By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Brian and Michelle, the team from Livin’ Our Vision, take us to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
If you ever wondered if it’s worth going, watch the video, find out, and live vicariously through Brian and Michelle. Although the couple had watched videos about the event, they said it does not compare to being there.
Each October, hundreds of hot air balloon enthusiasts gather and set in motion some of the most spectacular sights available in the “Land of Enchantment,” which is pretty darn spectacular even without a sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Brian and Michelle attended the Fiesta as part of an Escapees trip.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a huge event
This is a huge event with lots of RVs and, as such, infrastructure services such as water and holding tank dumper trucks are on-site. Previously, water was free and it cost $30 for someone to come and dump out your tanks. [It is now $40 for water and $40 to dump, cash only.] However, if you don’t already have your reservation for an RV space, it’s too late. The spaces have been sold out for months and the wait list is closed.
A pilot presentation and demonstration explaining the process and mechanics of hot air ballooning was first on the agenda.
After an extremely early rise the next morning, they joined the Escapees shuttle and motored over to the balloon field. It was still dark when the “Dawn Patrol” of hot air balloons began ascending into the Albuquerque skies. These early ballooners test wind conditions and fly until it becomes light enough to spot the landing pads.
After that comes the “morning glow,” when all the balloons light their torches and begin filling. After an opening ceremony and national anthem, an awe-inspiring mass ascension begins.
More than 650 balloons
The sheer volume of balloons astonishes—more than 650 of them. The mass ascension takes a couple of hours to get them all into the air. As soon as one launches, another takes its place until all are airborne.
A small city pops up around the event. On the ground, a carnival-like atmosphere includes tons of food and vendor options as well as a wide variety of live entertainment.
The couple then take the shuttle bus back to camp before returning for the “evening glow” and fireworks.
If you can imagine, the launch field itself is more than 80 acres, so that’s a lot of hot air balloons. Actually, you don’t need to imagine, watch the video and see!
Watch the video to get more of a feel for what it is like to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, how much it costs, and practical tips to keep you comfortable while there. One word of warning: This a HUGE, crowded event, so if you don’t like crowds, enjoy it on the video, take a pass on attending, and scratch this from your bucket to-do list.
Learn more about the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta here.
Discover more about Escapees RV Club here.
MORE ON NEW MEXICO TRAVEL:
- Exploring New Mexico’s Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
- Driving New Mexico’s 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
- Where to find the BEST green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico
- Fantastic RVing at New Mexico’s historic Pancho Villa State Park
- Hiking and sledding in New Mexico’s White Sands National Park
RVDT2740
I love Balloon Fiesta. We have been a few times and volunteered.
We are currently volunteers at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (West VIP lot). There are some errors in the information presented but one that might cause problems is that a dump is $40 and fill is $40 (cash only). Please come prepared.
Thank you, Giant Prius! That note has been added to the post. Have a great time! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
We’ve been three times, twice in the RV. The last time, dry camping in the North end. Excellent choice. A short walk to the grounds. But. The crowds were just too much for me this last time. A personal thing, sorry. ABQ resident all come to the Fiesta! I found I was able to enjoy the less crowded areas, along the west side fringes. The views are just as spectacular. All the food and vendors are on the east side and very crowded, jammed. Crowds thin by 9AM. Go at least once!