Save The Date
Join us October 2-10, 2021, for the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 2021 theme is "Time Flies!" Start your planning for the festivities which all start on Saturday, October 2, and include the awe-inspiring Mass Ascension! Here is a link to the 2021 event schedule: https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule

Balloon Fiesta Insider
The 49th Balloon Fiesta is right around the corner! And, to help you prepare, below are some of our favorite event tips! 
  1. Read the most recent “Know Before You Go” Covid Update. We will continue to provide updates, here, as needed, leading up to the event.
  2. Arrive early. Gates open at 4:30 a.m. for morning sessions and at 3:00 p.m. for evening sessions. We recommend planning to arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park when the gates open. 
  3. Dress in Layers.  Early mornings and late evenings in Albuquerque can be especially chilly, with temperatures ranging from 35-50 degrees  Fahrenheit. When the sun comes up, temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s and have been as high as 80 degrees. There isn't a lot of shade at Balloon Fiesta Park, so it is good to dress in layers to help you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout each session.
  4. Make sure you hydrate. Albuquerque has an altitude of about one mile high. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
  5. Download the Official Balloon Fiesta App. Balloon Fiesta's mobile app provides guests with the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the event status, balloons, concessionaires and all things Balloon Fiesta. It is available for both Android and iOS systems. 
Merchandise Update
When planning ahead for the 49th Balloon Fiesta, don't forget to plan for the items to commemorate your trip! Balloon Fiesta sportswear, pins, posters, keychains, magnets and more will be available during the event at our gift shop and at official merchandise tents. More information about where to purchase Balloon Fiesta merchandise can be seen below. 
  • Balloon Fiesta's Gift Shop is located at 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
  • Balloon Fiesta's Gift Shop hours, leading up to and during the event are: 
  • September 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • September 27 - October 9, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • October 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • The south Official Merchandise Tent is located on the south end of Main Street in Balloon Fiesta Park, in spaces 1-10
  • The north Official Merchandise Tent is located near the north end of Main Street in Balloon Fiesta Park in spaces 116-121
  • Official Merchandise Tents' Hours are: 
  • September 30- October 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • October 2-3, 5 a.m. -11 a.m. and 4 p.m. -9 p.m.
  • October 4 -6, 5 a.m. -11 a.m. 
  • October 7 – 9, 5 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. -9 p.m.
  • October 10 - 5 a.m. - 11 a.m. 

Pin Trading will take place on October 3 and October 9 at 11 a.m. at the Group Tours Tent at the north end of Main Street. 

For a map of the park, please click here. 
Inside the Basket

Amanda Brady is Balloon Fiesta’s Transportation Manager.    

In this month’s Inside the Basket, Amanda shares her favorite tips on how to get to Balloon Fiesta Park.
September in Ballooning
On September 19, 2009 David Hempleman-Adams broke the duration world record for AA-01 type balloons, which is the smallest, passenger-carrying helium balloon. Hempleman-Adams took flight in Butler, Missouri and traveled for 14 hours and 15 minutes before landing in Cherokee, Oklahoma. This beat the previous record by six hours. Learn more about his accomplishment, here: http://avstop.com/news2/david_hempleman_adams_attempts_hot_air_balloon.htm
September Photo-of-the-Month
We have received some beautiful pictures of past years' events, submitted through Balloon Fiesta's social media! Below is the photo chosen for September. Thank you to Twitter user Michael Blaustein (@m8qlaff)!
Do you have a Balloon Fiesta photo that you’re proud of? Share your favorite Balloon Fiesta image 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 the latest media coverage about Balloon Fiesta
Sponsor Spotlight
Sandia Resort & Casino is a property owned and operated by the Pueblo of Sandia, that offers gaming, dining, luxury accommodations, spa services, golf and entertainment. Their team is the returning Official Balloon Fiesta Sponsor of the Afterglow™ Fireworks Show. This sponsorship allows their team to be a part of a beloved tradition that showcases the New Mexico region with beauty, energy and fellowship. It has also been a great way for their team to share their property offerings with visitors from far and near. We thank them for their continued support!
For a complete list of Balloon Fiesta sponsors, click here.
Find Us Online
 Official e-newsletter of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.