Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Fall festival · Albuquerque · New Mexico
Hundreds of hot-air balloons fill the sky over Balloon Fiesta Park each early October in the world's largest ballooning event, with mass ascensions and the Special Shape Rodeo drawing crowds to New Mexico's signature fall spectacle, running since 1972.
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Plan your visit
Dawn mass ascensions and evening balloon glows
Dates from the official announcement, checked August 20, 2026. Always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: October 16–October 20
Color builds from October 8 · mostly bare by November 11
Sampled at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s own coordinates and elevation (1559 m) rather than a regional average.
New Mexico is sampled at 51 weather points, then moved 5 days earlier so the model agrees with 2 published peak dates from krqe.com. New Mexico is running 3 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Good color holds through about October 27, giving you roughly 19 days from the first turn to past peak. That runs roughly 3 days earlier than the rest of New Mexico. The 5,115 ft elevation accounts for most of the difference.
It sits inside Albuquerque, so you can fit it into an afternoon.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of New Mexico, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in New Mexico
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Frequently asked
- When is Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Oct 3 – Oct 11. Dawn mass ascensions and evening balloon glows. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 16–October 20 (best estimate October 18). Color starts around October 8 and is mostly bare by November 11.
- How do I get to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is at Balloon Fiesta Park, near Albuquerque. The closest city is Albuquerque, about 8 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of New Mexico's fall lineup.
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