It’s always fun to spot the different brightly-colored balloons that take to the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Some of the most popular balloons are the special shapes. Special shape balloons veer away from the typical tear-drop shaped envelope, and instead take on the shape of anything from a cow to Darth Vader.

More than 100 special shape balloons are scheduled to appear at the 2023 Balloon Fiesta, and there are special events every year dedicated to these balloons. On both Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, Balloon Fiesta will feature the Special Shape Rodeo™, where more than 100 special shape balloons will take flight during the daily, morning mass ascensions. Thursday and Friday evenings will each feature a Special Shape Glowdeo™, where special shape balloons will tether and light up the night sky. 

Twelve special shape balloons will be making their inaugural appearance at Balloon Fiesta in 2023.

Baby T-Rex:

Baby T-Rex Special Shape Balloon

Bella the Bulldog:

Bella the Bulldog Special Shape Balloon

Coocko Mag:

Coocko Mag Special Shape Balloon

Dyno:

Dyno Special Shape Balloon

First in Flight:

First in Flight Special Shape Balloon

Jota Balloon:

Jota Balloon Special Shape Balloon

Lulu:

Lulu special shape balloon

Magic Luna:

Magic Luna special shape balloon

Milkyway:

Milkyway special shape balloon

Pico:

Pico special shape balloon

Seabed:

Seabed special shape balloon

Vampirella:

Vampirella Special Shape Balloon

Keep an eye out for these special shapes – and many more! – at this year’s Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 7-15, 2023.