New Mexico Events and Festivals

10/04/2008 - 10/12/2008Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

During the nine-day event in October, the skies are ablaze with colour as hundreds of balloons take to the sky in what is one of the largest balloon festivals in the world. The event kicks off each morning with the spectacular Mass Ascension as the sky fills with balloon after balloon, each with a distinctive pattern and colour. Special shows, events and exhibitions take place throughout each day and visitors always enjoy the incredible sight of the Balloon Glows which take place each evening. Having grown from a small festival with just 13 balloons in 1972, the event is now something of a pilgrimage for many balloon enthusiasts that each year attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the world