Top Twenty-Two Tips for Attending the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hot Air Balloons Ascending at the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Many of us have bucket lists of places to go or things to do. Or at least I would encourage each of you to create one and start working on them as soon as possible. The items could be nearby and free. The expense is not the point. The point is to live your life intentionally and make the most of the time you have.

Recently, I was fortunate to be able to cross an item off my bucket list. I have wanted to attend the world’s largest hot air balloon festival (the International Balloon Fiesta, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico each October) for quite a while.

Note: For additional information about the International Balloon Fiesta, please consult the following website before planning your trip!!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://balloonfiesta.com/

I was in New Mexico for nine days and attended the Fiesta four times while I was there. Here are a couple of preview videos below to give you an idea of what the International Balloon Fiesta is like!

Balloon Fiesta - Morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Night Glow (Special Shape Glowdeo) on the Evening of October 11, 2024

While I am not a New Mexico local, I do have some tips for those who would like to go in the future. Twenty-two tips, to be exact. I hope these tips will help you have as much fun at the Balloon Fiesta as I had!

Tip #1 - Lodging

If you plan to attend in 2025, book lodging NOW, preferably something that can be cancelled. If the reservation is not cancellable, strongly consider travel insurance. Booking lodging too late will leave you with fewer and more expensive options in a less-than-ideal or inconvenient location. I booked one of my lodgings almost a year in advance and I was extremely pleased with both places I stayed. I felt really lucky to find my other lodging last-minute (I added 2 days to my trip to acclimate to the altitude) but that is not always possible. *****In the same vein, book airline tickets as early as possible. The rates will likely keep going up as the Fiesta gets closer.

Tip #2 - How Many Sessions Should I Attend?

Try to attend at least one morning and one evening of the Fiesta, preferably on different days. Unless you are in excellent physical condition, doing both the morning and afternoon/evening sessions on one day will leave you utterly exhausted and unable to enjoy it fully.

Tip #3 - Special Shape Balloons

If at all possible, try to attend an event day for special shapes balloons. I thought the shape balloons were whimsical, delightful and added a new dimension to the Fiesta. In 2024, the special shapes days were on Thursday and Friday before the second weekend. These events are extremely popular so get there early, particularly on Friday evening.

Tip #4 - Access to the Balloon Field

Be aware that this is one of the few balloon festivals where you can go on the balloon field, walk among the balloons, and talk with the pilots. That being said, there are rules in place and you must be observant and flexible. For example, when balloons are deflating, you might need to move out of the way FAST!

Tip #5 - Chaser’s Club and Other Premium Packages

For a more inclusive experience (includes a meal and a chair at a round table), book tickets to the Chaser’s Club as soon as they open up. You may purchase morning or afternoon sessions (priced separately). There are other options as well, including something called the Gondola Club option, or an offering through the Albuquerque Balloon Museum that is even more luxurious, but I thought the Chaser’s Club was wonderful and reasonably-priced for the amenities. The food was great, the hot chocolate was amazing (and toasty warm but not scalding hot), and the location was close to numerous inflated special shape balloons. I loved it on the one morning I was able to get a ticket. Buy tickets for it when they go up for sale, if possible. A limited number of tickets are available for each balloon session.

Early morning view from the Chaser’s Club. It it includes Fiesta admission, a private seating area with separate restrooms, a delicious breakfast or meal and snacks, warm hot chocolate (morning) or coffee or cool lemonade or iced tea in the evening, a table to sit at, a chair, and the opportunity to make a new friend or two of table mates! Reserve EARLY on Fiesta website! More info… ⬇️

https://balloonfiesta.com/Chasers-Club

Tip #6 - What Do I Wear?

Dress in warm layers that you can easily peel off as it warms up. The desert climate is warm in October, but not until the sun has fully risen. I was so bone-chilling cold the first morning (at 53 degrees 🤷‍♀️) I ordered a sweatshirt, a stocking cap, tech gloves (for taking photos), and a fleece blanket at Walmart and used it ALL. And all this went under or over the jacket I wear 85 to 90% of the time in Iowa, including in January or February. It seriously felt less than 10 degrees near sunrise and it was not that windy. In fact, Albuquerque was unseasonably warm the week I was there. Thanks to the new hire at the Omaha Apple Store (who had lived in Albuquerque for five years) who convinced me to bring my jacket! I seriously would have been a popsicle! 🤦‍♀️🌬️🥶

Tip #7 - How Much Walking Is Required? Are There Places to Sit?

You will do a significant amount of walking, even if you catch parking lot shuttles to the gate area. Plan on walking at least 3 miles per morning or afternoon session. There are a few picnic tables, some bleacher seating on the far side of the field, and a few sponsor restaurant spaces but beyond that be sure to bring a blanket to spread out on the ground or a small portable chair so you have somewhere to sit enjoy the festivities.

Tip #8 - Traffic and Park and Ride Shuttles

If you don’t like to drive in traffic congestion, leave for the Balloon Fiesta by 3:30 am each morning or 3:30 pm for an evening session. Check your favorite map app for route changes and traffic alerts. Alternately, you can take a Park and Ride shuttle bus (likely a school bus) from several different locations around Albuquerque. Purchase shuttle tickets at least two weeks ahead of time. Depending on what type of shuttle ticket you purchase, it may include Fiesta admission. Look at the fine print, so you don’t pay for something twice. If you take a Park and Ride shuttle, know where to reboard the shuttle to take it back to your vehicle location. Know both the name of the shuttle location and the name of nearby streets, in case they call the shuttle by the street name. Note: Shuttle tickets must be purchased online at least 24 hours before you wish to take the shuttle. You may NOT purchase tickets on the bus.

Tip #9 - Shuttle and Golf Cart Shuttle Details

Before you get on a golf cart or shuttle, ask where it is headed and exactly where it will drop you off. Shuttle drivers are not allowed to deviate from their stops. On my last day of the Fiesta, I was dropped off in the middle of an unbelievably GIANT parking lot. Thank goodness to a kind worker who gave me a ride in a golf cart, even though he didn’t need to and it interrupted his job. There really ARE good people everywhere.

Tip #10 - Accessibility Services

If you require accessibility services, you may rent an electric scooter or wheelchair for each session you attend. Reserve them early! Not only will you give your legs a break, but you will have a built-in chair so you don’t have to carry one with you or sit on the ground. You may use these on the balloon field but be aware it can be very crowded.

Tip #11 - Can I Purchase Food at the Fiesta?

Food for purchase is plentiful, but be prepared for event pricing. There are dozens of food booths with a plethora of different types of foods. If you don’t wish to stand in long lines to purchase food, either bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks or prepare to eat an unconventional meal or snack. For example, instead of standing in a 40 or 50 people long line for breakfast, purchase a hot dog for breakfast instead of a coffee and donut. In the evening, try something more breakfast-oriented, like a breakfast burrito. It might even be a little fun to mix things up a little. 😉

Tip #12 - When Nature Calls (Restrooms)

Restrooms are typically located in giant tented areas behind the food/souvenir tents on Main Street. There are several large restroom areas, most of the restrooms being porta-potties. There are a few trailer-style modern restrooms near the huge porta-potty tent areas. I thought the trailer restrooms were a nice feature.

Tip #13 - When Should I Arrive for My Balloon Sessions?

Try to be at the Balloon Fiesta Park by 5:30 am or 5:00 pm to enjoy all that each session has to offer. Plus you may want some time to purchase food or souvenirs before the scheduled events take place.

Tip #14 - Reserve a Time to Visit the Albuquerque Balloon Museum

Be sure to reserve a time to visit the Albuquerque Balloon Museum while you are in town. It’s well worth it! There are exhibits for all ages. For the best visitation times that don’t conflict with the balloon session times, book at least one month ahead of attending.

https://balloonmuseum.com/

Tip #15 - Balloon Fiesta T-Shirt and Other Souvenirs

If you are looking for a Balloon Fiesta t-shirt, they will only be found in Official Souvenir tents. The souvenir tents are giant white tents on both ends of Main Street. Prepare to wait briefly in line before being allowed to enter. Main Street stretches for 1/3 mile. You can find many souvenir and food tents in this area - but no t-shirts.

Tip #16 - Balloon Collector Cards and Pins

You can purchase collectible official Balloon Fiesta pins at select souvenir booths. You can also purchase pins for croc shoes.

Some of the pilots will hand out collector cards for their balloon. I didn’t know that, but I did manage to get one from a cave man shape balloon from Brazil. I hate to admit it, but I was as thrilled as any 10 year old kid. Growing up is overrated. 😉 ⬇️

Tip #17 - Artisans Tent

If you are looking for fine art souvenirs, check out the Artisans tent at the North Gate. There are items in all price ranges so don’t be hesitant to stop by. Browse the whole tent first, then go back to purchase any items desired.

Tip #18 - Kids’ Discovery Tent

The Balloon Discovery Center features numerous fun, hands-on activities for kids. Kids can learn the science behind how a hot air balloon flies, create an art project, and climb in a pilot basket for photos.

Tip #19 - How to Avoid Crowds

If you are not comfortable with crowds, try to go to the Fiesta on Monday through Thursday. The crowds tend to be heavier on the weekends.

Tip #20 - Should I Purchase a Group Tour to the Balloon Fiesta?

If you don’t enjoy travel planning as much as I do, consider going with a travel group to take care of all the details. I relish the challenge of creating a wonderful and memorable trip and enjoy doing my own thing, but not everyone does. Consult your local travel agent for more information.

Tip #21 - Explore the Area!

And lastly, get out and explore both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. They are great cities with many attractions, art galleries, shops, and museums to explore. I personally enjoyed many of the museums, attractions, restaurants, and shops while in both cities. I met wonderful people in both places, too! 😁

I saw the comet from the top of Sandia Peak overlooking Albuquerque! A once in 80,000 year event! 👏😲🫶

Tip #22 - Have Fun and Be Flexible!

Hot air ballooning is a weather and wind dependent activity. Be flexible and consult ticket policies to be sure you are comfortable with the details. The good news is that you can still enjoy the other included events if the balloons do not ascend. I enjoyed two different drone shows (morning and evening sessions have a different show), sky-diving, fireworks, cultural entertainment (dancing), a chainsaw carving competition, and a bit of live music. I also took thousands of photos of balloons and learned a bunch more about hot air ballooning. I was SO GLAD I went!