Your Guide to Balloon Fiesta Events

MORNING EVENTS:

Dawn Patrol/Dawn Patrol

Show presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

Daily, approximately 6 AM: This “balloon glow in the sky” features as many as a dozen balloons. On Mass Ascension days, pilots perform the Dawn Patrol Show, a choreographed infl ation and launch set to music.

Mass Ascensions and Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

Weekends and Wednesday: The spectacular Mass Ascensions of hundreds of hot-air balloons are the Balloon Fiesta’s signature events and are preceded by the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow, a “mini” balloon glow. Special Shape Mass Ascensions on Thursday and Friday October 7 and 8 feature “special shape” balloons.

Albuquerque Aloft™

Friday, October 1, approximately 7:00

AM: On the Friday before Balloon Fiesta begins, balloons fl y from select elementary schools throughout Albuquerque and from all of Rio Rancho’s elementary schools. Some school PTAs sell food and hot beverages, making the Balloon Fiesta’s visit to their school a true community event.

Competitions

Weekdays, approximately 8 AM: In ballooning competitions, pilots use winds at different altitudes to reach a target and drop a marker so it lands as close to the center of the target as possible. The competitions also feature the Ring Toss, where pilots fl y to poles at Balloon Fiesta Park to win fabulous prizes! Overall winners are determined by individual pilots’ cumulative scores during Balloon Fiesta week.

Flight of the Nations

Wednesday, October 6: The Flight of the Nations at Wednesday’s Mass Ascension honors pilots from all the nations participating in Balloon Fiesta, many of whom launch fl ying their national fl ag.

Special Shape Rodeo™

Thursday/Friday, October 7 - 8: These special mass ascensions showcase the incredible craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry that makes monsters, critters, and just about anything else you can imagine take fl ight.

NEW! Remote Control Balloon Exhibitions

Sunday October 3, Wednesday October 6, and Friday October 8:

7:30 AM – 11 AM: Remote-controlled hot air balloons (kind of like the “real” ones, but much smaller) are becoming more and more popular with hobbyists and pilots, some of whom build miniature replicas of their own big balloons. Check out this new Balloon Fiesta event and this growing sport – you might just discover a new hobby for yourself!

EVENING EVENTS:

Balloon Glows

• Twilight Twinkle Balloon Glow presented by Albuquerque Journal:

Saturday October 2, • Balloon Glow presented by

ExxonMobil: Sunday October 3 • Night Magic Glow, Saturday,

October 9

The static displays of illuminated balloons known as “Balloon Glows” are among the Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events. The “All Burn,” when all the balloons fi re their burners and light up at the same time, is perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. Special shape balloons have their own balloon glows on Thursday and Friday of Balloon Fiesta week (see below).

America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race

Launch window opens Saturday,

October 2, approximately 6 PM: It’s one of the toughest tests of skill and endurance in the world for balloon pilots, as championship teams fl y across America, trying to achieve the greatest distance. Once the balloons leave Albuquerque, keep track of the teams’ progress online and via the YB Tracking app! Weather sometimes affects the launch; event rules permit delaying the start of the race up through Wednesday evening.

Special Shape GlowdeoTM

Thursday October 7 and Friday

October 8: The fantastic special shape balloons are even more fantastic in the glow of early evening! The Special Shape Glowdeo features everyone’s favorite shapes, from bees to birds to bears. Come early, because this is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events!

AfterGlowTM Fireworks Show

Saturday October 2, Sunday October 3, Thursday October 7, Friday October 8, and Saturday October 9,

immediately after the Glows; Note that AfterGlow times and availability of vehicle access to the Park may change due to fi eld and weather conditions: The fi reworks shows at the Balloon Fiesta are some of the best performed anywhere! Plan to stay after the balloon glows to enjoy the spectacle!

Other Events

While at Balloon Fiesta Park, be sure to enjoy the Team Fastrax Skydiving Exhibitions, Chainsaw Carving Exhibitions, Fiesta of Wheels Car Show, pin trading, our many Main Street Stage performances, and more! Check online at BalloonFiesta.com or on our social media pages for details and times. Also, don’t forget to shop and eat your way through Main Street!