Save The Date
Join us October 3-11, 2020, for the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta presented by Canon in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 2020 theme is "Time Flies!" Start your planning for the festivities which all start on Saturday, October 3, and include  the awe-inspiring Mass Ascension! Here is a link to the 2020 event schedule: https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule 
A Letter From Balloon Fiesta's President and Executive Director
 
As always, safety is our top concern and as we prepare for the 49th Balloon Fiesta, the safety and health of our pilots, volunteers, staff, guests and community is Balloon Fiesta's top priority. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and New Mexico Department of Health regarding the spread of the virus. Like you, we are hopeful this virus and its impacts are remediated quickly for everyone.
 
Planning for the 2020 Balloon Fiesta continues. Fortunately, with our event scheduled for October we have the opportunity to observe, adapt and implement best practices for events like ours.
 
With our focus on October, here are a few quick updates about the planning for the 2020 Balloon Fiesta.
  • Our pilot applications remain on track with previous years. So far, we have 587 applications, which includes 113 special shape balloons! This is consistent with previous years, if not slightly more than we've seen in the past.
  • April 3rd marks the day our tickets will go on sale on-line, as scheduled.
  • In partnership with Albuquerque radio station KRST, we will announce our 2020 Music Fiesta lineup March 30. Look for a special edition of our newsletter with additional details.
We are humbled and grateful for your continued support during this time.
 
Sincerely,
 
Matt Guthrie, President, Board of Directors
Paul Smith, Executive Director
Balloon Fiesta Ranked a Top Cultural Festival
We're proud to announce that Balloon Fiesta has been ranked as a top cultural festival! The USA Today contest votes have been tallied, and Balloon Fiesta was ranked at number 3! Thank you to our fans who voted for Balloon Fiesta. To see the full list, click here.
Balloon Fiesta Insider

Tickets for the 2020 Balloon Fiesta will go on sale April 3! Click here for an overview of 2020 pricing. Here is the information you need to know:
  • General admission tickets - Tickets are good for one session, any day and will be available for $10. Five-packs of General Admission Tickets may be purchased through Balloon Fiesta's Gift Shop.
  • Park & Ride - An expedited round-trip service to and from Balloon Fiesta. Ticket prices range from $10-$25 and includes admission to the event.
  • Gondola Club - A private experience that includes delicious food, entertainment, courtesy shuttles and indoor restrooms. Prices range from $55-$125. Spaces are limited.
  • Chasers' Club - An upgraded experience that includes a private outdoor patio, a catered meal, private restrooms and access to a full cash bar. Prices range from $40-$60. Spaces are limited.
  • Glamping - An exclusive camping experience, walking distance to the Balloon Fiesta Park Launch Field. The campsite features restrooms, shower trailers and a hospitality area. Prices start at $500/night and include a admission to all sessions of the event during your stay. Spaces are limited and require a three-night minimum.
  • Concierge Program - A behind-the-scenes experience lead by a personal tour guide. Tours are provided on golf carts, perfect for Balloon Fiesta first-timers, photographers, guests with mobility issues, and others looking to see all that they can in one session. Price is $350 per session. Spaces are limited.
  • Music Fiesta - A concert to be held Saturday, October 10 that features a superstar lineup. Stay tuned for a special newsletter announcement in the coming week, that will include the opportunity to pre-order tickets.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Merchandise Update

Shopping online is the best way to buy your Balloon Fiesta stuff. In fact, just visit BalloonFiestaStuff.com. Our online gift store is open 24-7. Due to our efforts to reduce the threat of COVID-19 our Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta gift shop will be closed through April 10, scheduled to re-open on April 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Inside the Basket
Damian Duran, Balloon Fiesta Assistant Field Manager
 
Damian Duran-Arias is Balloon Fiesta's Assistant Field Manager. In this role, he prepares year-round to ensure that Balloon Fiesta Park is ready for the launch of 500+ balloons and the arrival of guests from around the world.
 
In this month's Inside the Basket, Damian gives a look into his focus area and the intricate process of preparing for the event.

To read other Inside the Basket interviews, click here. 
March in Ballooning

On March 17, 2019 Kimberly Magee launched from Fargo, North Dakota in a hot air balloon, and flew 61.1 miles to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The distance from this flight beat the female world distance record in an AX-05, a 42,000 cubic foot hot air balloon. To read more about the college student's accomplishment, click here: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/meet-university-of-iowa-grad-who-shattered-world-hot-air-balloon-records-kimberly-magee-20190722
March Photo-of-the-Month

We have received some beautiful pictures of this year's event, submitted through Balloon Fiesta's social media! Below is the photo chosen for March. Thank you to Facebook user  @Amanda Frazier!



Do you have a favorite Balloon Fiesta photo? Share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag our page for a chance to be featured in next month's newsletter! 
Read all about it
Check out some notable media coverage about Balloon Fiesta
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 Official e-newsletter of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.   
 
Phone: (505) 821-1000, 1-888-422-7277
Fax: (505) 828-2887
www.balloonfiesta.com