Entrance to Balloon Fiesta Park is $6 general, free for kids under 12. You can buy advanced tickets in packs of five for $25. General parking is $5 per car. An all-event parking pass costs $30. (The Fiesta’s park-and-ride service will save you a lot of stress. Details at aibf.org.) To order tickets over the phone, call (888) 422-7277 ext. 303. Keep in mind if you’re a cheapskate that there will be lots of good views of balloons located all over town where you won’t have to pay a dime.
Want to go for a ride yourself? All paid balloon rides are coordinated through Rainbow Ryders, 823-1111. Also, if you volunteer as a member of a balloon chase crew, you might be able to milk a freebie out of a pilot. You can register at the park or online at the Balloon Fiesta website. For more information, go to aibf.org or call 821-1000.
Friday, Sept. 30
Albuquerque Aloft
7-10 a.m.
Balloons rise up from various elementary schools throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
Fiesta Challenge Competition Flight
5-7 p.m.
The objective is to see which pilot can drop a marker closest to the center of a target.
Saturday, Oct. 1
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies
6:45-7 a.m.
Mass Ascension
7-8:30 a.m.
Fiesta del Vino
12:30-7 p.m.
Bottoms up! For 10 bucks, you get a souvenir wine glass and a chance to sample wines from around New Mexico. Probably a good idea to bring your ID.
Fiesta Challenge Competition Flight
5-7 p.m.
Gordon Bennett and America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Races Begin
6-7:15 p.m.
Two of the most prestigious long-distance balloon races in the world.
Sunday, Oct. 2
Dawn Patrol
5-6:45 a.m.
Mass Ascension
7-8:30 a.m.
Car Display of Classic and Special Interest Vehicles
9-10 a.m.
Balloon Glow®
5:45-8 p.m.
AfterGlowâ„¢ Fireworks Show
8-9 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Flying Events
7-8 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Flying Events
7-11:45 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension
7-10 a.m.
Pilots from each participating nation launch their balloons, one at a time, flying their national flag as their national anthem is played.
Thursday, Oct. 6
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Special Shape Mass Ascension
7-8 a.m.
Flying Events
8-10 a.m.
Special Shape Glowdeoâ„¢
5:45-8 p.m.
AfterGlowâ„¢ Fireworks Show
8-9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Special Shape Mass Ascension
7-8 a.m.
Key Grab Competition
8-10 a.m.
Pilots launch at least one mile away from the field, fly to the field and grab keys off the tops of poles. The pilot who grabs the right set of keys goes home with a shiny new car.
Special Shape Glowdeoâ„¢
5:45-8 p.m.
AfterGlowâ„¢ Fireworks Show
8-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 8
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Mass Ascension
7-8:30 a.m.
Night Magicâ„¢ Show
5:45-8 p.m.
AfterGlowâ„¢ Fireworks Show
8-9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9
Dawn Patrol
5:45-6:45 a.m.
Propane Day
5:45-9:30 a.m.
Farewell Mass Ascension
7:00-8:30 a.m.
