Save The Date
 
Join us October 5-13,  2019, for our 48th  Albuquerque 
International Balloon  Fiesta presented by  Canon in Albuquerque,  N.M.  Plan your visit to  Balloon Fiesta and our 
online schedule to  choose which of our  14 sessions you will 
attend.
Balloon Fiesta Insider

We are less than a month out from the 2019 Balloon Fiesta! Below are some of our favorite tips to help prepare for your time at the event. 
  1. 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.  
  2. 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 will average 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 inlayers to help you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout each session.
  3. Make sure you hydrate. Albuquerque has an altitude of about one mile high. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
  4. Take advantage of the tag your tots. The Tag your Tots program is in place to ensure that your family has a plan should you get separated. Visit the NM State Police Command Post just south of the Main Street Stage at Balloon Fiesta to have your tots tagged.
  5. Visit Canon's tent. Presenting Sponsor, Canon, will have a tent set up along Main Street on the east side of the field. There you'll find camera cleaning, a camera rental program, and tours with their team of experts to better learn your camera's settings for the best photos. Canon's team will also be available to answer any camera questions you might have. 
  6. Download the Official Balloon Fiesta App. 
    Balloon Fiesta's mobile app provides guests with the opportunity to stay up-to-date with weather, event status and all things Balloon Fiesta. It also has tools, such as the find-my-car feature. This app will be updated by the start of the event. 
Merchandise Update

Finalizing your Balloon Fiesta plans? Don't forget your event souvenirs! Balloon Fiesta sportswear, pins, posters, keychains, magnets and more will be available during the event at our gift shop and at official merchandise tents. Keep an eye out for the Official Balloon Fiesta hologram that will be on all official sportswear. 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 28, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    • September 30 - October 12, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • October 13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 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:
    • October 3-4, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • October 5-6, 5:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
    • October 10-12, 5:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
    • October 7-9, 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    • October 13, 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
  • Pin Trading will take place on October 6 and October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Group Tours Tent at the north end of Main Street. Attendees will receive a free pin! 
For a map of the park, please click here. 

Inside the Basket
J.J. Mancini, First-year Balloon Fiesta pilot
 
J.J. Mancini will experience his first Balloon Fiesta as a pilot this year. Becoming a pilot and participating in Balloon Fiesta is something that he has looked forward to for quite some time. 
 
In this month's Inside the Basket, we'll explore how J.J. got his ballooning start and what he is looking forward to most at this year's event. 

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

On September 19, 1783 the first hot air balloon passengers took flight. However, these passengers weren't your typical crew - they were a sheep, a duck and a rooster. This trio was used to test the effects of high altitude before sending a human up. The balloon rose to about 500 meters in the air before safely landing. 
September Photo-of-the-Month

We have received some beautiful pictures of last year's event, submitted through Balloon Fiesta's social media! Below is the photo chosen for September. Thank you @aller_retour_usa!    



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 the latest media coverage about Balloon Fiesta
Sponsor Spotlight
 
We're excited to announce a new sponsor and a new Balloon Fiesta beer! Rio Bravo Brewing Company has signed on as a sponsor of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, in addition to brewing a special Balloon Fiesta beer called the Splash & Dash! This American Pale Ale brew was created as a result of the positive feedback that their team received after supplying beer at the 2018 event. This beer also has a fun ballooning label. In addition to this, a portion of their annual Splash & Dash sales will go towards Balloon Fiesta. Rio Bravo Brewing Company decided to sponsor Balloon Fiesta to promote their products and venue to thousands of locals and visitors. It also provides them with the opportunity to become part of a deep rooted Albuquerque tradition.
 
Are you in Albuquerque or its surrounding areas? We invite you to celebrate the Balloon Fiesta Beer Launch on September 27 between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.  at Rio Bravo Brewing Company, located at 1912 Second St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Stop by for beer tastings, music and appetizers while supplies last.
 
The Splash & Dash  will be available at this year's event, October 5-13 and throughout the year at some local retailers. We thank them for their support!

For a complete list of Balloon Fiesta sponsors, click  here.

Find Us Online


    

 




 Official e-newsletter of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.   
 
Phone: (505) 821-1000, 1-888-422-7277
Fax: (505) 828-2887
www.balloonfiesta.com