Albuquerque, N.M.- Numbers proved that 2026 ended with positive increase in numbers that have been shared thru Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for this year’s “The Scenic Route.” More than 901,000 people were in the field October 3-11; making it 50,000 more than last year.
Total Numbers:
- Registered Pilots (primary and additional): 584
- Registered Hot Air Balloons (including special shapes): 664
- Registered Special Shape Balloons: 114 (13 new to Balloon Fiesta)
- Globitos (remote-control balloons): 101
- Balloon Fiesta Live! Viewers: 1,047,295
- Media Organizations: 140
- Media Representatives: 891
“From pilots and crews to guests on the field and fans watching on Balloon Fiesta Live!, this year’s Balloon Fiesta was an incredible success,” said Neil Jackson, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Board President. “Beautiful ballooning weather and the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers made it possible to deliver 14 unforgettable sessions. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it so special.”
Event Sessions: All 14 scheduled sessions took place. One morning flying event took place as a static display on Wednesday, October 7, and one evening glow took place as a candlestick glow on Saturday, October 10. Music Fiesta™ returned as part of the evening events on Saturday, October 10. The busiest overall day was Saturday, October 10, with an estimated 193,761 guests, followed by Friday, October 9, with an estimated 162,317 guests.
Participating Countries: 18 – Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of North Macedonia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Tanzania, United States of America.
Participating States: 47 – Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Navigators: 1,057 volunteers worked this year’s event. Navigators (not including chase crew) are volunteers who provide guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination and safety, setup and logistics, and more in over 40 different areas across all facets of Balloon Fiesta.
After experiencing several weeks of record-breaking rain across the Albuquerque metro, Mother Nature blessed us with gorgeous weather for the 2026 Balloon Fiesta,” said Julie Morgas Baca, Executive Director of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “I am incredibly grateful to the hundreds of thousands of pilots, crews, volunteers, and guests that make each Balloon Festa one to remember.”
The 55th ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will take place October 2-10, with the theme “Adventure with Altitude.”2027,
Event Statistics provided by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.–Photography, Nancy Ann Peterson