Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024

The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is set to take place from October 5 to October 13, 2024 at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of visitors from around the globe.

Key Highlights:

• Mass Ascensions: The signature event of the fiesta, where hundreds of balloons lift off in two waves, creating a stunning spectacle of colorful balloons filling the sky. These occur on several mornings throughout the fiesta starting at dawn.
• Balloon Glows: In the evenings, tethered balloons light up the night sky in a glowing display. The event is followed by fireworks on select nights.
• Special Shape Rodeo: This unique event features balloons in various whimsical shapes, such as animals, characters, and more, adding an extra layer of fun for attendees of all ages.
• Dawn Patrol: Early morning balloonists take off before sunrise, allowing spectators to see balloons illuminated by the burners in the dark.
• Music and Entertainment: There are concerts, local entertainment, and various food vendors throughout the event, offering a lively atmosphere.
• Competitions: Balloon pilots participate in competitive events like ring tosses and target drops, showcasing their flying skills.

Event Schedule:

Saturday, October 5

• 5:45 AM: Drone Light Show
• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 6:30 AM: Morning Glow
• 7:00 AM: Opening Ceremonies
• 7:00 AM: Mass Ascension
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving (throughout morning and afternoon)
• 10:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving Auction
• 3:00 PM: Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
• 5:00 PM: Skydiving Performance
• 6:00 PM: America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch
• 6:30 PM: Night Glow
• 7:30 PM: Skydiving Performance
• 7:45 PM: Drone Light Show
• 8:00 PM: Fireworks Show

Sunday, October 6

• 5:45 AM: Drone Light Show
• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 6:30 AM: Morning Glow
• 7:00 AM: Mass Ascension
• 7:30 AM: Remote Control Balloons Exhibition
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving (throughout the morning)
• 9:00 AM: Classic Car Show
• 10:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving Auction
• 11:00 AM: Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
• 3:00 PM: Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
• 5:00 PM: Skydiving Performance
• 6:30 PM: Night Glow
• 7:30 PM: Skydiving Performance
• 7:45 PM: Drone Light Show
• 8:00 PM: Fireworks Show

Monday, October 7 (New Mexico Day)

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Balloon Launch
• 8:00 AM: Competition Flying Events
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving (until noon)

Tuesday, October 8

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Balloon Launch
• 8:00 AM: Competition Flying Events
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving (until noon)

Wednesday, October 9

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 6:30 AM: Morning Glow
• 7:00 AM: Flight of Nations Mass Ascension
• 7:30 AM: Remote Control Balloons Exhibition
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving (throughout the morning)

Thursday, October 10

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Special Shapes Balloon Launch
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving

Friday, October 11

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Mass Ascension
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving

Saturday, October 12

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Mass Ascension
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving

Sunday, October 13

• 6:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
• 7:00 AM: Mass Ascension
• 8:00 AM: Chainsaw Carving

Additional Activities:

The event also features a variety of activities throughout the week, including competitions, musical performances, educational exhibits at the Balloon Discovery Center, and artisan markets. Notably, the Drone Light Shows and Night Glows add an extra layer of spectacle to the festivities​.

Host or Publisher LiveBeat Tickets