Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has both morning and evening sessions, with each one having its own scheduled series of ballooning and other events. Depending on when you go and how much you want to see, you can attend various sessions.

For example, Dawn Patrol takes place in the mornings, with launches beginning around 6 a.m. Balloon inflation and launches are set to choreographed music. America's Challenge features a gas balloon distance race. Other session types include Albuquerque Aloft and Balloon Glows, the latter featuring illuminated balloons, held during the evenings.

The Special Shape Rodeo is one of the most popular events at the Fiesta. Come and see giant balloons in various shapes; you might see cows, birds, clocks, cacti, frogs, Elvis, Darth Vader, and even sneakers in the forms of colorful balloons.

For something different, take in the Chainsaw Carving show where artists use chainsaws to create unique sculptures made out of wood. 

Learn all about ballooning at the Balloon Discovery Center. Find out how hot air balloons get made, and see how the wicker gondolas get woven together.

Music Fiesta is where you can jam out to tunes performed by bands of various genres. Tickets for the Music Fiesta are separate from admission tickets. 

ON-SITE AMENITIES

Balloon Fiesta Park is accessible to those with disabilities. You can rent mobility scooters and wheelchairs in advance. 

You can reserve your very own personal concierge for the festival. You'll get golf cart transportation with a driver and a special Balloon Fiesta gift.

Food vendors line Main Street, so you'll always have something to munch on while you're exploring the fairgrounds. Pick up a balloon-themed souvenir to take home with you to remember your visit.

You can bring in backpacks and folding chairs. You cannot bring in glass bottles or alcohol. Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.

LOCATION

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park. The address is 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. The park is a mile west of Interstate 25.

LINEUP

The Fiesta features various performances on both the Main Street Stage and the North and South Main Street stages. The 2025 lineup will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit the Entertainment Schedule page. Also check the Event Schedule page for other events held at the Fiesta.

RVING AT THE EVENT

The Fiesta does permit RV camping. However, all RV spaces for the 2025 event are already sold out. You can try your luck of snagging a space when someone cancels by getting on the waitlist. Send an email to [email protected] to join that list.

Instead of camping at the Fiesta, you can find a slew of RV campgrounds in Albuquerque. Check out the Route 66 RV Resort near the city's downtown. This pet-friendly property features full hookups, back-in and pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, and cell reception. The campground is next door to the Route 66 Casino Hotel.

The Albuquerque KOA Journey is also pet-friendly and offers showers, a pool, full hookups, bike rentals, lawn games, mini golf, and a convenience store. 

Instead of RV camping, you might enjoy glamping on-site at Balloon Fiesta Park. Reservations include a three-night stay in a safari tent, premium parking, electric blankets, and a heater and refrigerator. Note that this option can be pricey, so double-check rates before your visit. 

Tent camping is also available at Camp 505. With your reservation, you get 24-hour security, access to a phone charging station, camping equipment, and admission to the Fiesta.

If you're new to RVing, check out RVshare's RVing for Beginners guide. Use this Resource page for information on everything from packing the RV to installing hookups. Discover handy tips on cooking in your RV and making camp meals. 

WHERE TO STAY

If you prefer staying in a hotel for your trip to Albuquerque, you have options close to Balloon Fiesta Park. The Comfort Inn & Suites Alameda at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park is just 1.4 miles from the fairgrounds. Amenities include free premium Wi-Fi, a free hot breakfast, free parking, and an indoor heated pool.

Just 1.8 miles from Fiesta Park, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Albuquerque North/Journal Center has free parking, free breakfast, a golf course, a tennis court, and self-service laundry.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you're coming from Santa Fe or other points north, take Interstate 25 south. Get off at Exit 233 and make a right onto NM-528/Alameda Blvd. NE. Make a right onto Washington St. NE, and then take the next two lefts to arrive at Fiesta Park.

If you're coming from the south, take I-25 north to Exit 233. Make a left onto NM-528/Alameda Blvd. NE and follow the directions above.

PARKING

General parking lots are on the north and south ends of the park. Check the rates before you head out, but prices for the 2024 festival were $20 per session. Each parking lot is color-coded and the gates are numbered, so please remember the color and number of the gate through which you entered the field. Please have cash ready as you enter the parking areas as they do not accept credit or debit cards for parking fees.

An alternative to parking on-site at the Fiesta is to use the Park and Ride service. You'll get round-trip transportation to the fairgrounds, and your admission ticket is included with your Park and Ride ticket. Park and Ride lots for previous festivals included the Cottonwood Mall, Coronado Center, and Hoffmantown Church. Purchase your Park and Ride tickets online as soon as they're made available. Note that this service isn't available on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of the Fiesta.

TICKETS & PRICING

You can purchase general admission tickets to the Fiesta. For adults, it's $15 per person, per session, with the festival broken up into morning and evening sessions. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Buy your tickets online; they will be available as of April 4, 2025.  The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta also has ticket packages that include access to the private Gondola Club and the Chasers’ Club.

WRAP UP

Rent an RV from RVshare for your trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. You'll have your very own home on wheels where you can bed down for the night after a long day of taking in all things balloon-related. You'll also save on meal costs since you can cook and eat inside your RV.

Sign up for the event's e-newsletter (at the bottom of the homepage) to stay in the know for the 2025 festival. Note that the Fiesta is weather-dependent, and tickets are not refundable. Look for updates on the Fiesta's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .

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