“Carry Me Away” Launches October 6-14, 2018

Albuquerque, NM - The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will launch from Balloon Fiesta Park, October 6-14, 2018. The 47th annual event, themed “Carry Me Away,” will feature more than 500 hot air balloons, of which nearly a hundred are anticipated to be special shape. Pilots from all over the world have been invited to fly in the popular international event.

The Balloon Fiesta’s five signature morning mass ascensions launch both weekends (October 6-7, 13-14) and mid-week (October 10). Other favorite events include the Balloon Glows, Special Shape Rodeo, Laser Light Shows and Fireworks Shows. A complete schedule for the nine-day event can be found here.

The first day of flying is scheduled for Saturday, October 6. The Dawn Patrol Show, launching in the dark will take to the skies followed by a dawn launch of more than 500 hot air balloons. Balloon pilots will launch in various waves in search of the famous Albuquerque Box (a wind pattern unique to Balloon Fiesta Park providing pilots the chance to take off and land from the same location).

The Balloon Fiesta flying competition will begin on Monday, October 8 and will continue through Friday. On Wednesday, October 10, the Flight of the Nations will get the mid-week mass ascension started, showcasing all countries represented at Balloon Fiesta. In addition to flying events, Thursday and Friday will feature special shape balloons launching each morning and glows in the evening. In all, the event has five balloon glows scheduled this year.

Balloons are by far not the only entertainment at Balloon Fiesta. Music Fiesta, a one-day music festival, is in its fifth year and will be on October 13. The Noms will kick things off, followed by Michael Ray and headlined by country music band Old Dominion. More details and ticket information can be found here. In addition to Music Fiesta, guests will enjoy different entertainers every day, visit the entertainment schedule, which is regularly updated.

This year pilots and guests will see a familiar face filling a big role during the event. Announced as the new director of operations, Sam Parks is an accomplished pilot, event director and has served as the Balloon Fiesta Balloonmeister since 2013. He will serve as both the Balloon Fiesta’s Director of Operations and Balloonmeister for the 2018 event. In his new position, Parks will oversee flight operations, entertainment, guest experience, as well as a variety of other responsibilities that include communications, sponsorships and traffic management.

Guests can get a head start on planning their trip to this year’s Balloon Fiesta by registering for the following:

RV Spots: Guests who are bringing their own RVs please visit: http://balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/rv-information for more information and registration.

Gondola Club: One of the most picturesque locations at Balloon Fiesta Park, The Gondola Club is a private area complete with patio and indoor seating, wonderful food and an amazing view. Guests can learn more about this luxury experience and purchase tickets at: http://balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/gondola-club information.

Chasers’ Club: Chasers’ Club is a unique experience in a private area that includes delicious food, local entertainment, courtesy shuttles and indoor restrooms. Guests interested in this experience should visit: http://balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/chasers-club.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta presented by Canon is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.