Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction that brings out the innermost child in all of us. For over four decades the first two weeks of October brings the smell of roasting chiles, the roar of the propane fired burners and the most magical moving picture show of hot air balloons. As the balloons sail through the crisp fall air hundreds of thousands of guests join us to celebrate the “World’s Premier Balloon Event”

From its modest beginnings in 1972, launching thirteen balloons from a shopping mall parking lot, to today’s extravaganza with 600 hundred pilots from all over the world the event has clearly put Albuquerque on the map. Our signature event is the spectacular Mass Ascension, a spectacular display of sound and color, launching in waves balloons from all over the world paint the sky as if they each were artists creating their own masterpiece. Weather permitting the show begins with the darkness of night being stripped away by the dawns early light. Balloon Fiesta Officials coordinate incredible efforts to safely launch hundreds of balloons in a short window of time. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta holds the Guinness World Record for successfully launching over 360 hot air balloons in less than one hour.