Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Your general admission ticket to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta grants you entry to one session. This is either a morning or evening one. However, you can purchase multiple tickets to enjoy several sessions throughout your visit. Sessions include the Dawn Patrol, where the balloons launch set to music at 6 am. There's also a balloon distance race called America's Challenge. Save at least one evening during your visit for Balloon Glows featuring illuminated balloons. While the balloons are spectacular, there's much more to enjoy at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. They have a chainsaw carving show and the Music Fiesta, featuring local New Mexico bands. The Music Fiesta will require a separate admission. Don't forget to check out the Balloon Discovery Center too. There, you'll learn about the sport and science of hot air balloons.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

Balloon Fiesta Park is accessible to those with disabilities. You can rent mobility scooters and wheelchairs in advance. For a VIP experience, 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. You can also pick up a balloon-themed souvenir to take home and 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

4401 Alameda Boulevard N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

FAQs About RVing to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Can you bring an RV to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?

Yes, RVs are welcome at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. There's ample parking and designated campsites.

Where can you park an RV at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?

RV parking is available in the President's Compound, all of the VIP lots, and the South RV Lot. These areas require a campsite reservation, so call well in advance.

Are there RV hookups at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?

Yes, there are hookups at the President's Compound lot. This includes electric, water, and sewer.

Is Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta family-friendly?

Yes, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is family-friendly. People of all ages will enjoy it. Children especially love the animal and character-shaped balloons.

LINEUP

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features two stages where you can see a variety of performances. This includes the Main Street Stage and the North and South Main Street Stages. The 2026 lineup will be announced soon. Visit the Entertainment Schedule page for the latest updates.

RVING AT THE EVENT

There are several camping options on the grounds of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but book your reservations early. They sell out fast.

Where to Camp Near the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you would prefer camping a little further away from the action, Birdie RV Park is a solid choice. All of their RV sites are pull-throughs with full hookups. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and a recreational hall. You'll also enjoy modern bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and the convenience of an on-site dump station. Albuquerque KOA Journey features pull-through RV sites with full hookups. You'll find all of the camping essentials in their fully stocked general store, and amenities include a pool, playground, and mini golf. You'll also receive free cable TV and Wi-Fi. If you're traveling with your pet, they'll love the off-leash dog park.

RV Rental Tips for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you are renting an RV, Class C RVs have enough space for families and groups of friends. Camper vans are smaller, more maneuverable, and a solid choice for couples. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers dry camping and a limited number of full hookup sites at the President's Compound lot.

WHERE TO STAY

The Comfort Inn and Suites Alameda at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park is just off of I-25, only 3 miles from this event. You'll discover premium bedding and a flat-screen TV in every room at this pet-friendly hotel. Start each day with a free hearty breakfast and unwind in the indoor pool or hot tub at the end of the day. Spring Hill Suites by Marriott is only a 5-minute drive from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. You'll enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading to the event, and the on-site convenience store offers snacks and drinks.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Rio Rancho, NM: Take NM-528 S/Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Turn left onto Balloon Museum Dr. NE. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be on your right. From Las Cruces, NM: Follow I-25 North. Use the right two lanes to take Exit 233 toward Alameda Blvd./NM-528. Merge onto Pan America Frontage Rd. N. Use the left 2 lanes to turn into NM-528 S/Alameda Blvd. NE. Turn right onto Balloon Museum Dr. NE. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be on your right.

PARKING

General parking lots are on the north and south ends of the park. Prices for the 2026 festival are $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. 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 Cottonwood Mall, Coronado Center, and Hoffmantown Church.

TICKETS & PRICING

You can purchase your tickets online or at the event. • Adults: $22.24 per person, per session • Children 12 and under: free

WRAP UP

Consider renting an RV 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 in your RV. Sign up for the event's e-newsletter on the homepage to stay in the know for the 2026 festival.

4-Day RV Itinerary for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

• Day 1: Arrive at your campsite and set up your RV. Explore the area, then relax for the evening with friends or family. • Day 2: Attend a morning session to see hundreds of balloons launch at the same time. The Dawn Patrol starts at 6 am. Spend the day enjoying the music, meeting other festival-goers, and eating local food. • Day 3: During the day, don't miss the Special Shape Rodeo while you explore the field and talk to the balloon pilots. Consider attending the Balloon Glow in the evening. • Day 4: In the morning explore Albuquerque. Head back to the Fiesta to see anything you missed. Afterward, relax and start packing to prepare to leave for your next destination in the morning.

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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