FLYSTATES - Book & Bookmark Us!

The Albuquerque International Balloon event is the world's largest hot-air ballooning event, and it's happening again this year from October 7 to October 15, 2023. The World's Largest Hot Air Balloon event is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, annually celebrated in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The festival will be celebrating its 51st anniversary in October 2023. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event. Over 600 balloons worldwide will take to the skies over Albuquerque, New Mexico, creating a truly magical sight.

The festival starts with the Dawn Patrol, a pre-dawn launch of a dozen balloons. It is a great time to get up close to the balloons and see them inflate before they take off. After the Dawn Patrol, a mass ascension occurs when all balloons launch simultaneously. It is the festival's main event, and it's truly an awe-inspiring sight.

The event creates an enchanted world of special shape balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies. 

History

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon convention in the world. It started in 1972 as a 50th birthday celebration for a radio station. The first fiesta had 13 balloons and 20,000 spectators.

The fiesta has grown yearly and has over 600 balloons and 100,000 spectators. It is an excellent opportunity to see hot air balloons.

The 49th edition of the fiesta had postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it resumed the following year.

Here are some additional facts about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:

1. The fiesta is held at Balloon Fiesta Park in south Albuquerque.
2. The fiesta features a variety of events, including balloon glows, mass ascensions, and competitions.
3. The fiesta is a popular tourist destination and attracts people from all over the world.

Many other activities

In addition to the mass ascensions, there are a variety of other events throughout the festival, including:

1. Special Shape Rodeos: These events feature balloons shaped like animals, objects, and other creative designs. The balloons observed their creativity, artistry, and flying ability. Some popular unique shapes include the Pillsbury Doughboy, the Falcon, and the Statue of Liberty.

2. Balloon Glows: At night, the balloons are tethered to the ground and illuminated, creating a magical spectacle. The balloon lights from within, and the effect is truly breathtaking. The balloon glows are a popular event, and they draw large crowds.

3. Competitions: There are a variety of competitions throughout the festival, including a race for gas balloons and a contest for special shape balloons. The gas balloon race is a timed event, and the balloons compete to see who can fly the fastest. The unique shape balloon competition evaluates the balloons' creativity, artistry, and flying ability.

4. The Balloon Discovery Center: This interactive museum is great for learning about hot air ballooning. The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime event, this is it!

Tips for planning a trip to this event

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:

1. Book your tickets early: The festival is trendy, and tickets sell out quickly.

2. Arrive early: The best viewing spots fill up early, so getting there as early as possible is essential.

3. Dress for the weather: It can be cold in the morning, so dress warmly.
   
   
4. Bring a camera: You'll want to capture all of the fantastic sights!

4. Be patient. The balloons don't always launch on time, so be patient and enjoy the experience.