The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs October 3-11, 2026, at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 54th annual event celebrates the Route 66 Centennial with the theme “The Scenic Route” and includes Mass Ascensions, Dawn Patrol, balloon glows, special shape events, drone shows, fireworks, chainsaw carving, skydiving, and family activities.
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place October 3-11 at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 54th annual event, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, will fill the skies with more than 500 balloons and celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with the theme “The Scenic Route.” For Las Cruces residents, the festival offers a convenient fall road trip with morning launches, evening glows, live entertainment, special-shape balloons, fireworks, drone shows, and family activities throughout the week.
This year’s theme, “The Scenic Route,” honors the Route 66 Centennial. For Las Cruces residents, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of New Mexico’s biggest annual events and a practical fall road trip, with morning launches, evening glows, live entertainment, special shape balloons, fireworks, drone shows, and family activities scheduled throughout the week.
Find out the best places to watch the Balloon Fiesta, what to wear, and why Albuquerque’s the perfect location for a balloon festival.
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About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
In short: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day hot air balloon festival held each October at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This popular event began in 1972 with 13 balloons. Today, the event includes more than 500 balloons and attracts visitors from New Mexico, the United States, and other countries.
The most popular events are the Mass Ascensions, which begin at 7 a.m. on select mornings. During these events, hundreds of balloons launch in coordinated waves across the park. Book a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque.
The festival also includes Dawn Patrol, Morning Glow, Balloon Glow, Special Shape Rodeo, Special Shape Glowdeo, Fiesta de Los Globitos, chainsaw carving exhibitions, Team Fastrax skydiving, drone light shows, and AfterGlow fireworks.
2026 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Dates and Location
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs Saturday, October 3, through Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The event takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park, located at 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Monday, October 5, 2026, is New Mexico Day. New Mexico residents receive free general admission with valid identification.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Schedule 2026
In short: The 2026 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta schedule includes early-morning balloon events, daytime activities, and evening entertainment on select dates. Events are weather-dependent, so attendees should check the official schedule before traveling.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Opening day features the first Mass Ascension, Dawn Patrol, chainsaw carving demonstrations, skydiving exhibitions, a Twilight Twinkle Glow, and an AfterGlow Fireworks Show.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 6:30 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 10 a.m. |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| 5 p.m. |
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| 5:15 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 7:30 p.m. |
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| 7:45 p.m. |
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| 8 p.m. |
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Sunday, October 4, 2026
Sunday includes another Mass Ascension, the Fiesta of Wheels car show, Fiesta de Los Globitos, an evening Balloon Glow, skydiving exhibitions, and fireworks.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 6:30 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7:30 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 10 a.m. |
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| 11 a.m. |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| 5 p.m. |
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| 5:15 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 7:30 p.m. |
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| 7:45 p.m. |
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| 8 p.m. |
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Monday, October 5, 2026 (New Mexico Day)
New Mexico Day features free admission for New Mexico residents with valid identification, along with balloon launches, competitions, and entertainment.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 8:30 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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Tuesday, October 6, 2026 (Coca-Cola Day)
Tuesday continues the weekday schedule with balloon launches, competition events, and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Wednesday’s highlight is the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, accompanied by Morning Glow activities and remote-control balloon exhibitions.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 6:30 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7:30 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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Thursday, October 8, 2026
Thursday introduces the popular Special Shape Rodeo and concludes with a Special Shape Glowdeo and fireworks.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 10 a.m. |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| 5 p.m. |
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| 5:15 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 7:30 p.m. |
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| 7:45 p.m. |
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| 8 p.m. |
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Friday, October 9, 2026 (Kids’ Day)
Kids’ Day features early goodie bag distribution, special shape balloons, competitions, and evening glow events.
| Time | Event |
| 4:30 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7:30 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 10 a.m. |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| 5 p.m. |
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| 5:15 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 7:30 p.m. |
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| 7:45 p.m. |
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| 8 p.m. |
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Saturday, October 10, 2026 (ExxonMobil Day)
The final Saturday features another Mass Ascension, Night Magic Glow, Fiesta de Los Globitos, and fireworks.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 6:30 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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| 9 a.m. |
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| 10 a.m. |
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| 11 a.m. |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| 5 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 6:30 p.m. |
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| 7:30 p.m. |
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| 7:45 p.m. |
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| 8 p.m. |
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Sunday, October 11, 2026
The final day of the fiesta concludes with the Farewell Mass Ascension and chainsaw carving exhibitions.
| Time | Event |
| 5:45 a.m. |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| 6:30 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 7 a.m. |
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| 8 a.m. |
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Tickets and Visitor Information
General admission tickets and multi-session passes are available through the official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ticket page. Children 12 and younger are typically admitted free with a ticketed adult, but festivalgoers should confirm 2026 ticket policies before buying.
Reserve hot air balloon rides early to ensure you get a spot.
Because balloon events depend on wind and weather, the fiesta may change, delay, or cancel individual events. People traveling from Las Cruces should check the official event schedule, ticket page, parking information, and weather updates before leaving for Albuquerque.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will take place from October 3 through October 11, 2026, at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This marks the 54th annual event, and celebrates the Route 66 Centennial with the theme “The Scenic Route.” During the nine-day festival, guests can attend Mass Ascensions, Dawn Patrol flights, balloon glows, special shape balloon events, drone light shows, fireworks, skydiving demonstrations, chainsaw carving exhibitions, and other family-friendly activities. The event attracts travelers from across New Mexico, the United States, and around the world.
What time do balloons launch at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
Most of the Balloon Fiesta’s signature balloon events take place during the early morning hours. Major Mass Ascension events generally begin at 7 a.m., while Dawn Patrol flights typically start around 6 a.m. Krispy Kreme Morning Glow events are commonly scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Because weather conditions play a major role in hot air balloon operations, launch times may be delayed, modified, or canceled if winds or other conditions are unsafe. Attendees are encouraged to arrive well before scheduled launch times and review the official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta schedule before attending.
What is New Mexico Day at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
New Mexico Day is a special admission day during the Balloon Fiesta that recognizes New Mexico residents. In 2026, New Mexico Day falls on Monday, October 5. On this day, New Mexico residents receive free general admission to the event when they present valid New Mexico identification. In addition to the admission benefit, spectators can enjoy the day’s scheduled balloon launches, competition flights, chainsaw-carving demonstrations, and entertainment. New Mexico Day is one of the most popular festival weekdays and offers residents an affordable opportunity to experience the event.
What are the best events to attend at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?
The best Balloon Fiesta events depend on what festival attendees want to experience, but several activities consistently rank among the most popular. Mass Ascensions are considered the festival’s signature attraction because hundreds of balloons launch in coordinated waves across the festival grounds. Dawn Patrol and Morning Glow events provide unique pre-sunrise views, while Balloon Glow, Night Magic Glow, and Special Shape Glowdeo events showcase illuminated balloons after dark. Special Shape Rodeos, drone light shows, Team Fastrax skydiving exhibitions, and AfterGlow Fireworks Shows are also popular. First-time visitors often prioritize at least one Mass Ascension and one evening glow event.
Where is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held?
The Balloon Fiesta is held at Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This park is the event’s permanent home and provides space for balloon launches, entertainment stages, concessions, parking areas, and special events throughout the festival. Because attendance can reach hundreds of thousands of people during the nine-day event, traffic can be significant, particularly on weekends and during major Mass Ascension days. Review parking options, Park & Ride services, and transportation information before arriving at the venue.
Is the Park & Ride service worth using at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
For many festivalgoers, Park & Ride is one of the easiest ways to attend the Balloon Fiesta. The service provides round-trip transportation from designated parking locations to Balloon Fiesta Park and includes event admission with most ticket options. Park & Ride buses use dedicated routes that help visitors avoid heavy traffic near the festival grounds. Tickets must be purchased online, and advance purchase is recommended. Current locations, schedules, and pricing are available on the official Park & Ride page. Park & Ride does not operate Monday through Wednesday.
Posted by LasCruces.com
