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

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.