51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7th - 15th, 2023 basic info and how to crew

Sunny Boy Balloon 2022 

 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

General admission $15, children 12 and under are free. 

parking at Balloon Fiesta park is $20 cash only.

The park and ride option to avoid the traffic  is $25 Adults, $23 Seniors, $10 children and includes admission. with parking at Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, and Hoffmantown Church. 

Here is the link with info https://balloonfiesta.com/Park-Ride

ride your bike to the Fiesta bike valet parking is free. 

• you will want to get there early because dawn patrol usually starts at 6am with traffic getting in you can expect to leave at 4:30am
• The Balloon Glow usually starts around 6pm followed by a fireworks display.
• dress in layers it can be 53 degrees in the morning jacket weather, by the afternoon its in 70s and 80s a t-shirt will be comfortable. 
• all sessions are weather permitting. If the event cancels due to weather save your ticket for the next session.
• bring a camera, make sure all your batteries are fully charged. 
• there are metal detectors and searches of purses and backpacks at the gate. 
• if you are walking on the field with the balloons and pilots watch the ropes when they are inflating balloons. that rope is going up...
  
  

I enjoy the on site fiesta experience. I usually volunteer for Chase crew. here's some basic info how to crew. 

You can sign up to crew same day of the event or in advance at the chase crew tower south end of the field. 

You don't have to drive your vehicle. You get the opportunity to work with the pilots and crew on the field assisting with getting the balloon from a bag in the back of the truck. To fully laid out in your section to inflate. Cold inflate, then the pilot adds the propane to make the envelope float. finally the zebras (launch director) come over and tell you you're next to fly. Watching the balloons fly away is a magical experience and everybody cheers. When you sign up for chase crew you choose the mornings and evenings you are available, you watch an instructional video, you get a free pass for the fiesta and you meet pilots from around the world. Win/Win

general admission ticket purchase here https://balloonfiesta.com/Purchase-Tickets

schedule of events here https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule

Here is the Special shapes that will be there this year https://balloonfiesta.com/Special-Shape-Rodeo

ground fireworks balloon glow 

Drone show on field

    

Roadrunner drone show

Balloon Fiesta 2021 price, advice, and chase crew

here's a couple tips and tricks to enjoy the 49th annual Balloon Fiesta.  October 2nd -10th, 2021

General admission $15, children 12 and under are free. 

parking at Balloon Fiesta park is $20 cash only.

The park and ride option to avoid the traffic  is $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $10 children and includes admission. with parking at Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, and Hoffmantown Church

ride your bike to the Fiesta bike valet parking is free. 

Little inspector Balloon - Brazil 

• you will want to get there early because dawn patrol usually starts at 6am with traffic getting in you can expect to leave at 4:30am
• The Balloon Glow usually starts around 6pm followed by a fireworks display.
• dress in layers it can be 53 degrees in the morning jacket weather, by the afternoon its in 70s and 80s a t-shirt will be comfortable. 
• all sessions are weather permitting. If the event cancels due to weather save your ticket for the next session.
• bring a camera, make sure all your batteries are fully charged. 
• there are metal detectors and searches of purses and backpacks at the gate. 
• if you are walking on the field with the balloons and pilots watch the ropes when they are inflating balloons. that rope is going up...

I enjoy the fiesta experience. I like to volunteer for Chase crew. You can sign up day of the event or in advance at the chase crew tower south end of the field. You don't have to drive your vehicle and you get the opportunity to work with the pilots and crew on the field assisting with getting the balloon from a bag in the back of the truck. To fully laid out in your section to inflate. Cold inflate, then the pilot adds the propane to make the envelope float. finally the zebras (launch director) come over and tell you you're next to fly. Watching the balloons fly away is a magical experience and everybody cheers. When you sign up for chase crew you choose the mornings and evenings you are available, you watch an instructional video, you get a free pass for the fiesta and you meet pilots from around the globe. 

Little Inspector pilot and crew 2013

                                                                

Chase crew for America Balloon

Don't forget to get a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate to complete your experience. 

Check the Balloon Fiesta page for a schedule of events  https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule 

Purchase tickets here https://balloonfiesta.com/General-Admission

See you at the Balloon Fiesta 

Balloon Fiesta 2014 discounts and savings

General admission $8 any session, any day Kids 12 and under FREE 
5 pack of tickets $35 per pack =$7ea session. 
A session is all the activities occurring in the morning or all the activities occurring in the evening. The park opens at 4:30 am for morning activities, and again at 3:30 pm for the evening activities and is open until approximately 9 pm. Most concessions close during midday and there is not balloon activity during the midday hours.

Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year October 4th through 12th, 2014
Balloon Fiesta—which, with over 500 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.
event schedule link here http://www.balloonfiesta.com/event-info

Where do we watch the balloons?

Because of our 43-year safety record, we are one of the only balloon (aviation) events where you are actually able to walk among the balloons and talk to the pilots. We are a hands-on event, but please be courteous to hot air balloons and do not step on or over any.

When should I arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park?

Since crowds for some of our events are in excess of 100,000 people, arriving sooner is better. For weekend events, plan to arrive at the park by 4:30-5:00am. During evening events, try to be at the park by 4pm. Gates open at 4:30am and 3:00pm.

Where do we park?

We have general parking lots on the north and south ends of the park for $10 every time you park. Each parking lot is color-coded and the gates are numbered, so please remember the color and number of the gate through which you entered the field.
OR

Really beat the traffic and ride your bike to Balloon Fiesta! 

FREE PARKING

Google map link

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has created a   Bike Valet service for Balloon Fiesta! Avoid congested traffic and parking conditions near Balloon Fiesta Park by riding your bike.

The bike trail runs along the AMAFCA North Diversion Channel crosses underneath Paseo del Norte and Alameda Blvd. continuing north where it crosses from the west side to the east side ending just north of the Balloon Museum. There you will find the Bike Valet staffed by local bicycle group volunteers.

These helpful volunteers from Bike ABQ, NM Touring Society and City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Bike Safety Program will have a two part ticket with one half going to the rider and the other half securely attached to the bike. The Bike Valet will provide a safe & secure location to store your bike allowing you to enjoy Balloon Fiesta worry free. Simply present your half of your valet ticket to retrieve your bike.

Bike Valet hours of operation

• Morning Sessions 5:30AM to 10:30AM
• Evening Sessions 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Bikes not picked up from the bike valet area will be removed and stored. The bike owner will have to call the Balloon Fiesta main line at 821-1000 to arrange pick up.

Bike Valet is provided as a free service to promote bicycling to the Balloon Fiesta.

Please remember when you ride to the morning sessions you will be arriving in the dark and when you leave the evening sessions you will be leaving in the dark. Headlights, taillights and rear reflectors are a must and above all wear a helmet.

For more info contact David Candelaria, Bike Valet volunteer coordinator - dcandelaria@me.com

Are pets allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park?

No, except handicap assisting pets wearing their vests.

Is smoking allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park?

There is no smoking allowed inside Balloon Fiesta Park.

Can we bring food and drinks into the park?

Yes, but you cannot bring glass or alcohol and your bags or coolers are subject to search.

Where are the ATMs located at Balloon Fiesta Park?

There are ATMs at both the north and south ends of Main Street and near the Stage in the middle of Main Street.

What are typical weather conditions, and what do I wear?

Generally, temperatures in the morning are around 20-40°F, warming up to about 50-70°F by noon. Bring a jacket and dress in layers. Also remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen to put on after the sun is up. You will be at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a bright, sunny or windy day. For further weather information, visit www.balloonfiesta.com.

How many acres is Balloon Fiesta Park?      Get ready to do some walking!!!!!

Balloon Fiesta Park is over 360 acres. The launch field is over 80 acres itself.

how to get FREE ADMISSION  is to Volunteer for the Chase crew here is the info....

its a great experience, not good for small children though, you get to meet and interact with the balloons and pilots directly. 

What do Chase Crews do?

Chase crews help the pilot inflate and deflate his/her balloon for each flight. If you are interested in being on a chase crew, you can register online at www.balloonfiesta.com, call to have an application sent to you, or visit the Chase Crew tower in the southeast corner of the launch field to sign up.

You will receive a pilot assignment and be able to view a training video at registration.

Balloon Fiesta

General admission $8 any session, any day Kids 12 and under FREE 
5 pack of tickets $35 per pack =$7ea session. 
Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year October 5 through 13, 2013.
Balloon Fiesta—which, with over 600 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.

When should I arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park?

Since crowds for some of our events are in excess of 100,000 people, arriving sooner is better. For weekend events, plan to arrive at the park by 4:30-5:00am. During evening events, try to be at the park by 4pm. Gates open at 4:30am and 3:00pm.

Where do we park?

We have general parking lots on the north and south ends of the park for $10 every time you park. Each parking lot is color-coded and the gates are numbered, so please remember the color and number of the gate through which you entered the field.

Can we bring food and drinks into the park?

Yes, but you cannot bring glass or alcohol and your bags or coolers are subject to search.

Where are the ATMs located at Balloon Fiesta Park?

There are ATMs at both the north and south ends of Main Street and near the Stage in the middle of Main Street.

What are typical weather conditions, and what do I wear?

Generally, temperatures in the morning are around 20-40°F, warming up to about 50-70°F by noon. Bring a jacket and dress in layers. Also remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen to put on after the sun is up. You will be at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a bright, sunny or windy day. For further weather information, visit www.balloonfiesta.com.

the best way to save money for admission is to Volunteer for the Chase crew here is the info....

Crew Registration

If you are interested in joining a chase crew for the 2013 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta plan to attend registration at Balloon Fiesta Park in the pilot's Landing (large white tent on the SE end of the Park) or go to the Chase Crew tower prior to any event. For more information contact the Chase Crew Coordinator Cindy Moores at 505-974-0178.

Pre-registration times are: Wednesday, October 2nd 5-8pm
Thursday, October 3rd 10am-4pm
Friday, October 4th 10am-6pm

You will receive a pilot assignment and be able to view a training video at registration.