The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Or, The Golden Age of Ballooning.
I’ve been itching to go to the Balloon Fiesta since Tom told me about it over 3 years ago. I know nothing about ballooning nor have I previously been to a hot air balloon event before, but the idea of seeing dozens of balloons launching from up close really intrigued me. Tom’s description of the nighttime glow events sounded beautiful too. And so, as we are living temporarily in Santa Fe, it seemed that this year would be a perfect opportunity to go.
The Albuquerue International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Multiple hundreds of balloons launch in the early mornings of the festival during “mass ascensions,” and significant numbers also participate in the evening glows in which the balloons are lit from the inside while tethered to the ground. Because I had an interest in seeing both types of events – both morning and night – we decided to make two separate trips down to Albuquerque.
While the idea of seeing so many balloons was thrilling the prospect of walking around with literally ten thousand people did not excite me so much however so we decided to watch the morning mass ascension from outside the fairgrounds. We did follow a few balloons that were landing in the surrounding area though which gave me the chance to see them up close.
For the evening glow however we knew we’d have to buy tickets and actually go into the event in order to see the balloons hovering over their grounded baskets. The balloon grounds were a zoo, packed with families, strollers, and running children. Weaving our way through the crowd we first stopped to watch one of the first balloons inflate; by the time it was up dusk had fallen and we were surrounded by a hundred different lit-up shapes. Periodically the balloons would be lit by propane from underneath, causing them to glow, but timed countdowns also occurred in which all the balloons would light up. It was definitely an experience. Again however, jostling through the seas of people in the dark was not really our thing and so after walking up and down the field for 45 minutes we made our way to the exit.
I’ve wanted to go to this event for years so I was especially happy to read about your experience and see your pictures!
Rachel and Jon gave me a balloon ride in the Catskills one year and we all loved it.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and lovely pictures about the event.
It’s such a cool festival, Janet. I’m so happy you got to go for a balloon ride! That must have been spectacular!
I have a friend in Sweden who’s from NM and she talks about the festival every fall! What an amazing event it must be to see in person!! Thanks for sharing the amazing photos!
xoxo
It was super neat to see all the balloons. We’re definitely glad we went and would recommend it – with the caveat that you’ll be there with thousands of people.
Wow, what a sight! The balloon glow is amazing. I can see why this would attract so many people. You took some great photos and videos.
The glow was definitely the best part!!
I have wanted to go for several years too. Beautiful photos!
Thanks! It’s really neat event!
This sounds like a really cool event! I’ve never been to a balloon event but I’d probably do the same thing you did and just hang out outside of the area where all the people were.
It was really cool- and worth braving the crowds *once.
I want Panda!
Evelyn too!!
We’ve often thought about attending the event but the crowds are a total turnoff. We’ve seen lots of hot air balloons (every morning and evening) drift overhead here in Phoenix. I’ve also been very near during landings. I always love seeing them fill the skies and float by.
They are so neat! I’m not sure I’d go to the festival again but I’m really glad I went. It really is worth it. I’ll have to hang around Phoenix!
That was amazing!!!
Did you get to ride in any?
I did out in Phoenix, AZ! I loved it!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!
No, I didn’t ride on any unfortunately but maybe I’ll get the chance someday. Was it as neat as you expected?
Even more so! LOVED IT!
Oh, those are so cool, Meghan! I love the pictures with them lit up at night.
Thank you, Shannon! It was very cool!