2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Schedule
2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Schedule
Each year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta comes packed with fan-favorites and innovative additions. Last year included events like the Gordon Bennett Cup, but each year offers its own unique highlights for visitors to enjoy.
About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
For context, The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air ballooning event in the world and is said to be the most photographed event on earth! Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico and hundreds of balloonists and thousands of tourists from around the world flock to the Land of Enchantment for a chance to witness nine days of spectacular hot air ballooning events. Events include the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons, a gas balloon race, balloon glows, balloon competitions, and more!
Now in its 52nd year, people come to this nine-day festival for its mass ascensions of huge, colorful, hot-air balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held on an 86-acre launch field that borders the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the history and science of ballooning.
Balloon Fiesta Daily Events Include:
Drone Light Shows
Multiple drone light shows will be presented at dawn and dusk.
Dawn Patrol Show
The Dawn Patrol began at Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two California balloonists developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. Dawn Patrol pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. Fellow balloonists appreciate the Dawn Patrol because they can watch the balloons and get an early idea of wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. On mass ascension days, about a dozen Dawn Patrol balloons perform the Dawn Patrol Show, a choreographed inflation and launch set to music that has been part of the Balloon Fiesta since 1996. Dawn Patrol inflations begin, weather permitting, at about 5:45 AM, with launch around 6:00 AM.
Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
Just after the Dawn Patrol, this glow builds predawn excitement for the Mass Ascension. “It’s just so unique and wonderful to experience,” says Jennifer Garcia, Balloon Fiesta event director.
Twilight Twinkle Glow
On average, 275 balloons participate in this massive kickoff on the first Saturday.
Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
Watch as the skilled chainsaw artists bring wood to life with the roar of their saws. From majestic wildlife to whimsical characters, each creation is a testament to the artist’s vision and skill, showcasing the versatility and power of the chainsaw as a sculpting tool. As the sawdust settles, guests are left in awe of the stunning masterpieces that emerge from the hands of these talented carvers, making a chainsaw carving show an unforgettable experience.
After checking out the show, guests will have the opportunity to take one of the beautiful carvings home with them as a wonderful souvenir! There will be a live auction held on both Saturdays, the first Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. Additional carvings will be available for purchase every day.
Mass Ascension
Mass Ascension, a launch of all the participating balloons has been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Launch directors, also known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped outfits, serve as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. Weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 AM on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner.
Music Fiesta
The balloons have and always will be the shining stars at Balloon Fiesta. However, over the years they’ve welcomed some amazing musical artists who have entertained their guests when the balloons are off the field. They’ve had the honor of hosting musical guests such as Lee Brice, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Chris Young, the Band Perry, Lainey Wilson and more. This year’s line-up continues their commitment to the hottest acts preceding a beautiful evening of balloons.
Balloon Glow
The events now known as balloon glows were invented in Albuquerque in 1979 when local pilots inflated balloons on Christmas Eve night as a thank you to local residents. The sight of balloons lit from within at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking and glow events are now held all over the world. Balloon Fiesta launched its Balloon Glow, the world’s biggest, in 1987. Balloon Glow all burns, when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time are perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Glows, followed by New Mexico’s most spectacular fireworks displays, are now among Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events.
Special Shapes Glowdeo
The first Special Shape Rodeo balloons launched on Thursday and Friday afternoons and were lucky enough to fly both days. This event was such a success that it created major traffic jams and produced huge crowds. Twenty-eight shapes participated in the first event and the Special Shape Rodeo was on solid ground. The Shape Rodeo grew each year with 35 shapes in 1990, 45 shapes in 1991, 62 shapes from eight countries in 1992, and a whopping 108 in 1996, the largest Special Shape Rodeo at the time.
In 1993 the Special Shape Rodeo added a third flight that would take place Thursday morning and by 1998, Special Shapes were so popular that they were the only balloons to launch from the field on Thursday and Friday mornings and glow from the field on the same evenings– totaling four events dedicated strictly to Special Shapes. The shapes glow has come to be called the Special Shape Glowdeo.
Night Magic Glow
The events now known as balloon glows were invented in Albuquerque in 1979 when local pilots inflated balloons on Christmas Eve night as a thank you to local residents. The sight of balloons lit from within at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking and glow events are now held all over the world. Balloon Fiesta launched its Balloon Glow, the world’s biggest, in 1987. Balloon Glow all burns, when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time are perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Glows, followed by New Mexico’s most spectacular fireworks displays, are now among Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events.
Fiesta de Los Globitos Remote Control Balloon Rally
While self-explanatory, this event is a joy for all involved. Sponsored by the city of Lax Vegas, New Mexico, it showcases the styles, skills, and designs of individual RC Balloon pilots.
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
This fireworks display will be shown on multiple occasions during the Fiesta and is a sight to behold.
Balloon Fiesta Schedule
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
7:00 am Albuquerque Aloft (at local elementary schools)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
5:45 am Drone Light Show,sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
6:00 am Dawn Patrol Show,presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
6:30 am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
7:00am Opening Ceremonies(Chile Flight -Formation Flight Team Fly-Over)
7:00am Mass Ascension
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction
3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00pm Team Fastrax Skydiving,sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
6:30pm Twilight Twinkle Glow
7:30pm Team Fastrax Skydiving,sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
7:45pm Drone Light Show,sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
8:00pm* AfterGlow Fireworks Show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
5:45am Drone Light Show,sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
6:00am Dawn Patrol Show,presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
7:00am Mass Ascension
7:30-11:00am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition)sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
9:00am Fiesta of Wheels Car Show (located on north end of launch field)
10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction
11:00am Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent, north end of Main Street)
3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00pm Team Fastrax Skydiving,sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
6:30pm Balloon Glow, powered by ExxonMobil
7:30pm Team Fastrax Skydiving,sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
7:45pm Drone Light Show,sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
8:00pm* AfterGlow Fireworks Show
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 – NEW MEXICO DAY
6:00 am Dawn Patrol
7:00 am Balloon Launch
8:00 am Fly In Competition Launch
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 – COCA-COLA DAY
6:00 am Dawn Patrol
7:00 am Balloon Launch
8:00 am Fly In Competition Launch
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
7:00am Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension. presented by New Mexico True
7:30-11:00am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition), sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
6:00am Dawn Patrol
7:00am Special Shape Rodeo
7:00am Balloon Launch
8:00am Fly In Competition Launch
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction
3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
6:30pm Special Shape Glowdeo
7:30pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
8:00pm* AfterGlow Fireworks Show
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 – KIDS’ DAY – SPONSORED BY CHICK-FIL-A
4:30 am Kids’ Day Goodie Bag Distribution begins (South of the Main Street Stage)
6:00am Dawn Patrol
7:00am Special Shape Rodeo
7:00am Balloon Launch
7:30-11:00am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition) sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico
8:00am Fly In Competition Launch
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction
3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
6:30pm Special Shape Glowdeo
7:30pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
8:00pm* AfterGlow Fireworks Show*
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 – ExxonMobil DAY
5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
7:00am Mass Ascension, powered by ExxonMobil
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction
11:00am Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent, north end of Main Street)
1:00-5:00pm Music Fiesta
3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
6:30pm Night Magic Glow, powered by ExxonMobil
6:30am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition) sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico
7:30pm Team Fastrax Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.
7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
8:00pm* AfterGlow Fireworks Show*
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 135:45 am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
6:00 am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
6:30 am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
7:00 am Farewell Mass Ascension, presented by News Radio 770 KKOB
8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will once again impress the imaginations of all ages and you’re invited to witness it. For more information on our tours for 2024 and 2025, please feel free to view the itinerary, or call for more information.
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