Save The Date

Join us October 7-15, 2023, for the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More information will become available at www.balloonfiesta.com in the coming weeks. Plan ahead - The 52nd Balloon Fiesta is scheduled to take place October 5-13, 2024.

Balloon Fiesta Insider

We’re thrilled to share our newest Balloon Fiesta hospitality program - Camp 505! Camp 505 is a camping village of 30 tents, located within walking distance to Balloon Fiesta Park. The experience includes a Balloon Fiesta-branded camp kit that includes a two-person tent, two sleeping bags, two sleep pads, a large saddle blanket and a camp light that guests can take with them when they leave. Guests will also receive admission to the event, premium parking, two refillable waterbottles and access to a hospitality area with firepits and games. To learn more about this lodging option, click here.

Gordon Bennett Heads to Balloon Fiesta 

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been selected by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Ballooning Commission to host the 2023 Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett (Gordon Bennett), the FAI World Long Distance Gas Balloon Championship. This race is recognized as the oldest and most prestigious event in aviation. The 66^th event will launch from Balloon Fiesta Park on October 7, 2023 weather permitting. To learn more, click here.

Merchandise Update

Did you know that Balloon Fiesta sources many of our merchandise items from local New Mexico companies and artists? In fact, most recently, we have curated a set of balloon paper cutouts from an Albuquerque artist, for those looking for a fun and unique way to showcase Balloon Fiesta around their home. The designs feature different paper cutouts, layered with spacers so that the art appears three dimensional. This art, framed and ready to hang up, will be available at Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop, located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM and at balloonfiestastuff.com in the coming weeks. 

Prepping for your time at Balloon Fiesta? We have four packs of General Admission tickets now available. Shop yours today!

Faces of Fiesta

Taylor Caldwell

Title: Pilot Coordinator

Years with Balloon Fiesta: 2

As pilot coordinator, Taylor coordinates registering and processing of information for all pilots and volunteer crew in a manner that will satisfy the needs of Balloon Fiesta, participating insurance companies, and the FAA. Taylor has been attending Balloon Fiesta since 1997. She was introduced to the crewing side of the sport when she was 10 years old. This was also the time she took her first flight in a hot air balloon. She has been crewing for balloons since then. Her husband has been a pilot since 2016, and she has also taken a few pilot lessons. It has become quite the family affair for them. Outside of Balloon Fiesta, Taylor spends majority of her time with her husband, pup, and 1 year old daughter. They are always on the go, camping, boating, and of course ballooning.  

Rapid Fire with Taylor:  

Time your day starts during Balloon Fiesta: 3:00 AM

Favorite spot on the field to watch the balloons: Near the competition flagging. I love watching the balloons come into the field for the competition tasks that occur during the week.

Current favorite special shape balloon: Hug a Bear

Inside the Basket

Tania Armenta is the President and CEO of Visit Albuquerque and one of Balloon Fiesta’s newest Board of Directors.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, she shares more about how she became involved with the organization, the economic impact Balloon Fiesta has on Albuquerque and her favorite tips for those planning to visit Albuquerque for the event.

April in Ballooning

On April 3, 1981 Carol Davis from Albuquerque and Denver, set the distance world record for AX-05 type balloons. She flew a total of 220.11 kilometers. Though this record has since been broken, she later went on to become the first (and still only) woman credited with a Coupe Aeronautique Gordon Bennett win.

April Photo-of-the-Month

We have received some beautiful pictures of past years’ events, submitted through Balloon Fiesta’s social media! Below is the photo chosen for April. Thank you to Facebook user Harry Van Gorp.

Do you have a Balloon Fiesta photo that you’re proud of? Share your favorite Balloon Fiesta image on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag our page for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter!

Read all about it

Check out the latest media coverage about Balloon Fiesta

• KRQE provides more information for those who “Want to become a ‘navigator for Balloon Fiesta”
• Statesville Record & Landmark highlights that New executive director for Balloonfest selected

Sponsor Spotlight

A Virtual Receptionist is a telephone answering service business based in Albuquerque. The company has been a balloon sponsor of Balloon Fiesta since 2009 and also works with the Balloon Fiesta team to answer phones during peak times of the year and during the event, as well as send mass text messages to our guests. A Virtual Receptionist enjoys being able to work at Balloon Fiesta Park all nine days of the event and serve as ambassadors who get to help guests with questions about the event.

For a complete list of Balloon Fiesta sponsors, click here.