Ever thought of a hot air balloon fair? Imagine a sky, not just blue, but filled with magnificent balloons, floating and drifting like in a whimsical dream. It’s Albuquerque’s sky, each autumn during the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival 2024.

That time of year – when the skies over Albuquerque look like a painting with thousands of balloons, some so colorful you’ll wonder if they’re real. It’s the time for balloonists, families, and even strangers to gather for the spectacle and the competitions. It’s the time for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024!

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What is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2024?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual hot-air balloon festival held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event is renowned for its incredible display of colorful hot air balloons and has become one of the most important ballooning events in the world.

Dates and Location of the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Festival

The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Festival will take place from October 5th to October 13th at the Balloon Fiesta Park, located at 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.

The event features Mass Ascensions, where many balloons launch at once in the morning if the weather is good. There’s also the Special Shape Rodeo with fun balloon shapes, Balloon Glows at night with lit balloons, and fireworks after many events. Live shows, food stands, and crafts too.

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Must-See Events At The 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Festival

Dawn Patrols: A select group of balloons lifts off in the dark around 5:45 AM creating a glowing spectacle as pilots check wind conditions. It is an incredible sight that hints at the day ahead.

Mass Ascensions: Hundreds of balloons launch in synchronized waves at around 7 AM, painting the sky with color over a couple of hours This captures the essence of hot air ballooning and is a photographer’s dream.

Evening Balloon Glows: Balloons tethered to the ground light up as their burners ignite after 6 PM. Some say it resembles giant lanterns in the night

It often ends with a fireworks display that enhances the experience even further. Events like Twilight Twinkle Glow and Night Magic Glow are very popular.

Special Shape Rodeo: Unique hot air balloons take on fun shapes like animals and objects, captivating audiences and injecting a sense of whimsy and excitement that makes this event enjoyable for everyone involved.

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Special Shape Balloons to Watch for in 2024

The Special Shape Rodeo takes place at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival this 2024, and it’s always fun to see! Here are some from the past that could return and a few that might just surprise us.

• Arabelle the Cow: A big balloon cow that is super popular, everyone loves Arabelle!
• Smokey Bear: This bear is very famous as it promotes forest safety. People cheer when he’s around.
• Yoda and Darth Vader: Star Wars balloons are iconic, everyone knows them.
• Mr. Fish: A happy fish balloon, colorful, smiles all around!
• Baby Dino: Cute dinosaurs that kids love.
• Bumblebee Balloons: Adorable bees that hold hands.
• Superbike: Motorcycle balloon, a fun twist on the classic designs.

Expect more pop culture balloons, animals like turtles, and maybe even unicorns! It’s always a spectacle!

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What to Do During Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque comes to life during Balloon Fiesta week, drawing visitors in with its historical attractions, art, and local culture. Here’s a list of the top activities to enjoy:

The Historic Plaza: Explore the Old Town’s heart, surrounded by adobe buildings, lively gardens, and shops from 1706. San Felipe de Neri Church, standing tall since 1793, is a sight you won’t want to miss.

Albuquerque Museum: Visit exhibits showcasing Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions. Outdoor sculptures and rotating art make this museum a local gem.

New Mexican Cuisine: Taste authentic dishes like enchiladas and green chile stew at spots like Church Street Café and La Placita Dining Rooms. Seasons Rotisserie offers a twist with a rooftop view.

Shopping for Local Crafts: Walk through art galleries and boutiques featuring Native American jewelry, pottery, and textiles, many crafted by locals. Stop by Blue Rain Gallery or The Candy Lady for unique finds.

Native American Culture: Meet artisans selling jewelry and artwork, offering a personal touch and the chance to learn about their heritage firsthand.

Ghost Tours: Experience Old Town’s paranormal side with ghost tours after dark. Local guides share eerie stories through the historic streets, offering a thrill for the curious.

Rattlesnake Museum: Encounter the world’s largest collection of live rattlesnakes. It’s both an educational stop and a test of bravery!

Cultural Performances: Catch free shows like flamenco or mariachi in the plaza during Balloon Fiesta week.

Specialty Shopping: Explore shops offering turquoise jewelry, Navajo rugs, and pottery. The Turquoise Museum and Old Town Emporium are worth checking out.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Day Trip: Just a short drive away, this center highlights New Mexico’s Pueblo tribes with art, history, and traditional dances. Pueblo Harvest Café serves Native American dishes.

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Plan Your Trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2024

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has lots of events to see, so plan early.

General admission is $15 per session—adults pay for morning and evening separately, while kids 12 and under are free. Or get a Fiesta Express Pass, around $50 for multiple days.

If driving, parking is $20 per session. If you want to ride a balloon, prices are a bit high, from $399 to $599 per person, but you get incredible views, a champagne toast, and even a certificate.

Travel packages bundle hotels and tickets; expect to pay from $500 to $1,200 per person, or you can also stay in RV spots nearby for around $50 to $200 nightly.

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Best Tips for Enjoying the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2024

Enjoying the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it. Here are the top tips for getting the most out of this event—from timing to essentials to packing ideas.

• Arrive Early: Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascensions draw crowds. Parking fills up fast. For morning events, get there by 4:30–5:00 AM. Park-and-ride is a good way to dodge parking chaos.
• Dress in Layers: October weather is unpredictable; mornings can be bone-chilling, and afternoons warm. Layers like jackets, hats, gloves, and maybe a blanket for early events are key. Comfy shoes, sunscreen, and shades help too.
• Best Viewing Spots: The field lets you walk close to balloons. Central areas show inflations, while the north and west sides offer broader views.
• Download the Balloon Fiesta App: Stay updated on weather, schedules, and launch changes. Maps and vendor info, too.
• Use Public Transportation or Park-and-Ride: Parking is a nightmare but the Park-and-Ride service offers shuttles from multiple spots around town. Buy tickets online to skip the ticket line.
• Plan for the Evening Events: Evening Glows are chilly. Fireworks follow, so stick around. Blankets, jackets, and a hot drink make the night events cozy.
• Respect Balloon Safety: Keep a safe distance from balloons and equipment during inflations. Follow crew instructions to avoid mishaps around ballooning areas.

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