Another Day, Another Briefing, Another Delay

October 4, 2022

Tuesday, October 4 2:40 PM MDT (2040 UTC) It’s getting to be a familiar routine – the eight America’s Challenge teams, along with officials, crew, and weather guys, file into…

Groundhog Day at the America's Challenge?

October 3, 2022

October 3, 2022 7:30 PM (0130 UTC 10/4/2022) Unpredictable, unstable weather continues to plague the America’s Challenge distance race for gas balloons. A briefing scheduled for 8 PM MDT…

America's Challenge Weather Delays Continue

October 2, 2022

Sunday, October 2, 2022 1700 MDT (2300 UTC) Why are these people smiling? Certainly not because of the unstable weather that continues to plague the 25th America's Challenge distance race f…

America's Challenge Launch Anticipated Saturday October 1

September 30, 2022

9/30/2022 5 PM MDT/2300 UTC The eight America's Challenge teams are safely in Albuquerque and eagerly anticipating the 25th America's Challenge distance race for gas balloons. The launch wind…

Inside the Basket - Lynn Tillery, Balloon Fiesta Navigator

March 24, 2021

Lynn Tillery is a Launch Director at Balloon Fiesta who has been involved with the event since 1982. In this month’s Inside the Basket, she walks us through a typical Balloon Fiesta day…

Inside the Basket - Bill Bussey, Balloon Fiesta Pilot

February 23, 2021

Bill Bussey is an award-winning, Balloon Fiesta pilot, who has been involved with the event since 1977. In this month’s Inside the Basket, Bill delves into his ballooning background, of…

Inside the Basket - Jennifer Schurman, Balloon Fiesta RV and Navigator Manager

January 20, 2021

Balloon Fiesta’s RV and Navigator Manager, Jennifer Schurman helps create a memorable experience for RV guests and Balloon Fiesta volunteers during the event. In this month’s Insi…

Inside the Basket - Barry Conley, Balloon Fiesta Navigator

December 16, 2020

Barry Conley has been a Balloon Fiesta Navigator for 30 years. Though he started with a variety of procurement roles, he now helps the news media experience the magic of Balloon Fiesta, as par…

Inside the Basket - Paula Craner, Balloon Fiesta Navigator

November 12, 2020

Paula Craner is a Balloon Fiesta Navigator that helps answer guest questions at the Balloon Fiesta front desk. In this month’s Inside the Basket, Paula shares insight to frequently aske…

A Balloon Fiesta Message about the Lifting Spirits Around the World hot air balloon launch:

August 12, 2020

Dear balloon family and friends, The worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, has affected everyone and the continual dedication of the frontline and essential workers through this time has been nothing…

Jim Byrd - 2020 Heritage Award Winner

July 14, 2020

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and long-time contributions to Balloon Fiesta through preservation of AIBF c…

2020 Balloon Fiesta Update

June 22, 2020

49th Event Rescheduled to October 2-10, 2021 Balloon Fiesta is an event that brings our community, city and state together to host thousands of pilots, volunteers and guests from around the wo…

A Letter From Balloon Fiesta's President and Executive Director

March 29, 2020

As always, safety is our top concern and as we prepare for the 49th Balloon Fiesta, the safety and health of our pilots, volunteers, staff, guests and community is Balloon Fiesta's top priorit…

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces Pricing for 49th Event

March 27, 2020

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces Pricing for 49th Event “Time Flies” Launches October 3-11, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group | 5…

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Generates $ $186.82 Million into Albuquerque Economy

March 16, 2020

2019 Economic Impact Study Shows Benefits to New Mexico Visitor Industry as well as State and Local Tax Base FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO- New Mexico’s largest visitor…

2020 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Celebrates 49th Event

January 3, 2020

Albuquerque, NM -The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will launch from Balloon Fiesta Park, October 3-11, 2020. The 49th annual event, themed “Time Flies,” will featur…

What's Allowed at Balloon Fiesta

October 2, 2019

Public Safety Measures Announced for 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

September 22, 2019

Officials share details of approach that includes metal detectors, expanded bag checks and law enforcement partnerships for October 5-13 event For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Garrity, The G…

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Celebrates 48th Event

September 5, 2019

“Picture Perfect” Launches October 5-13, 2019 Contact: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group | 505.898.8689, media@balloonfiesta.com Albuquerque, NM -The Albuquerque International Balloon…

Guest Update - July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

Balloon Fiesta Guests and Supporters, We are about two months from the October 5th start of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Our staff and board of directors are busy finaliz…

Guest Event Update

May 31, 2019

Balloon Fiesta Guests and Supporters, We are only four months away from this year’s Balloon Fiesta! As you make your plans to visit us this year, keep in mind all aspects of our event, i…

March Balloon Fiesta Update

March 29, 2019

Balloon Fiesta Guests, So much is happening in advance of the 2019 Balloon Fiesta, it is hard to think that last year’s event was less than six months ago! Our board of directors and st…

Balloon Fiesta Announcements - Oct. 9

December 13, 2018

Daniel Seddiqui will be continuing his journey of the “America’s Bucket List Challenge” at the Balloon Fiesta on 10/09 with ABQ-based Dickey family. They will meet before lau…

Bruce Lavorgna and Crew Donate $3,000 Worth of Food & Clothing to La Mesa Elementary School

December 13, 2018

Through their #ABQAloft involvement Bruce Lavorgna and his #BalloonFiesta crew have shared nearly $3,000 worth of food and clothing with La Mesa Elementary School families. Today they are dona…

NASA Astronauts to Speak Oct. 6, 2018

December 13, 2018

Former NASA astronaut Mike Mullane, a veteran of three space shuttle missions, is scheduled to share his experiences Oct. 6 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s 7-Eleven&reg…