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Get Above It All During The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Emilie King : July 15, 2019

Mild temperatures. Fall foliage in full-effect. And the skies are filled with hot air balloons. There’s no better time to visit Albuquerque than fall, especially to experience the International Balloon Fiesta (Oct. 5-13).

An Albuquerque Event Like No Other

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an incredible event – and one of the most photographed annual happenings in the world. It’s easy to see why. Each year, over 500 colorful hot air balloons fly over Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, attracting over one million spectators. For more than four decades, the spectacular Fiesta has brought together the smells of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.

Good to Know: Morning balloon events end at approximately 10 am and the evening events begin at 6:30 pm. That leaves plenty of time to see all there is to see in and around Albuquerque.

Learn more about ballooning year-round in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Fall Experiences

Can’t make it for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? Late summer and fall in the city is also a time of many local events and festivals. Discover beer and wine tasting events, unique experiences and much more. A few options include:

Hopfest (September 8) is New Mexico’s biggest craft beer festival, with hundreds of brews to try and a fun, festive atmosphere. Your day will be filled with live music, great beer and friendly hop-maniacs.
New Mexico is legendary for its magnificently flavorful red and green chiles. But don’t just taste them – experience them on a scenic New Mexico Chile Bike Tour that takes you out on the streets of Albuquerque to a variety of chile-centric destinations (with plenty of opportunities to get your chile fix along the way).
Sample the smells, sounds and tastes of the fall harvest at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. Harvest Festival (October 12) features a pumpkin patch, chile roasting, a farmer’s market and much more.

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