Every year, hot-air balloons fill the skies above Albuquerque. Read on to discover more about the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Look up in the sky! It’s not a bird, a plane, or even Superman; it’s hot-air balloons as far as the eye can see. In New Mexico, that can only mean one thing: It’s time for another year of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs from October 3-11 and is bound to be a major highlight of the year in the Land of Enchantment. Tickets cost $22.24 for all guests over 12; children 12 and under can attend for free.
Planning a visit? Been before, but aren’t sure what to expect for this year? Unfamiliar with the event and want to know more? Whatever the case, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:
What is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual New Mexico tradition that started in 1972. What began as a gathering of only thirteen balloons has since grown to become the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival.
The first gathering wasn’t particularly international—nor was it much of a festival. It was held in a shopping mall parking lot to honor the 50th anniversary of KOB, a long-beloved Albuquerque radio station. Even so, roughly 20,000 people witnessed those first thirteen balloons, and by the next year, the event had grown to include balloons from thirteen participating countries.
Today, more than fifty years later, the balloon fiesta draws hundreds of thousands of people, not only from New Mexico, but from across America and around the world. In 2025, over 850,000 people attended the fiesta, and comparable numbers can be expected in 2026.
Wait, how early should I get up?
So, how exactly does attending the fiesta work? Well, it often starts with an alarm clock—or maybe even a few alarm clocks, just to be sure.
Days at the festival are divided into two “sessions,” one in the morning and one in the evening. Your admission ticket is good for one session. Evening sessions are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., but morning sessions start at 4:30 a.m. and run to 11 am, and can include the popular “Dawn Patrol” balloon flight on the days when there will be a “Mass Ascension” of every balloon at the festival—more than 500, to be specific. If you want to attend a morning session, be aware that, despite the early hour, they can be extremely popular, so you may want to arrive especially early to secure parking and a viewing spot amongst the crowds.
It’s not just the Dawn Patrol and the Mass Ascensions that are popular as special fiesta events. Another fiesta highlight is the Flight of Nations, which really puts the “International” in “International Balloon Fiesta.” This sub-event during the Wednesday Mass Ascension pays tribute to every nation participating in the fiesta, with participants flying balloons bearing their nations’ flags.
Other popular balloon flights throughout the fiesta include the “Special Shape Rodeo,” a two-day event featuring balloons in unusual shapes. In the evening sessions, you can also enjoy illuminated, static balloon displays, including the Glowdeo on Thursday and Friday nights in the fiesta, which features the special shape balloons, the Night Magic Glow on the fiesta’s second Saturday, and the Balloon Glow, which is the largest of the glow events and takes place on the fiesta’s first Sunday. Guests attending any of the glow events are encouraged to bring a flashlight!
Can I ride in a balloon?
Daring New Mexicans may be hoping that the balloon fiesta gives attendees a chance to soar through the skies. If that describes you, you’re in luck!
The fiesta has an official partnership with Rainbow Ryders, a hot-air balloon company with locations across the American West, including in Albuquerque. Rainbow Ryders has an authorized concession to take off from the fiesta itself and will have a booth on the fiesta grounds. However, if you want to be absolutely sure you can secure a ride during your visit, you may want to call in advance to discuss availability.
Registered hot-air balloon pilots and families in and around Albuquerque may also have the chance to participate in Balloons Aloft. This community-focused event soft-launches the fiesta the Friday before opening day and is the only event related to the fiesta that features balloons launching outside the fiesta’s official grounds at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Featuring nearly 200 balloonists, this event sees balloons either tethered at or launching from elementary schools in the Albuquerque area. Students, teachers, and parents can meet the balloonists and see the balloons up close, while Albuquerque residents all over the city can witness the simultaneous launch from different sites—provided they’re awake and alert for the 7:30 a.m. launch time.
What land-bound activities are available?
While the main attractions of the International Balloon Fiesta are up in the air, there are also things to enjoy on the ground.
The fiesta’s Balloon Discovery Center is a family-friendly site that offers a discovery passport with interactive activities for guests 12 and under to complete. Nearby is the artisan’s tent, where you can pick up a fiesta memento to take home.
For a special on-ground fiesta event, the Music Fiesta during the October 10 evening session is an outdoor music festival occurring alongside balloon fiesta events, including Night Magic Glow. This year’s Music Fiesta lineup features country musician Russell Dickerson headlining, with Nathaniel Krantz and Dasha also performing. There will also be a drone light show, skydiving, and fireworks to finish the day.
Less melodious than the Music Fiesta, but no less fun, is the display of chainsaw art. Chainsaw artists use the famous power tools for woodcarving, and on select days at the fiesta, you can watch them in action. The chainsaw carving demonstrations will also include Q&A sessions and the chance to take home a chainsaw sculpture for yourself! Several live auctions for chainsaw art will also be held throughout the fiesta.
Whether you’re an awestruck spectator or taking to the skies yourself, the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-famous event for a reason! So set your alarms for those morning sessions, grab a flashlight for evening displays, and have a fantastic fiesta!
