For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. There’s something for everyone to enjoy . . . whimsical special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape for spectators to wander. No matter who you are, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will leave you awestruck and wanting more.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.
Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year.
From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with 700 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.
Imagine 54 football fields, all put together. That’s the size of Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field! And at this Park’s “playing field,” there are no losing teams and no viewing stands. Guests walk the field and are part of the action. The balloons are released in what is called “Mass Ascension.” Mass Ascension has been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Launch directors, also known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped outfits, serve as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. Weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 AM on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner.
Hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky. What you can’t hear until you walk our field at nightfall is the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. What you can’t feel until you join us is the massive joy everywhere around you.
There are several events to enjoy besides the actual ballooning. Anyone is eligible to enter a photo contest. There are 5 categories:
Kids at Balloon Fiesta Photo Entry
Dawn Patrol/Balloon Glow Photo Entry
Mass Ascension Photo Entry
Special Shape Rodeo Photo Entry
AfterGlow Fireworks Photo Entry
There will be an amazing fireworks show once the sun goes down (so bring your lawn chairs!). Along with fireworks, guests can enjoy Chainsaw Carving. The 2018 AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational will feature Professional Chainsaw Carvers from all over the world, competing and producing some of the most amazing sculptures you will ever see. Chainsaw Sculpture is a relatively new art form that has gained enthusiasts all over the world. The delicate ballet the carvers perform with a powerful chainsaw is mesmerizing. Come and see what all the buzz and chips flying is all about! You will be absolutely amazed to see what these artists can do with a log, a chainsaw and 90 minutes!
Throughout the day and night, live music will be available. This year there is an all-star lineup!
1:00 p.m. – The Noms
2:30 p.m. – Michael Ray
4:00 p.m. – Old Dominion
Along with these special events, much more is offered. Visit the official event website for a full list of events, times and offerings.
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