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

Did you know that Balloon Fiesta has a unique opportunity for groups of up to 20 people to enjoy the event together? Fiesta Sky Box, perfect for small businesses and those celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and more, is a great way to elevate your group’s Balloon Fiesta experience. The all-inclusive package offers a specially outfitted shipping container in a prime location on Balloon Fiesta’s launch field, upper deck seating, a patio with a fire pit, a host bar, food, premium parking and more. To learn more about this opportunity, click here: https://balloonfiesta.com/Sky-Box

Merchandise Update

New collector's items have made their way to Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop, including five patches for 2023! The colorful patches celebrate the Balloon Glow, Chase Crew, Mass Ascension, Special Shapes and the general event and are perfect for adding your own unique, Balloon Fiesta flair to jackets and bags.

Additionally, Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop is now an authorized seller of Chala handbags, that have been decorated with whimsical, fun and bold balloon designs. These bags are available in a variety of sizes, for a variety of needs. 

To shop these items and more, visit balloonfiestastuff.com or Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop at at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. 

Faces of Fiesta

Name: Damian Duran-Arias

Title: Field Manager 

Years with Balloon Fiesta: 11 



As field manager, Damian oversees the grounds at and surrounding Balloon Fiesta Park. He began vonunteering for Balloon Fiesta then joined the team as a seasonal field worker in 2012. He became assistant field manager in 2019 and field manager in 2021. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his two young daughters. 

Time your day starts during Balloon Fiesta: 3am but on call 24/7

Favorite spot on the field to watch the balloons: West side of field

Current favorite special shape balloon: Smokey Bear

Inside the Basket

Keaton Collins is the Camp Director of Balloon Fiesta’s new Camp 505.

In this month’s Inside the Basket interview, he shares what Camp 505 guests can expect, what his role will be and his top tips.

June in Ballooning

On June 8, 1994 Steven Wayne Griffin broke the altitude world record for AM-12 type balloons. He launched in Carnarvon, Western Australia and flew to a height of 7,923 meters before landing in Clermont, Australia. This record no longer stands. 

June 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 June. Thank you to Facebook user Jennifer Pecquet Davis!

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

• MSN has included Balloon Fiesta in their list of 11 Amazing Things To Do in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sponsor Spotlight

Xfinity, the Official Balloon Fiesta Navigator Sponsor, is the nation’s largest internet provider and has products that include Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity Home, X1, Xfinity Flex and Xfinity Steam. Their team has been a sponsor of the event since 2016 and currently, their sponsorship includes the special shape balloon, Xfinity Rewards and a wonderful platform for their company to meet and chat with the community, share their brand with customers and introduce their brand to thousands of attendees around the country and world. We thank them for their continued support!



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