Photos (credit to “VisitABQ.org” unless otherwise specified): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/do03x44z80yyzb0iavvm5/AMdKKOMtMyQCRo83DeSPD-I?rlkey=r3xcychx1dduhyweomz00zvz9&st=3v299kjq&dl=0

 

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Media Contact: 
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org

Visit Albuquerque Highlights Promotions Surrounding 2025 Balloon Fiesta

Promotions include special publication, Route 66-branded mailbox and life-size picture frame


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (Oct. 2, 2025) – Visit Albuquerque promotes travel to Albuquerque year-round, including a dedicated advertising campaign for the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® that ran in 13 cities in five states from May 1 to Oct. 2. To celebrate the 2025 event, the organization announces several initiatives highlighting the city during this magical time of year and ways for visitors and residents to celebrate fall in Albuquerque.

  • Visit Albuquerque released a 72-page City Guide for Balloon Fiesta Visitors. The guide includes coupons to local businesses, a citywide calendar of events and helpful information about things to do and see in Albuquerque. It also includes the Balloon Fiesta schedule and a map of Balloon Fiesta Park. The special publication will be distributed to more than 30,000 visitors during Balloon Fiesta and will be available at area hotels, at Visit Albuquerque’s Visitor Information Centers in Old Town and at the Albuquerque International Sunport, its Convention Welcome Center in Downtown and at its Mobile Visitors Center, located on Main Street at Balloon Fiesta Park.

  • New this year at the Balloon Fiesta, guests are invited to take part in a nostalgic and meaningful new experience: the Route 66 Mailbox! Located at the Visit Albuquerque Mobile Visitors Center during evening sessions, this special activation encourages attendees to pause, reflect and share a moment of Balloon Fiesta magic by writing a postcard to themselves or loved ones. Each Route 66-branded postcard is a celebration of the upcoming centennial of this legendary highway. Whether you're capturing a memory, sending greetings from the heart of New Mexico or simply marking the moment, the Route 66 Mailbox offers a one-of-a-kind way to connect, commemorate and celebrate this iconic piece of American history. Visit Albuquerque will stamp and mail the postcards at the conclusion of the Balloon Fiesta.

  • We will again invite guests (and media crews!) to snap a photo in the Albuquerque Frame—a giant 8-by-8-foot picture frame located midfield—with the amazing backdrop of hundreds of balloons. Visit Albuquerque has added Route 66 touches to the Frame in celebration of the 2026 centennial and has created authentic Albuquerque props – including Route 66 signs and red and green chile peppers – to further the photo fun! The Frame is located next to our Mobile Visitors Center, where attendees can pick up an Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide and a copy of the City Guide or speak to one of our volunteers about all there is to do in Albuquerque.

  • Look for billboards around the city that welcome visitors and pilots for Balloon Fiesta and invite them to experience all that Albuquerque has to offer. Four messages will appear on digital boards located on I-25, I-40 and Paseo del Norte from Oct. 3 through Oct. 12.

  • We’re thrilled to announce the return of a true New Mexico icon to this year’s Balloon Fiesta: La Ristra! After several years away, this towering, chile ristra-shaped hot air balloon is back in its home state. Standing at an impressive 128 feet tall and featuring 56 vibrant chile pods, La Ristra pays tribute to one of New Mexico’s most celebrated and flavorful symbols. La Ristra joins Visit Albuquerque’s existing "Red or Green?" balloon, which debuted at the 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Together, these balloons serve as floating ambassadors for New Mexico, drawing attention to our traditions, tourism appeal and creative spirit. 

Representatives of Visit Albuquerque are available in advance of and during Balloon Fiesta to discuss visitor impact for the event, including anecdotal lodging and direct spend information, and can speak to the variety of additional events taking place throughout the city. Available interviewees include:

  • Tania Armenta, President & CEO

  • Ceela McElveny, Vice President of Marketing & Communications

  • Brenna Moore, Director of Communications & Public Relations

Many other events take place throughout Albuquerque during Balloon Fiesta. Because the event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world, it is a prime time for a flurry of activity. Our website lists events happening throughout the city during Balloon Fiesta in addition to the main events on the field.

About Visit Albuquerque
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention, sports and visitor destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.

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