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Ballooning Culture & History

The Ballooning Capital of the World

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Powered by ExxonMobil, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, takes place each October, when you’ll see hundreds of balloons in the sky at a time.

This magical hot air balloon festival is considered to be the most photographed event in the world, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators. 

The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Powered by ExxonMobil is taking place October 5-13, 2024.

For more information, please visit BalloonFiesta.com.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Beautiful Albuquerque 

Clear blue skies, calm winds and mild temperatures are the norm in Albuquerque, encouraging year-round hot air ballooning and enabling more than 300 resident balloonists (more than any other state) to fly hot air balloons frequently and for long periods of time. If the hot air balloons you see dotting the sky pique your interest, why not take a flight yourself? Local hot air balloon companies provide rides for visitors on a daily basis.

Learn More at Albuquerque's Balloon Museum 

While you're here, do not miss a visit to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, the world's premier facility dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport and spectacle of hot air ballooning. It features one of the world’s finest collections of hot air ballooning equipment and memorabilia.

Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

For nine days in October, the Albuquerque skies are colorfully painted as more than 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park. Learn more about the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®.  

Visit Things To Do: Balloon Rides to learn more about an unforgettable experience.