Albuquerque Balloon Festival, New Mexico 6 Days

• This fun filled itinerary visits Albuquerque and historic Santa Fe.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air ballooning event in the world and is said to be the most photographed event on earth! Each October, thousands of visitors from around the world flock to New Mexico for a chance to witness nine (9) days of spectacular hot air ballooning events. Events include the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons, a gas balloon race, balloon glows, balloon competitions, and more!

• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival that takes place during early October.

• The 2026 Balloon Fiesta will begin on Saturday, October 3 and end on Sunday, October 11.

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• Website: www.balloonfiesta.com

• Travel Guides: Moon’s Santa Fe/Albuquerque and Frommer’s Guide.

• FAQ’s

• We recommend a 2 to 3 days stay to enjoy the Balloon Fiesta.

• What to wear: 🥶 Mornings and evenings are near freezing while days reach about 70°F, so wear layers you can easily add or remove.

• Altitude Warning: Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet. Drink twice as much water as usual.

DAYS 1-3

• Albuquerque Balloon Festival.

  • For early risers, check out the Dawn Patrol show. At 6 a.m. each day, large colorful weather balloons rise into the sky so pilots can check conditions. It’s now an annual tradition that draws early-morning crowds.

  • After dusk, don’t miss the Balloon Glow. Pilots inflate tethered hot air balloons on the ground. They light the propane burners so the balloons glow, often followed by fireworks and laser shows.

  • The main event, Mass Ascension begins daily at about 7:00 a.m., when every hot air balloon in the festival launches into the sky while “The Star Spangled Banner” sounds in the background. 

  • The festival takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, in the northern part of the city. <map>

    • Parking: These locations are serving as park and ride locations:

      • Cottonwood Mall (10000 Coors Bypass NW) Park in the northeast parking lot near Seven Bar Loop and Coors Bypass NW

      • Coronado Center (6600 Menaul Blvd NE) Park at the southwest corner near San Pedro Dr. and Uptown Blvd

      • Hoffmantown Church (8888 Harper Road NE) Park in the northeast parking lot only

      • Intel - Only on weekends (1600 Rio Rancho Drive SE) Park in the southeast lot only.Other Highlights:

  • Everything you need to know for the 2024 Balloon Fiesta.

• Stroll through the shops of Old Town Plaza.

  • Historic Old Town has been Albuquerque's center since it was founded in 1706.

  • Old Town’s narrow streets and adobe houses host restaurants with enchiladas and small shops selling rugs, jewelry, and pottery.

• Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science - an excellent museum and a nice break from the Fiesta.

  • Great for kids !

• Overnight: Albuquerque (3 nights)

DAY 4

• Visit Santa Fe, N.M. Discover what makes the town special.

  • Even visitors without a car rental can easily travel from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The Rail Runner Express train connects the two (2) cities (daily) with high-speed, hassle-free transportation. (1.5 hr. each way)

  • Where does the Rail Runner train stop in Albuquerque?

    --The Rail Runner makes four stops in the Albuquerque metro area including Los Ranchos/Journal Center, Montaño, Downtown Albuquerque, and Bernalillo County.

    • The Bernalillo County stop on Rio Bravo SE offers a quick bus ride to Albuquerque Airport.

    • Uber can be a convenient option to/from other Rail Runner stops.

  • Purchase ticket.

• Santa Fe Plaza - founded in 1610, the Santa Fe Plaza has been a gathering and cultural hub and a historic landmark.

  • The Plaza is is packed with vendors selling authentic Native American crafts, but be wary of the inflated prices.

• The surrounding historic district’s streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

• Canyon Road - the epicenter of Santa Fe's artistic culture.

  • <Galleries> <Boutiques/Jewelry> <Restaurants>

• Check out the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, where you'll gain a real sense of the Spanish empire's influence.

• Santa Fe is renowned for its original Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts town.

  • Great for food lovers: fry bread-style sopaipillas, red and green chiles, posole, and slow-cooked beans. <Restaurants>

  • Check out a Food Tour.

• Experience a walking tour of Historic Santa Fe.

  • DIY walking tour.

• Santa Fe - Visitor guide <map>

• Biking trails - Santa Fe is rated “One of America's Top Mountain Bike Towns” You will find miles of delightful singletrack in and around town. 

• Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet, so the air is thinner. It usually takes 1–2 days to adjust. Drink plenty of water.

• Overnight: Santa Fe

  • Do consider adding an extra day in this vibrant town.

• Distance:

  Albuquerque —-> Santa Fe, 1 hr. 10 min.

DAY 5

• Keep exploring Santa Fe or visit any places you missed..

  • Return later in the day to Albuquerque.

• Overnight: Albuquerque airport hotel.

• Distance:

  Santa Fe —-> Albuquerque, 1 hr 10 min.

DAY 6

• Depart Albuquerque.

🌤️ Climate Guide during Balloon Fiesta:

Albuquerque Gallery

Video

source: wikipedia.org

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