Balloon Fiesta Information
What is the Balloon Fiesta?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual October festival. Balloonists from around the world gather for nine days of spectacular ballooning. Thousands of spectators come to see the Albuquerque sky painted with hundreds of colorful balloons against the Sandia mountains.
2008 Balloon Fiesta
- Schedule: Saturday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 12
- Park Opening Hours:
- Weekends at 4:30 a.m.
- Weekdays at 5 a.m.
- Evenings at 3:30 p.m.
- Admission: $6 for 13 and older; free for 12 and younger
- Parking: $10 per vehicle for general parking
- Allowed Items: Food and folding chairs
- Prohibited Items: Glass bottles, alcohol, coolers; Pets except for handicap assistance
Anything brought into the park is subject to search.
Park & Ride Information
Park & Ride lots are available throughout Albuquerque, and advance tickets can be ordered online! Learn more >>
Park & Ride Lots
Northeast
- Hoffmantown Church
8888 Harper Drive NE.
Park in the northeast lot only. - Cliff’s Amusement Park
4800 Osuna Road NE
Near San Mateo and I-25 - Coronado Mall
6600 Menaul Boulevard NE
Park in the southwest corner near San Pedro
West Side
- Intel (southern parking lot)
Highway 528/Rio Rancho Blvd.
Enter the Park & Ride lot at either Westside Blvd. or 21st Street and follow the signs. - Sagebrush Community Church
6440 Coors Boulevard NW
No Park & Ride service Saturday evenings or Sunday Mornings - Sandia Area Federal Credit Union
6410 Coors Blvd. NW, just west of Sagebrush Community Church
Will provide Saturday evening and Sunday morning Park & Ride parking!
No Park & Ride service Monday-Friday, or Saturday morning
Rail Runner Train Weekend Service to Fiesta
Ride the train to the Fiesta >>
Rail Runner service is only available on weekends. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
Buy your Rail Runner tickets online
More Information
- Official Website
- Official 2008 Schedule
- Official 2008 Guest Guide
- Balloon Fiesta Park
- Balloon Rides
- Maps and Directions
Balloons Year Round
While You're Here
There's plenty to do in Albuquerque after the balloons have come down for the morning.