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 is available at www.balloonfiesta.com.

Plan ahead – The 52nd Balloon Fiesta is scheduled to take place October 5-13, 2024.

Balloon Fiesta Insider

Last call! Today is the last day to purchase Ultimate Music Fiesta Package Tickets, an elevated experience that allows guests front-row access to this year’s incredible concert lineup. In addition to a seat reserved immediately in front of the stage, tickets also include:



• One signed Music Fiesta Poster
• One VIP Laminate Badge
• Premium Parking
• One Gondola Club Dinner Session Ticket following the concert
• Balloon Fiesta Swag

Other Music Fiesta packages will be on sale, as available, through Saturday, October 14. Those tickets start at $15. More information can be found here: https://balloonfiesta.com/Music-Fiesta

Merchandise Update

The 51^st Balloon Fiesta will feature an amazing opportunity to see an Annular Eclipse and the rare phenomenon, the Ring of Fire. And, to commemorate this unique experience, we have available again, a special eclipse pin! The fun design has a Balloon Fiesta balloon that moves and covers the sun. These pins sold out the first time around, so be sure to grab yours today at our Gift Shop, located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM or online at balloonfiestastuff.com. 

Faces of Fiesta

Name: Erica Hahn

Title: Concessions/Artisans/Entertainment Manager

Years with Balloon Fiesta: 7

Overview: I have been ballooning since I was about five years old.

My first Balloon Fiesta was in 1994, crewing for the Seasons Balloon Team. I’ve had my pilot license since 2002. My favorite hot air balloon flight I’ve even been on was flying from the world islands in Dubai, flying across Palm Jumeirah, and landing at Skydive Dubai. Ballooning has taken me to Australia, Japan, Austria, Hungary, Brazil, Dubai. 

Rapid fire with Erica:

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

Favorite spot on the field to watch the balloons: Sometimes I too busy to even notice the balloons! My favorite might be watching the balloon of the day launch from the Main Street Stage during the National Anthem. I also love watching competitions from any vantage point I can get. 

Current favorite special shape balloon: Always Ms. Autumn!

Inside the Basket

Joanne Sears is a first-year Balloon Fiesta Navigator who is helping answer guest questions at Balloon Fiesta’s front desk.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, she provides insight on the top questions asked by guests, how she became involved with Balloon Fiesta and her advice for first-time guests. 

September in Ballooning

On September 1, 1995, Masakazu Oiwa set the duration world record for AX-11, AX-12, AX-13, AX-14 and AX-10 type balloons. Oiwa took flight in Australia, flying for a total of 41 hours and 29 minutes before landing. This record is no longer standing.  

September 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 September. Thank you to Facebook user Connie Wang!

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

• Yahoo! News answers Which U.S. states will October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse be visible from? And includes Balloon Fiesta as a key location

Sponsor Spotlight

Poulin Design Center has served New Mexico since 1982 in home remodeling needs, solar energy and now home décor. This year will mark their first year as a Balloon Fiesta Sponsor. Their sponsorship is helping to bring to Balloon Fiesta, a Sensory Activation Vehicle (S.A.V.E) by KultureCity, which will enable families with sensory needs, to attend Balloon Fiesta - an effort that aligns with Poulin Design Center’s values. It also provides an opportunity for their team to be involved in their local community and make an impact in a positive way. We thank them for their support!

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