This is where a number of hot air balloons launch over the course of about 1 hour in the morning. Those tent camping only can get spots for $35. Current prices for RV spots range from $40 to $250 per night for spots. My husband and I have booked our hotel (and car) and thought we had chosen the correct day to go. Although many pilots did keep their balloons inflated for visitors to see on the ground. All the main events of the Balloon Fiesta take place at the Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. People often underestimate the amount of time it will take to get to and into the Park. Hi Fernando, Glad you found our article helpful! Then you have the rest of the afternoons/evenings for exploring Albuquerque. ~ Jessica. I recall reading detailed information on the RV parking, specifically stickers all over the standard RV sites. Oddly, we found many first-time visitors we talked to had little idea what events were happening when and just sort of assumed that all days were the same. You can see photos in our article above of this. If you havent booked a hotel yet, I would do that soon as prices will continue to increase the closer it gets to the Fiesta. You should see the event on the schedule as Remote Control Balloons Exhibition or Remote Control Balloon Rally. Wondering if being inside the balloon park (Gondola Club) will be better for the show and activities, or will you see the same thing at the Museumwhich do you suggest. There are usually much smaller crowds on these mornings, so if you want to get up close to a balloon launch without huge crowds, you might consider attending one of these events. This modern 4-star hotel is located in a historic 1926 building that was originally a Santa Fe Railroad hospital for railway workers and later a psychiatric ward! Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions! Haha, sorry for asking so many questions but I really want plan a good trip/surprise for him! Just be sure to find a proper place to park and are out of the way of balloon recovery vehicles and local drivers, and you should be fine! So glad I found this! Love the post! I was just wondering about how Park and Ride works We have a ticket for Sunday (Oct 6) morning with checkin at Coronado Center. The rate was clearly higher than the norm, but completely worth *not* waiting in line for a departing shuttle-bus. 5 Seeds of a given color can be exchanged for a full Catfruit of the same color. If you want to go, start planning and booking early! Either way, its always good to bring a large piece of carpet and set it outside of the RV for them to lay on. I saw you mentioned one park and ride ticket is only valid per session. There is plenty to see and do once the balloons start inflating on the field, and the field is a great place to watch. (125 2nd Street NW) This 4-star luxury hotel is located just off Central Avenue and occupies the historic 1939 building that was originally built as the Hilton Hotel. Generally, you need to agree to work for at least 4 sessions to be eligible and then you get free entry into the event each day as well as some free meals and other goodies. For layers, Id probably wear a short sleeved tee, a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and then a heavier fleece or jacket on top. The museum itself is really informative and interesting. So Id maybe recommend the Chasers Club for the evening glow event as there is less to do/see on the field and it can be nice to have a chair. I know the scooters you said are on a first come first serve basis. So it will be a normal morning balloon launch followed by the balloon fly in competition. We are riding in mass ascension on opening day, so need to be there too early to be able to take Park & Ride that day. Once the event is underway, the shuttle buses will start leaving to return to the pick-up locations every 10 to 15 minutes so you just need to make your way back to the shuttle bus area and be sure to get into the correct line to get back to the Coronado Center (there are 4 different Park & Ride locations this year). We also thought about a small VRBO. I planned to leave early Your tips & ideas are great and I will follow them. If you want some photos from the 2015 Albuquerque Balloon fiesta, I have a collection that is free to download and use as you please. Any sense how early onsite parking might fill up on opening day? Please dont stop being this helpful. Yes, you can bring a blanket to sit on and you can place on the field, you just need to place it away from the balloons on the field so you are not in the way of the balloons and safety officials. Some pilots come with their own chase crew (most local pilots certainly do) so dont need any volunteers whereas others (especially those from further away) often need the extra hands. Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful Balloon Fiesta! Microsoft pleaded for its deal on the day of the Phase 2 decision last month, but now the gloves are well and truly off. Some people just come for one day and hope for the best, but I would advise to. Glad you came across our Balloon Fiesta guide and I am sure youll have a great time in Albuquerque. Live news, investigations, opinion, photos and video by the journalists of The New York Times from more than 150 countries around the world. The Albuquerque International Balloon is very popular for RVers and there are hundreds of spots available each year around the launch field. We stayed in the south near the airport, and we got caught in the traffic chaos and massive queues on the opening morning and we missed attending the morning glow and launch, although we caught a bit of both from the park-and-ride lot at Cottonwood Mall, where many hundreds (thousands?) is the only hot air balloon company that is permitted to take guests and launch during a mass ascension from the Balloon Fiesta Park. If we were to buy a Chasers Club ticket for one session (not the morning of our ride), do you think the Club and seating area makes more sense for a Mass Ascension morning or for an evening glow/fireworks event? Several other companies provide balloon flights in Albuquerque (as well as Santa Fe) and will generally offer lower rates (although still much higher than normal). Balloons will only go up when weather conditions are safe to do so, and those carrying customers are going to obviously need to be cautious. Note that you ticket includes your admission to the event, but does not include parking or transport. Too bulky. Hi, thanks for your suggestions and photos! Alternatively, you can of course just purchase general admission tickets for the evening session as well. We have not personally ridden with Rainbow Ryders but they are a long-standing company with a great reputation and safety record which is why they have been chosen as the official balloon operator of the Balloon Fiesta. Hi Elizabeth, Rio Rancho is a good location actually for attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta as it is just north of Albuquerque and only about a 15 to 20 minute drive to the park (although will obviously take longer during fiesta). Or if you plan to rent a car, then you can just drive to a Park & Ride lot as well. Another nearby location for you would be the Cottonwood Mall which is another Park & Ride location a few miles away in northwest ABQ. The sunset was incredible & they had a live band playing. I think more people bring blankets or chairs to use in waiting for events and in between events is what we have noticed as there can be quite a bit of waiting, especially if you get there early or there are delays. Then there is always the hotels close by that offer packages as well as AAA. Hotel shuttles normally have a small fee and require advanced booking. Hotel shuttles normally have a small fee and require advanced booking. Note that rates will be higher than normal during the Festival so be prepared for surge pricing. Thank you again! No pets are allowed within the park during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Hi Sharon, Yes, you will unfortunately miss seeing a morning mass ascension but you will still (fingers crossed the weather is good for you!) Is there a park and ride near Rio Rancho? My husband and I are planning to return this year as well it will be the 50th anniversary of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! 7:00am Mass ascension (final one of festival) So I dont think you can bring RVs or camping trailers into the general parking at the Balloon Fiesta (but you can call them to check). Attending the Music Fiesta requires an extra ticket that can be purchased in advance. OMG!!! Each Cat has a different requirement to unlock their True Form. After the application submission period ends, the Media staff will make decisions on all the applications. 6:30am Morning Glow A friend of mine happened to be in one of those balloons. Howdy from Texas! My fiance and I plan on getting married in a hot air balloon that morning and I am really hoping that there will be many balloons still going up that day. I would find ones that fit your budget and then call to see which offer shuttles during the Balloon Fiesta or will arrange one for you (ask the price). I have not watched the balloons from a hotel so I dont have any specific recommendations, but I can tell you that you can see them from many places in Albuquerque. The exception to that is the day of the Music Fiesta, which takes place in the afternoon, so if you are staying for that youd want to probably stay all day. Thank you for such a comprehensive article! It is a remote control balloon rally event geared towards kids. No, you cant really see the Night Glow events and fireworks from outside of the Balloon Fiesta Park. Im interested in what you think the best volunteer job might be? We have already decided that this year will be a learning experience and we may need to plan another trip to the Fiesta! Tickets are per session and there are 2 sessions on most days (morning and evening). Luckily and coincidentally we will be driving through Albuquerque during the balloon festival week. We used Marriott points, so I didnt think of that. Yes, it is such a fun and beautiful event. Many thx!! So if you really want an RV spot or to stay in a particular hotel, you should book sooner rather than later. For many people, this is a highlight of the Balloon Fiesta. We attended the morning sessions on days 1 and 3; our planned attendance of the evening session on day 2 was cancelled due to high winds. But the convenience of being able to walk (or take a free shuttle) to the field is really nice rather than battling traffic is worth it for many. There is usually at least one or two days each Fiesta where it is not safe for the balloons to fly (normally due to winds) so good to plan some flexibility into your plans. Easier and cheaper to do. Hope that helps, and wishing you a great time at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Since that is fairly close to your hotel, it might be a good way to avoid driving into the Balloon Fiesta traffic. If they say it is OK, you might want to ask the bus driver in the morning if you need any special ticket to get back on the bus for coming back in the evening. HI. There are several ways to get to the Balloon Fiesta Park. You can also then keep track of your favorite to see how far it goes and who wins. During most of the year, hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque range from about $140 to $200/person for a group flight. 1. Thanks so much for putting this together. Those tent camping only can get spots for $35. In the UK, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta is the largest in Europe and I think second only to Albuquerque. They just have a bunch of shuttles that come to pick up people at the designated times and places. Then spend the rest of your visit in Santa Fe with your friend. Some visitors plan a trip for just a couple of days, dont do this. Can I Ride in a Hot Air Balloon during the Balloon Fiesta? Thank you so much for the information in this post. How many days should I attend the Balloon Fiesta? What happens if a Balloon Fiesta event is canceled due to weather? I recommend going for several days if you can so that you are sure to see at least a couple of events in case of poor weather. Just note that there are not many hotels or motels that are an easy walk away from the Balloon Fiesta field. You choose the lot, but it is rally style parking and you are guided to a specific space when you arrive so you dont get a lot of choice in where you are parked within the lot. Typically there are also other attractions or events scheduled each year that take place in the afternoons or evenings at Balloon Fiesta Park, such as dance performances, chainsaw carving competitions, music events, skydiving performances, car shows, carnival games, childrens rides, etc. Your transport and admission ticket are included. Bring your camera, extra batteries or charger, and lots of memory cards or film. They have lost a patron for life! If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know and we are happy to try to help! There are a number of events that typically take places at each Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. For the hot air balloon flights from outside the park (not by Rainbow Ryders), they normally take off about 5 miles from the park during the fiesta. Balloons will be going in all directions, as they go where the wind blows. You will probably launch along with several other balloons and get to see the same things in terms of landscape/cityscape. Would it be better to buy shuttle tickets and do the park and ride? Hi Lolo, I hope you have a chance to get to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta, it is certainly a festival worth planning ahead for! The campground is just used for the festival so there may very well be goats head stickers / burr weeds nearby. Not only for accommodation, but also in planning what events they want to attend and knowing how to get to them. Stay at a hotel within walking distance (or short taxi ride) of one of the event Park & Ride shuttles youll want to purchase the tickets in advance, 2.) Anywhere near the park with a room facing the direction of the Balloon Fiesta Park would be a good location. You can of course drive from Santa Fe and use one of the Park & Ride locations to catch a shuttle to the park but the Park & Ride locations are all in Albuquerque. What is the museums policy on cancelations due to weather, I cant seem to find it. Certain Cats even have True Form or 3rd form. Any suggestions or hints? Generally the balloon pilots learn around 6:30am at the Pilot Briefing if there will be a weather delay or cancellation. The evening balloon glows (also called twinkle glows, and night magic glows, etc. If you are staying nearby, this is a good option and there is a complimentary bicycle valet operating in the morning and the evening. But on any other day, I would not recommend trying to stay all day at the field. It was too windy for the balloons to inflate & glow but they fireworks were great & we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Happy New Years to you as well, and wishing you a wonderful 2018! ): 1) Take a shuttle bus as you said. For example, if you upgrade, For now the maximum level for Base Upgrades is level 20 (+10 via. During the Night Glow a line of balloons line up and do the glow. What are the Best Days to attend the Balloon Fiesta? We are planning to go this year (our first!) Bucket List checked! Have you heard what its like to ride the day before the event starts (pre ride) and how much more different (positive or negative) the experience would be opposed to the first day? Just note that you will most likely be riding to or from the park in the dark so youll need to have or rent a bike with headlights, reflectors, taillights, etc. Hi Jamie, We have attended the Balloon Fiesta multiple times, both as regular visitors and as media. We also got to have a nice breakfast together afterward! The underbanked represented 14% of U.S. households, or 18. Thank you! Tickets can be purchased in advance online, by phone (1-855-725-1824), in person at the Balloon Fiesta Gift Shop, or in person at the entrance to the park. Those under 12 get in free for most things. Hi Anisa, Yes, I think this is on many peoples bucket lists! October is a busy time in Albuquerque so in addition to making your travel plans well in advance, it is a good idea to think about what you want to do in the city before you arrive as all the main attractions and museums will be busier than usual, especially in the afternoons before and after Balloon Fiesta events. I want to see a mass ascension and catch a night glow but want to avoid the weekends for the most part. If you rented a care and drove, you could get there early and sit in your car if you wanted to but I think you will be OK if you dress properly and walk around with a coffee or hot drink. I assume this is okay? Maybe well see if we can do a hot air balloon ride there as well:) ~ Jessica. So if you plan to take the shuttles, you will likely need to have booked these before you attend the Balloon Fiesta. Hi Michelle, Yes, the Park & Ride shuttles normally only run Thursday to Sunday, but I would check the 2019 schedule once it is released to confirm, which should be in the next couple of months. Dogs are allowed on the RV site if kept on a leash, but are not allowed on the Balloon Fiesta Field. Or consider a ticket to one of the Balloon Museum events where you have full access to the museums restroom facilities. ), Corrales, and Rio Rancho are also good bets as balloons often head that way. The evening balloon glows and fireworks also are weather-dependent but have fewer restrictions. So the Gondola Club and experiences offered at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum are pretty different. Your idea of not booking chasers club on morning number 2 is a good one just in case we would need to try to reschedule our ride due to weather. The next 2 hours were filled with hundreds of balloons taking off in a sort of organized chaos. Check out the uber and legendary tier lists for each set here, starting with Ultra Souls. Just be sure to dress up warm (layers are best)and wear sensible shoes for your flight! Glad you are finding our ABQ Balloon Fiesta guide helpful! Is there enough to do between the morning and evening, or should we plan to leave then come back? ? Yes if you are only coming for 1 day, a morning mass ascension is a great event to attend. The museum, like most places, has reduced hours and staff due to the pandemic so I would just keep trying. Lords of Destruction Dragon Emperors ( ch hakai taitei doragon enperzu, Lit. Glass, weapons, and alcohol are NOT permitted in the park. Those who have a checking or savings account, but also use financial alternatives like check cashing services are considered underbanked. Opportunity Zones are economically distressed communities, defined by individual census tract, nominated by Americas governors, and certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury via his delegation of that authority to the Internal Revenue Service. Once Frank landed us safely, the balloon chase crew arrived and help deflate and pack away the balloon. Thanks ! So even though it is not a mass ascension, there will still be plenty of other balloons up in the sky with you. Wow what a comprehensive post! This is a popular way for RVers and campers staying at an on-site spot. Basically, the official Morning Session ends at 10:00am and the Evening Session does not begin until 5:00pm. The event is able to accommodate many people with reduced mobility and those using wheelchairs or scooters. The event has been canceled for 2020, but will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021 Best, Jessica, Hi Travelcats/Jessica, Jessica, you always write about such amazing events and places, but those photos! Thanks for stopping by and commenting Carmen! Do you know when that would be? What are the Main Events at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? If you are a fan of ballooning, this should definitely be on your list as it is the biggest hot air ballooning event in the world! Do the balloons take flight while lit up? But since you are going to the Balloon Museum events, then driving yourself works well as I believe you will receive a parking pass with your tickets to park in the Museums parking. We feel it is unlikely the 2022 event would be canceled due to COVID-19, but it is of course a possibility. The mass ascensions (normally both weekend mornings and Wednesdays) are all generally about the same size. But thanks for taking the time to share it as it may be helpful to other readers. Yes, so walking is definitely an option but just note that depending on your walking route, you are likely going to have to cross highways and some places are not very pedestrian-friendly. The balloon burners are a little loud but you are normally only close to a handful at any time on foot, but bringing something to muffle sounds is probably a good idea if your grandson may be startled/sensitive to noises. 7:00am Mass ascension to be able to drive safely in the early morning and evening hours. Yes, I definitely can recommend doing a morning session and evening session in the same day, especially if you are having good weather conditions! Get the latest health news, diet & fitness information, medical research, health care trends and health issues that affect you and your family on ABCNews.com You can also often see the balloon floating over the RV sites, depending on the direction of the wind. Be sure to bring that with you and show it to the parking officials so they can direct you to the correct parking area (it is before the main visitor parking areas for the event). Know what you are buying and what happens in the event of a cancellation. Were bringing our 2 year old and hes set (I think?) Weve been answering questions since 2013, so you may also find the answer to your question in the Comments below. You might want to consider bringing something for them to lie on in case they on your site (heavy rug/piece of carpet) and getting protective paw booties for your dogs to protect their paws when walking. They will do synchronized burns called all burns where all the balloons will light up at once. The decor is a mix of modern and vintage and its Apothecary Loungerooftop bar is a popular place for cocktails for locals and visitors alike. ~ Jessica, I am stunned (in a good way) with all these photos. The upgraded experiences do have seating areas as well as dedicated toilets and food areas. But there is no reliable secondary place to purchase them that I am aware. We are in our late 60s and get around ok. We in general like to stay close but can not walk long distance at one time. Most bike trails are multipurpose trails. The player can choose to display Cats with certain Rarity, Target or Abilities by toggling them on the Filter Menu. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. We dont have hotel reservations at this time and I have a large dog so going to the festival is not an option. Best times for photos are generally at and around sunrise and sunset so you get the best light, but it is honestly difficult not to take some beautiful photos at this event! Other Accommodation Options in Albuquerque. As general guidelines, closer to the park the better the view and you will want to choose a hotel or viewing spot east of Interstate 25 and north of Paseo del Norte. 2021 should have been the 50th anniversary but the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. For volunteering, the balloon chase crews can be fun. We thought about the RV park but that would mean we would have to rent a RV. The balloons during mass ascensions launch in waves, typically two, so different balloons will be in various states of being unpacked, inflated, and launched for about 2 hours. Yes! As noted, you have a lot of options from classic Route 66 era motels to brand-new luxury hotels. I know what the cost will be for the Gondola Club but cant find a price for the VIP museum tickets, didnt know if it was more or less. Balloon Fiesta Parkway and the Sandia Casino Hotel. Friday is likely to be more busy than Thursday. No matter what you do, youll likely end up paying a bit more than usual although luckily Albuquerque is not normally an expensive city. When trying to hit all 50 states with my boyfriend and NM being driving distance from Dallas, I found this as a suggested thing to do a few months ago and didnt think much of it. **NOTE: These did not run in 2018 or 2019 as in September 2018 New Mexico Rail Runner made an announcement that they were not going to run them for the 2018 event as they were not profitable. Even places within an hour or two of the city such as the Turquoise Trail stops, Tent Rocks, and Santa Fe are also going to be much busier than usual. Companies includeViator,Air Carriage LLC, APEX Balloons, andWorld Balloon. Note that while buyers are able to print the Chasers Club tickets at home, the Gondola Club tickets come with a scannable physical wristband and printed parking passes that are mailed to the purchaser so you would need to be sure to have both of these. The Balloon Museum (near the field) is a great museum to learn about ballooning history, the Sandia Tramway may be fun for your grandson, and your friend may be interested in a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History given his upcoming job (The Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos is also very good). Never got too cold or too hot. Not sure if I can announce here, but, we have an RV space for rent in the new VIP North Lot, adjacent to the launch field, with or without an RV. If you are further away, it just means an earlier start , Wishing you a wonderful first Balloon Fiesta! Hi Jessica, wonderful blog! My son is so excited to see the balloon festival (he only sees it in Youtube and hes a big fan). Thank you, again, for all your wonderful info. We were there last year for the first time. Parking tickets and special events tickets cannot be reused. Several go up at a time over the course of approximately 2 hours and the sky is then literally filled with hundreds of hot air balloons of all colors, shapes, and sizes!! Also, we are thinking of going 3-4 nights but will have 2 little ones in tow. It is normal for 400 to 600 balloons to go up over 1.5 to 2 hours on a mass ascension if the weather is good. All those wanting to attend the music concert at the Balloon Fiesta will need those specific tickets. As you are normally moving around along with the balloons, lugging around a tripod doesnt really make sense for most people. However, as the event begins and the balloons take off, you should have a better idea of which direction they are going at that point and can move if needed. Also glad that our article was helpful in planning your trip to the festival, we love hearing that our advice was helpful to others! If you leave and come back for another session, you will need another admission ticket. I am not sure that Fiesta RV spots are transferrable as I believe that you need to present your reservation details and an ID at check-in. I would definitely recommend leaving your Sunday morning free, just in case Saturdays ride is canceled, there looks like there is good availability for Sunday (as of now) so you could hopefully reschedule if needed. Hope this helps and wishing you a wonderful time at the Balloon Fiesta! Get up to the minute entertainment news, celebrity interviews, celeb videos, photos, movies, TV, music news and pop culture on ABCNews.com. The museum is adjacent to the field so the outdoor area has a great view over the field, but you wont be able to get close-up views or walk amongst the balloons. So the mass ascensions are normally scheduled for weekend mornings as well as one weekday morning during the week these are my favorite events but also the event that is most likely to be cancelled due to weather. Another good thing about the regular balloon launches during the week is that they are typically less crowded than the weekends. Ive been thinking of attending the Balloon Fiesta for the longest time but have never gotten around to doing it! Another idea is to head to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center which is a museum and cultural center and also has a restaurant that we recommend where you could have lunch. They are just stunning and anyone who didnt have plans to see a balloon festival will surely want to now. Hey, we were also at the 2018 event, for our 1st ever visit to both city and the Balloon Fiesta. Anyway, I hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful Balloon Fiesta and trip!! These include getting tickets to the Chasers Club or Gondola Club, attending an evening at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum, or booking a session with the Balloon Fiesta Concierge Service. , in person at the Balloon Fiesta Gift Shop, or in person at the entrance to the park. Im from Dallas, TX and Im very interested in attending this festival this year and Im thinking about surprising my boyfriend with tickets for his birthday (he lives in Charlotte, NC). This is out first time and my family and I had a wonderful time at the mass ascent this morning. Note that your admission costs are already included if you ride the Park & Ride shuttle bus. It is normally chilly in the morning, but it is not normally super cold. Weve attended several hot air balloon events as media, and unlike some, the experience as Media is about the same as that of a Visitor as visitors are allowed on the launching field here. Would we still need to get there at 4:30am? However, you can re-use your admission ticket for the next session or the next day. Hi Poppy, As discussed in many of the comments and in the article, you can usually see them from many places throughout the city during the Balloon Fiesta. It is always good to hear from previous visitors. 1:00pm Music Fiesta begins (tickets needed to attend) Last updated: August 26, 2022- Written by Jessica Norah 199 Comments. So if seating and dedicated areas are important, you can get one of those tickets instead of a regular admission ticket. Thx Jessica for your very helpful reply and suggestions! On the other days, there are still balloons going up each morning, just not nearly as many. Where are the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta events? The Chasers Clubgives ticket holders access to a dedicated view area, hot buffet meals, seating area, toilets, beverage services, and a cash bar. For the afternoon sessions, they normally start at 5pm, so Id probably plan to be back by 4pm to park for the evening sessions. Any unit with Talents available can also equip an item known as a Talent Orb, which increases health or attack power against a specific trait. The Battle Cats tier list (2022) is an easy way to see which uber cats are the best in Battle Cats (including super rare true cats). It will be a busy evening event as it is both a weekend day and the first day of the balloon fiesta. This will be the first time Im attending the Fiesta and Im going with 6 good friends. Getting ready to book travel and hotel for October 2014. There are plenty of vendors selling all kinds of food and drinks with an emphasis on hamburgers, burritos, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and donuts.There are also lots of hot drinks like coffee and hot chocolate available which are very welcome in the early morning. We were very lucky as we were with local fellow blogger Leslie who knows the area very well and she knew some great spots once we figured out where the balloons were headed. The only day there is a major afternoon event is on the date of the Music Fiesta (another ticket is required to attend this) so that might make sense if you are going to do the Music Fiesta event as well. If you or someone you are traveling with has a lot of needs in terms of mobility or otherwise, you might consider booking a session with the Concierge Service. I plan to attend this year 2019 as I was recently diagnosed with an degenerative eye disease that slowly taking my vision, needless to say I find myself against a timeline of all the extraordinary things this world and life has to offer. Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful Balloon Fiesta! Here are my questions: But yep with the upgrades you do get dedicated toilet facilities along with several other perks! Also, I read that Uber had a designated route in previous years, so they didnt have to be stuck in the same traffic. Note that on that last Sunday, there is only a Morning Session as there are no afternoon or evening events, so you would only need tickets for the Morning Session. Sorry to hear you had issues with traffic and long waits for the Park & Ride shuttles. Battle Cats Wiki is a FANDOM Games Community. For upgraded experiences, you can buy tickets to join the Chasers Club or the Gondola Club. Advice, insight, profiles and guides for established and aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. It includes a personal guide and golf cart transportation during the event. You get to walk around the field and get right next to the balloons, see them being filled and fired, and watch as they take off. You may be able to see them from your moms home, but for a better chance Id recommend perhaps finding a spot to sit outside in the NW part of Albuquerque, such as the North Valley or Rio Rancho. If you contact the Fiesta team, wed love to hear what you find out as it might help future readers. If you volunteer and are coming from out of town, you may also be eligible for discounted hotel rates. But you can certainly buy them in advance! Just note that sometimes the wind changes direction during the event as well . Although there would of course be other people here, it is not super crowded and only those with tickets can join and it is equivalent to being in a busy restaurant rather than being on the field with the large crowds. Would a hotel with a park and shuttle option be best? This event was added December 21st, 2014 in The Battle Cats. Im so glad I came across your site, really great tips. There are also normally fireworks or light shows as well that can be better captured using a monopod or tripod. For the double ascension on Monday morning, the schedule I have (PDF form) just lists Balloon Launch. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! I am going to assume you are launching from the field (otherwise it is much harder to say as balloons launching from outside are going to likely be further from the rest of the balloons). For instance, at the Canon tent (one the events major sponsors) they allow the public to try out cameras, take free souvenir photos, and even offered free cleaning of Canon mirrorless and DSLR cameras and lenses. I know that the staff do try to make sure the event is as accessible as possible. Or if you rent a car, you can of course stay wherever and then just park at one of the Park & Ride lots and take the shuttle into the Fiesta park. Hi Kaye, Glad you found our suggestions useful and sounds like you had a great time at the Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta last year. A lunch recommendation if looking for New Mexican food is Sadies which is a classic casual New Mexican restaurant that been around since the 50s and is located just off 1-25 (there are 3 locations, 2 are not far from the Fiesta Park, the closest location is about a 10 minute drive from the Park). But otherwise, it probably makes sense to go back, do something else for in the afternoon hours, and then head back to the park for the evening events. We usually search for and book hotels in Albuquerque on either, If you need to book more last minute and are not having luck finding anything, dont despair! What advice would you have for her? Each year people come to check out the new shapes and see the old favorites! but would that general admission ticket include parking too? Make time to visit the Andersen Abruzzo International Balloon Museum which is located near the launch field. Prices for the shuttle include your Balloon Fiesta Park admission and they drop you off close to the field. I would contact the Fiesta RV folks directly about this, and anyone wishing to buy one should definitely check to see if this is permitted. Ahh, I would love to do this someday! Yes, the balloons do launch every day, depending on weather conditions of course. We are heading back ourselves this year! Note that seating is very limited within the Fiesta Park. There is both a morning and evening session on most days, so if you leave the park after the morning session, youll have to pay again to enter in the evening. The views are good from both the ground and balloon, just different. There are a few new terms youll likely hear about when you attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Ill be riding in one of the Rainbow Ryders Balloons during the Mass Ascension. Just let us know if you have any questions about planning a trip to Albuquerque or the Balloon Fiesta itself. I was also hoping for some clarification. If you enjoy cycling, that is also an option and would warm you up on the way there. Be especially mindful of children as they can get hurt or burnt and follow all instructions by the crew and the officials dressed in black in white (affectionately called zebras) so that balloons can safely launch. This has been on my bucket list for awhile, I really want to go. Hopefully, you will get good weather and have a great launch! I checked the website tickets go on sale next week. Get information on latest national and international events & more. We are staying in Santa Fe, and wondering how early we should leave to drive to Albuquerque for the morning sessions, and which Park and Ride location would be best coming from Santa Fe. Being a fan of Ballooning, I will keep in mind this date (this event will be held on the same dates every year?) They must be purchased in advance either online here or in person at the Balloon Fiesta Gift Shop (4401 Alameda Blvd NE). Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is also a unique place for a hike and not too far away. There is also the Artisan Tent which has vendors selling all kinds of arts, crafts, and souvenirs from local artists. If the wind is light, balloons tend to bunch together and if winds are stronger or moving in different directions, they tend to drift further apart. If you are planning to use the Park & Ride services to get to and from the Balloon Fiesta, you may want to stay near the Park & Ride location. These events have balloon pilots test their skills as they compete doing tasks against other balloonists. The volunteering guidelines change a little each year so do check before registering. This was a great way to spend our morning, and although the views were not as good as within the Park, it was great to see the balloons in a different way and to not have to deal with the traffic at the Park. Youll be walking around a lot and the surfaces include dirt and grass (the field) as well as paved areas. There are places for RV parking but those require a pre-booked reservation. Were bringing our RV and two dogs so weve got a little more planning and logistics as wed like to stay for several days. Each tent can hold up to 4 persons. Another option if you have flexibility in terms of when you go is to call and try moving the dates of your tickets to a session where tickets are still available so your friend can join you. I would perhaps just compare the amenities, prices, and photos and just go with the one that sounds best to you! They definitely honored tickets last year for canceled sessions, I am wondering if they are not counting it as a canceled session since some balloons did go up? The Gondola Club is set up on one side of the Balloon Fiesta field and is a private fenced in area. Then they were stopped from launching as the clouds became worse and conditions became too dangerous. Hi Ruth, If you are parking in the nearby RV parking lots at Balloon Fiesta, you are probably within a 10-15 minute walk. For a first-time experience, it is so nice to be able to spend the time walking the field and seeing the hot air balloons up close. The Sandia Resort says they are offering shuttles for $10/person this year (sucks that we have to pay) but Ill take it over driving and parking any day! It is a great place to spend some time in between events or before the beginning of the Balloon Fiesta to learn more about hot air ballooning. 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 Bringing something for them to lie on sounds like a good idea and you may want to get protective paw booties for your dog to protect their paws when walking. If you want to see these balloons, you should be able to see them on three different days of the event. Best of luck! I am assuming we would need to be there at the same time to avoid traffic? The park opens to visitors for the morning sessions at 4:30AM, so you dont want to arrive before then. The house was build around 1912 and later become a popular boarding house, even Elvis Presley slept here. But the actual balloon events normally begin around 6:00am or 6:30am. If you purchased admission tickets, parking passes, Park & Ride tickets, RV spots, or other services for the canceled 2020 event, you could change the reservation date to use at the 2021 or request a full refund. If you are planning to bring a lot of stuff with you, note that many people spend a lot of their time walking around the launch field to see the different balloons and then walking along Main Street where all the vendors are located. I have a fear of heights but personally feel quite safe in hot air balloons (they move so smoothly in the air) but always have a little dread for the landings , But there is definitely always risk and being a spectator is definitely the safest way to enjoy the Balloon Fiesta and the views are wonderful from the field! There is generally not much going on during the afternoons (although depends on the day so check the schedule). Being a subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly travel and photography giveaways! Wishing you a great Fiesta and visit to the Land of Enchantment! In terms of the balloon flight doing it before the Balloon Fiesta starts would be a lot like doing it any other time of the year. Am I wise to bring ear protection ear muffs for my grandson?. 7:30am Remote Control Balloons Exhibition (until 11:00am) Thank you in advance for your advice! 2 1/2 miles from the Hot Air Balloon Museum. But Gondola Club gives you the option to go out on the field as well. I have a Nikon (mirrorless, full frame) Z6 and hope to get some photos worthy of enlarging and printing. You might try calling the Balloon Fiesta number and asking about this as they may be able to confirm that it is planned to run on the weekends again as usual. You can also get tickets to some of the great events held at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum during the Balloon Fiesta which has a viewing gallery and balconies that looks onto the Launch Field and a dedicated parking lot. You have plenty of time to find a place, although as I note in the post it is good to book well in advance of the Fiesta as it is the busiest and most expensive time of the year in Albuquerque. I am jealous as I cant wait to see the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta again. The photos you can take here are amazing! Do people do that? Events include the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons, a gas balloon race, balloon glows, balloon competitions, and more! And if that winery is near, Id love more details on that! Hi Stacey, I think as long as you can fold them up and hold them on your lap in your seat, you should be fine. Ah, when Julie posted, I thought she was referring to stickers (as in adhesive labels) and thought that there was debris from marketing leftover in the fields that dogs may eat. Thanks for the great article! And we plan to come back on other days to catch the Special Shapes Rodeo and evening events too! Here is the current schedule for the 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Download and listen to new, exclusive, electronic dance music and house tracks. This is about a 15 minute walk to the park entrance. Thanks! These balloons can be shaped as cartoon characters, beer mugs, carousels, Star Wars characters, animals, hearts, people, etc. These are currently priced at $500/night for 1-2 persons with a 3-night stay minimum so $1,500 for 3 nights. For lower prices, consider booking a balloon flight before or after the Balloon Fiesta when prices return to the normal rates. I picked a hotel near my shuttle pickup and Old Town is just minutes away. The best The Battle Cats - Uber Super Rare (11.7 Updated) rankings are on the top of the list and the worst rankings are on the bottom. Interested in attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta yourself? Some people just come for one day and hope for the best, but I would advise to come for at least 3 days so that you have a good chance of being able to see the balloons launch. However, any day can be great to launch from the field with the the other balloons. The balloons are set up and do the burns to music. I have booked a hotel near one of the Park & ride locations. In prior years, typically the weekends of the Balloon Fiesta, the New Mexico Rail Runner (local train) operated a special schedule where you could take the train to a specific station (usually the Los Ranchos/Journal Center stop) and a shuttle will meet you to take you to the park. Wondering if you think walking to the festival is a good idea? Thanks for being so helpful! Thisiswhere hundreds of balloons all launch in thesame morning, generally over a 1.5 to 2 hour period. The truth is that you dont need to book them in advance as they are available to purchase at ticket kiosks before you enter the security area to enter the park. 6:30am Morning Glow I can give you more specific hotel suggestions, but it would help to know your general budget, type of lodging you prefer, whether youll have a car, whether you plan to drive or take a shuttle to the balloon fiesta, and what is most important (e.g., being close to the balloon park, free breakfast, lowest price, luxury amenities). Thinking either Sunday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon to Saturday (catch Saturdays mass ascension and then head out). They often have special meals and other events here during the Balloon events. Just check the weather forecast for each day before you head out, but layers are always a good idea. I expect both will sell out this year well in advance of the event, especially for the opening day, so I would purchase your tickets as soon as you decide. If you want to walk amongst the balloons, the Gondola Club is going to be better. Also the roads will be busy and not great for walking. You should look ahead at the schedule (available about a year in advance) to make your plans as different events take place each day. Note that even if walking, the trail may be a good bet if you are staying near it and are looking for a path for you to follow. Will I be able to tow/park my camping trailer to the parking lot at Balloon Fiesta Park or the shuttle parking lots? The weekdays are definitely usually less crowded, so are nice days for attending with kids. I know Outdoorsy is one service that allows for peer-to-peer rentals if you were looking to go that route. There is no seating on the field although you can bring a blanket or small seat if you think you will need to sit down, but most people walk around the field and main street area throughout the event. I cant seem to find that information now. Is there much of a difference between the ascension events on the weekends (Mass Ascension) vs. weekdays (Balloon launch, Special Shape Rodeo)? Hotel Andaluz is a modern hotel with New Mexican and Mexican influenced decor. What a beautiful event! Yes, there is no way the event (or parking area) could accommodate that number of people all in one session! But you should be able to park a travel trailer for the day at the Park & Ride shuttle parking lots. Feel free to reach back out once youve narrowed down some options! I am very excited to be going this year 2019. If they are paved, therell be less of a chance for stickers. They are a bit pricey, but are a wonderful and unique way to experience the Balloon Fiesta. October is a busy time in Albuquerque so in addition to making your travel plans well in advance, it is a good idea to think about what you want to do in the city before you arrive as all the main attractions and museums will be busier than usual, especially in the afternoons before and after Balloon Fiesta events. I have looked at the volunteer link on the Fest website, but any insider info you can provide on RV camping and volunteer jobs would be appreciated. Ive allllways wanted to go to a festival, but have yet to make it to one! If this sounds appealing, read the earlier section on volunteering. Great info also. If you dont want to make your own arrangements or are traveling by yourself, this can be a good option. It has about 200 or so balloons I think each year. Hi Bob, Yes, I think staying in Albuquerque for at least one night will make it a lot easier to visit as getting up even earlier (to get from Santa Fe) would not be fun for anyone. These balloons tend to be most peoples favorites. For example last year when we last attended, four out of the 14 sessions were cancelled due to poor weather conditions. See our accommodation recommendations later in the article for some suggestions of lodging options within walking distance or a short driving distance from each of the locations. The ticket and security lines are not normally that long and move fairly quickly as they check bags and scan tickets. Some of the busiest places will likely be the Sandia Peak Tramway, Sandia Crest, Old Town area, Nob Hill area, ABQ BioPark(zoo, aquarium, botanic garden, Tingley Beach), Petroglyph National Monument, and the citys museums. Driving times are estimated in good traffic conditions, so youll want to leave a bit more time due to Fiesta traffic to reach Park & Ride locations on time. Thank you so much for answering my question and for all the great info you supply for Balloon Fiesta. although they will be inspected by security upon entry. Some people do set up blankets and folding chairs around the edges of the Balloon Fiesta field but out of the way of the balloonists and other activities. The fireworks are generally very good and worth staying to watch! Thanks for sharing your experience and tips here! You dont need to book now, although some people do book a year in advance to ensure they get a specific hotel. If you take a Shuttle, Id still plan to board one by 4:30 if you can. But there is the Special Shapes Rodeos on two of those days, which is when all the Special Shapes hot air balloons go up. Let me ask you this Why do people who have 2 perfectly functional feet attached to legs have to stop in the middle of the paved walkway to take a picture or get someones attention instead of walking 10 feet in either direction to stand on the lawn, allowing others who are trying to get to point B a chance to see their favorite balloon (BTW Darth Vader was my pick)? The AOL.com video experience serves up the best video content from AOL and around the web, curating informative and entertaining snackable videos. So if one of these is a must, I would call ahead to see if you can reserve a scooter for the sessions you know you plan to attend. She is not able to attend the festival, but where might we drive to see the balloons up during the day? Events may include fly-in tasks where they must drop something on a specific target and events where they must toss or grab rings from various poles. These are typically much less used and have shorter lines than those just off the Main Street and around the concession stands. We usually stay at one of the Residence Inns, so it is sometimes possible to visit during that time without planning ahead. For accessible toilets, Id check at the Information Booth for where these are located. You had me at balloon festival!! Will I need to bring a tripod? Fingers crossed that you get good weather Wednesday morning for your flight. I once went to a small event in Californias desert but the mass ascension was canceled because Obama was in town (that was a bit maddening). Jessica. I have decided to not rent a car and use Uber. Early is the key; we left where we were staying between 4:00am and 4:30am each morning and did not have any issues. Praying for good weather! The fireworks will start soon after the night glow ends. You can also contact the Balloon Fiesta team directly by calling them at +1 (505) 821-1000 or toll-free at 1-888-422-7277 or email them with general questions at balloons@balloonfiesta.com. Note that we havent specifically done the volunteer program but we have helped on the chase crew for balloon events before for pilots we know. As noted, you have a lot of options from classic, Hotels near the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, Hotels near the Albuquerque Park & Ride Locations. Jessica. Ive tried to read everything you have written and read many (if not most) of the questions and your replies but I havent come across mine. If you decide to just pay for a regular entrance, you can pay for the parking as you enter (bring cash) and then purchase tickets each day before you enter the event. Let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip! Her question now makes a lot more sense! But another reader (Jeff, who is planning to stay in a RV with dogs) noted that you probably meant stickers as in weeds. You may also see or hear people talking about Balloon Cards which are paper cards that include a photo of each individual balloon, the name of the balloon, pilot, and information about the annual balloon fiesta. But given dogs are not allowed on the field or at the event, you will need to walk them around the RV lots and so this could be an issue. 7:00am Special Shapes Balloon Launch Then change it back after sun comes up. Other Events & Activities at Balloon Fiesta, 2022 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Schedule of Events, Guided Tours to Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I booked a hotel that is within 2.6 miles from the event, and it is supposed to be a 10 min drive. Get breaking NBA Basketball News, our in-depth expert analysis, latest rumors and follow your favorite sports, leagues and teams with our live updates. Hi Kathy, It is unpredictable and different every year, but normally at least a few sessions are cancelled each year. Some pilots fly every day but most only fly on certain days of the event. We are worried about not being able to use our Chaser\Gondola tickets for later session since we plan to attend on Saturday. Personally, my favorite place is on the field and we normally just do the General Admission. It is near the field so you get a good view but you are not actually on the field and dont have to go through ticketing or anything. This annual long-distance race starts from the Balloon Fiesta Park where pilots in specially designed gas balloons compete to see who can go the furthest distance without coming down. Ive definitely saved this for if I ever made it to Albuquerque one day for the festival! Based on your advice, we booked for Wed which a mass ascension day, is slightly cheaper than the other days, and still gives us a few days in case there is a weather related cancellation. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be magnificent! We will be staying with a friend in Santa Fe, First question. There is generally no best day to attend the Balloon Fiesta, but the most popular event is the morning mass ascensions which generally take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as on one of the weekday mornings. I love travel themed jewelry and bought a pair of earrings at my very first Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in 2009. Just something to consider if you are in Albuquerque for a few days. If the above prices are out of your budget, but you really want to ride in a hot air balloon during Balloon Fiesta, consider booking with another hot air balloon company during the Balloon Fiesta. Can we find tickets sold by third parties? Lastly, what advice do you have for first timers to attend this event? This is wonderful information. The main accident this year was a balloon (the Outlander alien balloon) that crashed into a power line but no one was seriously injured although I think a crew member received a minor burn in trying to help the passengers out and one of the passengers received a minor injury when climbing out of the gondola. 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