New Mexico: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 4-12
Heads will soon be tilting back in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the world’s largest ballooning event. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, running Oct. 4-12, 2008, will set the skies ablaze with color from 700 balloons, launching from an area the size of 54 football fields. The annual event, which began in 1972, is expected to draw 800,000 spectators.
[Click the photo to see more pictures from past Albuquerque Balloon Fiestas.]
Balloon Fiesta Park will be abuzz with musical entertainment, food, fireworks and much more during the nine days of the festival. But you won’t want to miss seeing a morning “Mass Ascension,” when all of the participating balloons launch in two waves from the park.
If you’ve got lofty aspirations yourself, you can hitch a ride on one of the balloons via Rainbow Ryders, the only authorized company giving rides to guests during the festival. It’ll cost you $350 per person (including tax and fees).
Event cost: Tickets for the Balloon Fiesta are $6 per adult (12 years and older); children are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Looking ahead: Can’t make this year’s event but want to put this on your future must-see list? Dates for the next few Albuquerque Balloon fiestas are as follows: Oct. 3-11, 2009; Oct. 2-10, 2010; and Oct. 1-9, 2011.
Contact: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , (888) 422-7277
— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times
[Photo: Ron Behrmann / For the Los Angeles Times]
6 Comments on “New Mexico: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 4-12”
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September 29th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I have been aloft in Albuquerque — not at the festival but through a private company. It’s amazing!
If you EVER get a chance to ride, DO IT!
September 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
We make a pilgramage to this event every year now. Well worth the spectacle, although I’d balk at the $350 per fee to ride in a balloon - although if I’d ever pay that much, it would be there where your fly with almost 400 other balloons.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Though we won’t have quite the numbers this year as we’ve had in the past still looking for 500-700 participating.
Weather is good and the Abq Box looks like it may be present during the Fiesta.
The Green Chile Stew is hot and the beer is plenty cold. Looking forward to seeing some folks out this way.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:59 am
A fun event. One way to avoid the 350 commercial charge is to volunteer to be on a chase crew or ground crew for a balloon. There is a volunteer tent at the grounds. Most pilots will try to give volunteers a ride, plus you learn something about ballooning
October 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I have lived here for years, and look forward for the Balloon Fiesta every year. The sky is filled with different shapes and colors of balloons. Always seems so magical and peaceful. Too bad it was too windy today, was so excited about getting my burrito and enjoying the views. Lots to see & do there. Love your pics! Very informative blog for all the folks looking forward to joining us next year. ;)
My husband started a blog not to long ago & one of his post’s was on the balloon fiesta. Please feel free to check it out & comment
http://thejoereview.com/2008/10/05/balloon-fiesta-08/
September 12th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
How do I volunteer to be on a chase crew? Where do I sign up? Who do I contact? I will be there for most of the 2009 Fiesta. I am experienced crew, having crewed for my California pilot (not attending this year) since 1984.