Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta / Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta returns to Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from October 3–11, 2026. Known as the world’s largest hot-air ballooning event, the nine-day festival brings hundreds of balloons into the sky with signature experiences including mass ascensions, balloon glows, competitions, drone light shows, live entertainment, and early-morning launches over the Sandia Mountains. The 2026 event is the 54th Balloon Fiesta, with the theme “The Scenic Route,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

See hundreds of balloons fill Albuquerque’s sky with mass ascensions, glows, competitions, music, and festival traditions.