ALBUQUERQUE, NM- For Albuquerque residents and visitors looking to have even more fun during Fiesta, the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will provide plenty of opportunities for families and balloon enthusiasts alike during Albuquerque's most colorful event. Balloon Fiesta is right around the corner and the Balloon Museum welcomes the public to the multitude of exciting programs taking place right in the museum.

On Saturday, October 5th, the Balloon Museum will welcome Travelin' Jack, the Ambassadog of New Mexico, to celebrate Furry Friends Fiesta Day. Come by after the mass ascension on the field for a fun day of fur, frolicking and so much more. There will be great hands-on exhibits for the whole family, food, and fantastic dog shows.

Between October 5th and the 13th, family art projects will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the museum. Enjoy creating kid-friendly, balloon-inspired art in a relaxing setting.
These fun crafts are included with museum admission. (Family art will not take place October 7th, 8th, or 9th.)

For more engaging activities, bring the kids to the Museum's Balloon School for a Balloon Explorium every day the same week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kids will receive hands-on balloon education by climbing into a balloon gondola, orchestrating computerized balloon flights, and much more.

Stamp enthusiasts will love the Hot-Air Balloon Mail event during Balloon Fiesta. Come to the Balloon Museum Shoppe during Fiesta to collect one-of-a-kind Balloon Museum cancel stamps on mail flown in 2013 Balloon Fiesta hot-air balloons.

On Wednesday, October 9th, bring the little ones to the museum for a special Stories in the Sky story time session. Young adventurers will join education curator Laurie Magovern for balloon-style stories, crafts, music, and art. Story times are held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. All ages are welcome. The Balloon Museum will have extended hours during the Fiesta: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.; October 5-13, 2013. Each of the above museum events is included with museum admission. Learn more at www.cabq.gov/balloon.

For those looking for a more luxurious Balloon Fiesta experience, the Diamond Club offers
VIP viewing at the Balloon Museum during morning launches and evening glows. These exciting gatherings include museum elegance, parking, shuttles, and fully-catered meals. Tickets may be purchased at www.balloonmuseum.com. All proceeds support the Balloon Museum Foundation.