You Missed the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta? Don't Fret, You're Not Alone (Probably)
Ah, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. A kaleidoscope of color in the New Mexico sky, a photographer's dream, and a guaranteed cure for a boring weekend (unless you're scared of heights, then maybe not). But hey, you blinked, and suddenly it's July, and there are no balloons in sight. Did you miss out?!
Maybe, maybe not. This post is here to be your beacon of hope, or, you know, a gentle nudge to set a calendar reminder for next year.
What Are The Dates Of The 2023 Albuquerque Balloon Festival |
So When Was This Magical Balloon Bonanza, Anyway?
The 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta took flight (literally) from Saturday, October 7th to Sunday, October 15th. Nine glorious days of hot air balloonin' fun!
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Don't worry, we forgive you for missing it. Between costume shopping for your tiny human as a dinosaur (because toddlers), prepping for that work presentation that still isn't done (thanks, procrastination!), and dodging rogue squirrels trying to steal your breakfast burrito (those little nut bandits!), it's easy to miss a thing or two.
But Seriously, How Epic Did it Look?
Epic? Try mind-blowingly epic. Imagine hundreds of colorful balloons, gently bobbing across the dawn sky like a brigade of happy, inflated giants. There were special shapes (think Darth Vader, giant bees, and even a grumpy cat!), morning balloon glows, and enough aerial fireworks to make Michael Bay jealous (with apologies to Michael Bay).
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Look, it was pretty awesome.
But hey, chin up! There's always next year.
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How to Get Ready for the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (Like a Champ)
Mark your calendars! The 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta sails into the New Mexico sky from Saturday, October 5th to Sunday, October 13th.
Here's how to be a Fiesta pro next year:
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- Book your accommodation early. This thing is popular, folks.
- Pack layers. New Mexico mornings can be crisp, but afternoons get toasty.
- Bring a camera (duh). But also bring an external battery pack, because that balloon spam is going to be real.
- Don't forget sunscreen and a hat. The New Mexico sun is no joke.
- Embrace the fun! Wear bright colors, bring a frisbee, and be ready for a truly unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Missed-the-Fiesta Questions:
How to Get to Albuquerque? The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is your best bet.
How Much are Tickets? Ticket prices vary depending on the date and package you choose. Check out the official website (
How to Find a Good Spot to See the Balloons? The Fiesta Park is the main event hub, but there are plenty of great viewing spots around Albuquerque.
How to Avoid Crowds? Head out early for the Dawn Patrol launch, or consider attending on a weekday.
How to Channel My Inner Balloon Pilot? While becoming a pilot might be a stretch, you can always take a tethered balloon ride during the Fiesta!
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