Why is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta a special event for people with hot air balloons?
Abigail Rogers
Updated on May 01, 2026
The Balloon Fiesta began in 1972 as the highlight of a 50th birthday celebration for 770 KOB Radio. Radio station manager Dick McKee asked Sid Cutter, owner of Cutter Flying Service and the first person to own a hot air balloon in New Mexico, if KOB could use his new hot-air balloon as part of the festivities.
How do you enjoy the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: 9 Tips For A Fantastic Experience
- Familiarize Yourself With The Schedule Beforehand.
- Plan On Spending More Than One Day There.
- Understand The Parking Situation.
- Get A Very Early Start.
- Choose Your Accommodations With Parking In Mind.
- Consider Alternative Lodging.
Is Albuquerque having the balloon festival 2021?
Albuquerque, NM -The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is set to launch from Balloon Fiesta Park, October 2-10, 2021. The 49th event, themed “Time Flies,” will feature more than 600 hot air balloons, of which 100 are anticipated to be special shaped balloons.
How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Flight Rates
| Flight Type | Weekday Price |
|---|---|
| Balloon Festival Flight (Price per passenger) (October 1-11, 2021) | $350-375 |
What should I wear to the Albuquerque balloon Festival?
You’ll definitely want comfortable long pants. Tops – A long-sleeved t-shirt (one per day), sweater or sweatshirt, and a warm jacket. Shoes – I strongly recommend athletic shoes or other closed-toed shoes. You’re roaming around in the darkness with thousands of other people, and everyone’s looking up.
Where is the balloon festival in Albuquerque New Mexico?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly hot air balloon festival that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event from October 6th to October 14th, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year.
Where is the balloon festival?
The Festival Internationals de Ballons is a hot air balloon festival held each January in Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland, featuring daytime flights and parachute drops and balloon formations in the evenings over a weeklong period. The town is set high in the Swiss Alps between the jet set ski resort of Gstaad and the picturesque village of Gruyeres .
What is hot air balloon festival?
A hot air balloon festival is a celebration of hot air ballooning and all it entails, including mass balloon launches and tethered balloon rides. Festivals can range in size from just a few hot air balloons to more than 100, and festival lengths vary from a few hours to several days.
