for October 1, 2022, to October 9, 2022. Not only will there be excitement since the 2020 festival was canceled, but they will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the fiesta.
How much does a hot air balloon cost?
On average, you’re looking at spending a wide range of money to make the initial hot air balloon purchase. It can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000. Granted, if you’re spending over $100,000, you’re probably buying a commercial hot air balloon, which can carry more people than a personal hot air balloon.
What is the main reason the Balloon Fiesta is held in the fall?
To maintain interest in Albuquerque’s bid to host the championships, a balloon rally was held in February of that year. Autumn being a far better flying time than February, the event has remained in early October to the present day.
How do you get into the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
Get Here. Transportation services to the park include convenient Fiesta Express Park & Ride Service and Bike Valet. Balloon Fiesta® public parking sites are also available, and guests are encouraged to purchase advance admission tickets to avoid lines at the gates.
Where can I watch balloons in Albuquerque?
The Best Places to Watch the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®
- From Balloon Fiesta Park.
- From the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
- From a Hot Air Balloon.
- From the River.
- From the Bosque Trail.
- From the Top of Sandia Resort & Casino.
- From a Park.
- From Your Car.