The
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest in the world. In 2001 there were 1019 hot air balloons. However, it was getting too crowded, so now they limit it to 750 ballons. It always starts the first weekend in October and ends after the next weekend. The 2006 balloon fiesta just ended but I did not make it there this year. However, Kymbanm volunteers to help at the balloon fiesta each year and has some really good information in
her Albuquerque travelogues.
The first mass accession is on Saturday morning. Probably over 200,000 people will attend. The easiest, quickest way to the Balloon Fiesta is by school bus. Park at any of several sites (usually a local shopping mall) and ride a bus for $15, which includes the $5 admission. If you drive, it will cost you $5 to park.
You should catch the bus at about 5:30-6:00 AM, depending on how much time you want to get your breakfast burrito, curly fries, tunnel cake and cinnamon rolls before things start. The mass ascension begins at 7:00 AM. It is still dark then and may be windy and cold. Be sure to dress warm but in layers, since it will get much warmer when the sun comes up.
Even the animals get hungry at the Balloon Fiesta and they will eat anything. Hey, samples are free...fried spam on a hotdog bun. Isn't life good? See also my
Balloon Fiesta travelogue under Albuquerque.
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