Albuquerque, New Mexico: Saturday, October 3, 2026 was the first day opening the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Fiesta will be from October 3-11 and marks the 54th year of the Fiesta. This year the Fiesta is acknowledging the 100 year anniversary of Route 66.
This year over 500 balloonists from all over the world will be launching their balloons from the Albuquerque, New Mexico launch pad; included are 100 “special shapes.”
The green flag was flown allowing the Day 1 launch to take place.Saturday; Day one included the first time a cluster of 94 helium balloons with a gondola suspended below that launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico and finished in Arizona launched by Jonathan Trappe. Seven minor balloon crashes occurred during day 1. The day was completed with Team Fastrax Skydiving,Twilight Twinkle Glow, Drone Light Show and Fireworks.
Hunter Wells/Nancy Ann Peterson, photographer, October 3, 2026