Note: None of the links listed in this post are affiliate links. They will simply redirect you to websites I’ve added so you can explore more!
In 2019, I had the opportunity to experience the 48th Annual International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A 9-day event held in the first part of October. This event started in 1972 with only 13 balloons in attendance. In 2019, the event hosted 588 balloons from 17 countries, of which 524 balloons took flight.
October 6, 2019
Now, because these annual events attract so many visitors, they start their events incredibly early in the morning. Waking up early in the morning is not easy for me and since I was too excited to go to the Fiesta, I decided to simply stay up the whole night before. Thankfully, I was going with someone else and she was able to drive us to the event. Our alarm clocks went off at 3:30 am and we set out. Tickets were $30 for parking, which included balloon admissions, for two adults. There are other ticket package options individuals can choose to purchase. We parked at the location and were shuttled from the parking lot to the entrance of the event. The first event started at 6:00 am before the 7:00 am Mass Ascension flight.
These pictures were taken from a designated viewing location specifically set up for visitors to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of hot air balloons preparing for launch. The site offers a unique vantage point, allowing spectators to observe the intricate process of inflation, the vibrant colors of the balloons coming to life against the backdrop of the night sky, and the bustling activity of the crew members as they meticulously check and prepare the balloons for flight. As visitors gather at this viewing spot, they can feel the anticipation and excitement building in the air.
Temperatures were in the low to mid 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) with winds below 5 mph, until about 11 am where they picked up to 15-20 mph.
There are various vendors stationed at the event, anything from souvenirs to food. The Balloon Fiesta has events all throughout the day for all 9-days that keep visitors entertained. We came to view the main event, the Mass Ascension. At around 6:30 am, they let visitors onto the field where they were lighting the balloons. Now, you get to be emersed in the experience instead of simply observing from a designated vantage point. I never truly understood how absolutely massive hot air balloons are, until being able to stand right next to one while it’s slowly (and loudly) inflating and preparing for launch.
When hot air balloons are in the air, it’s hard to imagine truly how massive they are. Being able to stand next to the balloons while they were inflating, really put things into perspective. Once they are in the air, they tend to look like simply specs floating through the air, with their landing destination unknown.
Some balloons were themed and others had descriptions on the locations they were from. The weather was perfect, there wasn’t a cloud in sight, and being able to watch the sky fill with the color of the balloons, where not moments ago I was standing right next to, was something to experience.
If attending this event is something you’ve added to your bucket list, be prepared for large crowds (an estimated guest count of 866,000 people were in attendance during the 9-day event), loud noises, and cold weather. Even with all of that, it was a sight to see and absolutely worth attending. Next task for the day, getting breakfast then taking a nap.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure. If you’d like to see more pictures from this event that didn’t make it to the post, click here. Until next time, Adventure Awaits!
