Boomer Destinations: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

 By Tim Trudell

The world’s largest hot air balloon festival rises from the New Mexico high desert in early October as more than 600 balloon pilots take part in the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. This year’s event takes place Oct. 4-12.

Growing from 13 balloons at the first event held in the parking lot of a shopping mall more than 50 years ago, hot air balloon pilots from more than 15 countries representing six continents annually participate, attracting more than 825,000 fans over nine days.

From early morning mass ascensions – with hundreds of balloons covering the New Mexican sky with the majestic Sandia Mountains as a backdrop – to night glows, the International Balloon Fiesta features spectacular views.

The Fiesta schedules launches to keep things fresh. The mass ascension occurs on three days. Separate ascensions occur for international balloons and special shaped balloons. The Fiesta has balloon flying competitions, including hitting targets with sandbags.

You’ll want to arrive at the balloon park as early possible (recommended 4-5 a.m.) for morning events. Tickets and parking passes can be purchased online at balloonfiesta.com.

The Fiesta kicks off on Oct. 4 with a 5:45 a.m. drone show. The Dawn Patrol is a team of pilots which ascend at about 6 a.m. to check wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. They fly until it’s light enough to scout potential landing sites. On mass ascension days, Dawn Patrol pilots perform a musically-choreographed inflation and launch.

The morning glow starts at 6:30, with a variety of pilots inflating their balloons, creating colorful demonstrations.

Opening ceremonies kick off at 7 a.m. with the national anthem as a balloon displaying the American flag ascends from the ground, followed by live music featuring regional acts and Native Americans from the Jemenez Pueblo performing traditional dances.

Throughout the International Balloon Fiesta, mariachi bands perform, along with bands from the United States Air Force Academy, Latino dancers, Native American acts and other dance groups.

The first day’s events continue with a mass ascension at 7 a.m. Pilots launch at the same time, or within a few minutes of each other, creating a magnificent scene not viewable anywhere else on the planet.

The Albuquerque balloon park is known for its unique wind directions. The Albuquerque Box is a set of wind patterns used to navigate balloons, with southerly winds at low elevation and northerly at higher altitudes. The winds allow pilots to navigate in a vertical box, essentially taking off and landing at the same spot, giving the impression that balloons are at a standstill in the sky.

The morning’s events last until 10 a.m., with music, vendors and concessions. Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine featuring hatch chile during your visit.

Opening day activities reconvene about 3 p.m. with chainsaw carving exhibitions and live music. Afternoon attractions include skydiving demonstrations.

A night glow starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by an illuminated skydiving demonstration. The day’s activities end with a drone show, capped by a fireworks celebration.

While opening day runs nearly 16 hours, people come and go throughout the day.

The balloon fiesta features fly-in competitions where pilots attempt to drop sandbags on designated targets located on the balloon field. They navigate both surface and upper level winds to lower their balloons near the target, dropping their marker as close as possible to it as possible. The competition measures their piloting skills as they navigate the field to reach the target.

The balloon fiesta features an international balloon launch – Flight of the Nations mass ascension – when pilots from other countries launch first in the morning, followed by United States-based balloons.

Another day features unique shaped balloons launching. Everything from a Darth Vader-inspired balloon to a stage coach rise from the balloon field. Then, other balloons follow. The Fiesta also includes a special shape evening balloon glow.

A remote control balloon show features dozens of pilots from around the U.S.

The first eight days feature daylong events, with a 4-5-hour break between the morning and afternoon. Day 8 activities conclude with a fireworks show. The last day includes a morning farewell mass ascension, as pilots fly their balloons away from Albuquerque.

Other attractions

While in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta, you’ll have some free time to explore the area. Here are a few recommendations:

• Old Town. The historic shopping area is known for Native American artists selling beadwork, clothing, blankets and other items outside, as well as quaint boutique shops.

• Sandia Peak Tram. Travel more than 10,000 feet above sea level as you soak in the beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains and forest. Once atop the mountain, enjoy hikes along impressive scenery or enjoy a meal at one of the mountain top eateries.

• Petroglyph National Monument. Located on the western edge of Albuquerque, the park protects about 24,000 images or drawings made by Native Americans and Spanish travelers up to 700 years ago. The symbols are carved on volcanic rock. The carvings are located in two main areas – Boca Negra and Piedras Marcadas Canyon. The terrain is uneven, so it can take some effort.

• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Experience Pueblo culture through a museum, art gallery and dance grounds. Located on 80 acres, the cultural center features murals, Native art and artifacts celebrating Pueblo stories in New Mexico.

• Breaking Bad RV Tours. “Say my name.” Those words sent chills down people’s spines when spoken by Heisenberg – aka Walter White – on the uber-popular series Breaking Bad. Airing 2008-13 on AMC network, the series was filmed in and around Albuquerque. Fans continue to flock to Albuquerque just for the Breaking Bad Guides include people who appeared in episodes as actors or extras. Fans enjoy a 3-hour tour of more than 20 film sites, all while in the comfort of a converted RV or a shuttle. Enjoy a break at the restaurant which served as the site of Los Pollos Hermanos, infamous for Walt and Jesse meeting Gus Fring, one of the notorious drug lords with whom the duo worked.

White Sands National Park. For an exciting day trip from Albuquerque, head to White Sands National Park. The white sand is the product of gypsum. Since the 275-square mile Tularosa basin is enclosed, the gypsum cannot flow into the sea like it would in other areas. Thus, this natural wonder has been created and is beautiful. The dunes look like huge snow drifts or white waves, depending on which take you want.

Accommodations

With plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts and Air BNBs available, there are plenty of accommodations.