Albuquerque, New Mexico: 53 years of ballooning completed 2025 with over 560 balloons from 12 countries. Each day from Oct. 4-12 was filled with large crowds totaling one million attendees. Mornings began early at 5:45 am with Drone Light Show sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino. Pilots held a briefing every morning at the Pilot Briefing Tower to hear about the upper atmosphere for determination if the green flag would be flown for the Balloon Launch to happen.
During the week there were many events early in the morning; from a Fly-In Competition, Special Shape Rodeo, Krispy Kreme Morning Glow and the impressive Mass Ascension when the green flag was flown. The evening started with Team Fastrax Skydiving, Night Magic Glow, Drone Light Show and an “AfterGlow” Fireworks Show. Vendors had a large presence of food, souvenir items, Balloon Fiesta large tent of merchandise and more.
Albuquerque’s beautiful setting with the Sandia Mountains and desert gives a unique weather phenomenon “Albuquerque Box.” This is a unique wind pattern allowing the balloons to remain over the park where hot air balloons can fly out and return to the starting point if they capture and want to stay within the venue.
The large amount of equipment presence and people within a designated space, as usual, beautifully maintained, organized and controlled so that everyone could feel free to enjoy and wander throughout the venue to see and participate where appropriate. The Fiesta keeps a high standard so that everyone can enjoy with friends and family.
The theme for 2026 was announced “Route 66 Lights Up.”
Hunter Wells, Nancy Ann Peterson, photographer, 4:00 pm Oct. 15, 2025