The Balloon Fiesta is here yet again. From Oct. 6-15, hundreds of balloons will fill the skies above Albuquerque, leading to dozens of car accidents across the city. Will you be one of those hapless gawkers? Let’s hope not. Go to Balloon Fiesta Park and enjoy the event the proper way. Friday, Oct. 6 Albuquerque Aloft7 to 10 a.m.Children across Albuquerque and Rio Rancho will have the privilege of watching balloons lift off from their very own elementary schools. Definitely not a day to ditch.Fiesta Challenge Competition Flight 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.r 7 Dawn Patrol Show5:45 to 6:45 a.m. Just like the Dawn Patrol (see Oct. 9 listing), except the launch is choreographed and set to music.Opening Ceremonies6:45 to 7 a.m. Mass Ascension7 to 8:30 a.m.Not only is this a tribute to balloonists everywhere, but also to our lovely country! All participating balloons will launch at once, led by one very special patriotic balloon waving the American flag to a background tune of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fiesta del Vino10 a.m to 6 p.m.A wine tasting (separate admission required: $10 which includes a souvenir wine glass) with plenty of hot air and entertainment. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Inflation2 to 5 p.m.Come watch as numerous “long-distance” balloons are inflated. Fiesta Challenge5 to 7 p.m.A classic ballooning game in which balloonists attempt to drop a marker closest to a target.America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch6 to 8 p.m.After having watched the “long-distance” balloons inflate, come back to see them launch. Sunday, October 8 Dawn Patrol Show5:45 to 6:45 a.m. See Oct. 7 listing.Mass Ascension7 to 8:30 a.m.See Oct. 7 listing. Fiesta of Wheels Car Show9 a.m. to noon Fiesta del VinoNoon to 6 p.m.See Oct. 7 listing.Balloon Glow5:45 to 8 p.m.All of the balloons simultaneously fire their burners and light up from the inside, creating the effect of giant Christmas tree ornaments.AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 Dawn Patrol5:45 to 6:45 a.m.Much more exciting than a regular balloon launch, because these balloons are equipped with decorative lights. Flying Competition Balloon Fiesta Hold’em7 to 8 a.m.Similar to the Fiesta Challenge, but also includes other competitions. Tuesday, Oct. 10 Dawn Patrol5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 9 listing.Flying Competition Balloon Fiesta Hold’em7 to 11:45 a.m.See Oct. 9 listing. Wednesday, Oct. 11 Dawn Patrol Show5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 7 listing.Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension7 to 10 a.m.Balloonists from each nation will launch—one at a time—to their national anthem while waving their flag. GoldenPalace.net World Breakfast Burrito Eating Championship10 to 11 a.m.A competition to see who can stuff their face the fullest with burritos—what more is there to say, really? Thursday, Oct. 12 Dawn Patrol5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 9 listing. Wells Fargo Special Shape Rodeo™7 to 8 a.m.This is a mass ascension of all the balloons which don’t conform to the norm; that is, not rounded in shape. Will it be a tin can? A porcupine? An anvil? In this issue, we’ve featured illustrations of some of the most hotly anticipated special shapes. They get stranger every year. Flying Competition and Prize Grab8 to 10 a.m.Another test of piloting skills. Wells Fargo Special Shape Glowdeo™5:45 to 8 p.m.All of the special-shaped balloons will participate in a balloon glow. AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show8 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 Dawn Patrol5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 9 listing.Wells Fargo Special Shape Rodeo™7 to 8 a.m.See Oct. 12 listing.Honda Ridgeline Key Grab Competition8 to 10 a.m. Balloonists must navigate around a pole and grab an envelope that is attached. They could win great prizes, like cash or—you guessed it—a Honda. Chainsaw Wood Carving Contest8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Keep the blades away from the balloons, please.Wells Fargo Special Shape Glowdeo™5:45 to 8 p.m.See Oct. 12 listing. AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show8 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 Dawn Patrol Show5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 7 listing. Mass Ascension7 to 8:30 a.m.See Oct. 7 listing. Chainsaw Wood Carving Contest8 a.m. to 6 p.m.See Oct. 13 listing.Night Magic™ Show5:45 to 8 p.m.Another balloon glow, presented by Wal-Mart. AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 Dawn Patrol Show5:45 to 6:45 a.m.See Oct. 7 listing. Farewell Mass Ascension7 to 8:30 a.m.The last, and thus saddest, mass ascension of them all. Farewell, Balloon Fiesta, farewell!
Feature: Schedule
Tickets $6 for anyone over the age of 12. Kids 12 and under are free. Getting There Park and Ride Make life easy on yourself—use the Park and Ride Service. General admission to the fiesta is waived if you have a Park and Ride ticket. From parking lots to Balloon Fiesta Park:Weekends: 4:30 to 7 a.m., 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.Weekdays: 5 to 7 a.m., 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.From Balloon Fiesta Park back to parking lots:Last morning session bus leaves at 11 a.m.Last evening session bus leaves at 10 p.m. For a list of designated parking lots, go to www.balloonfiesta.com. Rail Runner Another fine option is to take our beautiful new train. During the weekends of Oct. 7-8 and 14-15, only passengers with a valid Park and Ride ticket will be able to ride the train. For a complete schedule of running times, visit www.nmrailrunner.com.
