Tips for planning a bucket-list excursion to the Land of Enchantment to witness this unforgettable autumn event.
By Josephine Matyas, F468364
March/April 2025
There are “zebras” on the field at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. Not the kind you’d find on the savannahs of Kenya — rather, an assortment of enthusiastic volunteers dressed in trademark black-and-white-striped garb, often with flamboyant headgear to match. This platoon of referees keeps things moving on the field, makes sure visitors don’t tangle with the equipment, and smooths the way for the launch of hundreds of hot-air balloons from a sprawling grassy area (the size of 56 football fields).
Billed as the largest gathering of balloonists and hot-air balloons in the world, the annual event is also renowned for the “Albuquerque box” weather phenomenon — the clear days and air temperatures affected by the Rio Grande Valley and the nearby Sandia Mountains — where the air moves in different directions at different levels. The “box” allows balloons to take off and head south, then rise to a higher altitude and go north, landing close to the initial launch point. Typically, this weather event occurs during several mornings of the event.
The one piece of advice we heard over and over? Arrive in the wee hours of the morning and plan for traffic jams en route. Boondocked just five miles away from the launching site, at 3:45 a.m. we entered bumper-to-bumper traffic moving at a crawl for a trip that took close to an hour. Visitors in the know endeavor to be parked early, walking to the field — coffee in hand — for starting events like the drone-guided light exhibition, representing countries participating in the Balloon Fiesta. The sky glows with cups of tea from Britain and the outline of South America, as well as the American flag, all created by the impressive technology of hundreds of drones.
A protocol is followed for rollout of the day (one repeat visitors know well). By 6:30 a.m. the faint glow of an autumn sunrise is visible behind the Sandia Mountains. Propane flames called candlestick burns are lit across the field. But the balloons themselves are on hold until the thumbs-up is given for the day’s main event, the Mass Ascension, when more than 500 balloons fill and float to the skies in two waves.
People keep an eye on the yellow flag fluttering by the edge of the field. Yellow means wind conditions are not yet favorable. But when the green flag is raised, the PA announcer booms out, “And the green flag is up!” followed by a roar of approval from the crowd. One by one, the propane burners fire and the balloons begin to fill with hot air.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is unique in that spectators can be on the field to have a front-row seat for watching the colorful balloons fill, the load-in, and the smooth and soundless rise into the sky. The event features hundreds of balloons, large and small, with more than a hundred in special shapes, from Smokey Bear to cows to a fish aquarium to an enormous concrete mixer. As each balloon begins to rise, the crowd erupts in cheers.
The balloons come from around the world and range in size from small, with a solo pilot and wicker basket that can hold four people, to gigantic, with a dedicated crew and basket that fits up to 16 riders. The kaleidoscope of colors and the grace with which the balloons rise is breathtaking. The “Albuquerque box” allows hundreds of balloons to remain close to the launch field, creating a sky splashed with color and patterns.
While the sunrise Mass Ascension is the big draw, there are sideshows as well: drone events, morning glows, a dawn patrol, and evening fireworks. The main hot-air balloon launches happen in the early morning and just before sunset. Lining the field are exhibitions such as chainsaw carving, live entertainment, and a one-third-mile stretch of vendors selling everything from T-shirts to turkey legs, foot-long corn dogs, tamales, funnel cakes, and more.
Simply put, hot-air balloons fly because hot air rises. There is no forward propulsion system, so speed is set by the wind. Balloons need cooler, stable air to operate safely, and the hours just after sunrise have the gentlest winds as well as cooler temperatures, giving the hot air inside the balloon better “lift.” The only control the pilot has over the balloon is vertical. In essence, the balloon goes where the wind takes it, so a seasoned pilot will climb or descend to the altitude where the wind is blowing in the direction they’d like to go.
Wind is less predictable during the heat of the day, so activities shutter from noon until late afternoon. Shops are closed and balloons remain grounded. In fact, two sessions are scheduled on many days — offering either morning or evening activities — and admission is charged for each. Visitors who plan to attend both sessions should prepare for some downtime in between.
RVers who want to be more than a casual observer can pay for a ride in one of the hot-air balloons, as well as sign up to be part of a volunteer chase crew. The crew stays in radio contact with the pilot and follows the flight of the balloon, to be on-site when the craft touches down. Then it’s time to pack up the enormous rip-stop nylon “envelope,” load it into the waiting truck, and head back to the launch field to prepare for the next day’s event.
The 3:30 a.m. alarm comes early. But for RVers, that predawn wake-up call is made more bearable when traveling with a home away from home. Just remember to grab a mug of coffee, keep an eye out for the green flag, relax, and marvel at the beauty as it unfolds.
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TRAVEL TIPS
The basics. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park, a sprawling facility in the northern part of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2025, the nine-day festival runs from October 4 through 12. The dates for 2026 are October 3 through 11. Bring water and a source of shade if you plan to stay on-site through the middle of the day. Most important: Arrive early and plan for much longer than usual travel times into the park.
Transportation options include a park-and-ride service and a bike valet. Public parking sites are $20 per vehicle but with no in/out privileges. Purchase admission tickets in advance to avoid lines at the ticket gates.
Make plans. Local campgrounds book months ahead. If you need specific services, plan well in advance (six to 12 months), as camping facilities fill quickly. A limited number of RV sites are located in the Balloon Fiesta Park RV section: balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information. These spots fill up quickly as soon as registration opens and are sold out for 2025, with a wait list in place. Spots like Harvest Hosts also fill, so book several months in advance.
The excellent Manzano Mountains State Park is about an hour south of Albuquerque. The sites in its campground are super clean, well spaced, and quiet. Some spots have electric hookups, but none offer water. An RV dump station is provided. Showers are not available.