Hot air balloon in Albuquerque | A Bird's-Eye View of the City - CafeGist | Apply for High-Paying Visa Sponsorship Jobs & Work Permits Online

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (in October) is a great time to watch (and ride in) hundreds of colorful balloons as they take flight over Albuquerque. It’s a magical event, but we promise a hot air balloon ride will be just as magical any time of year. As Albuquerque is basically the hot air balloon capital of the US, there’s no better place to enjoy a birds-eye view of the city and surrounding mountains.

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Hot air ballooning is a popular activity all around the world, with many festivals taking place throughout the year all across the United States and even internationally in countries like Canada, Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia. However, there’s one place that’s known as the hot air ballooning capital of the world and it’s right here in the United States: Albuquerque, New Mexico. So, why is Albuquerque known as the hot-air-ballooning capital of the world?

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The Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World

Because of the conditions and the landscape, people would often hot air balloon in Albuquerque, but it wasn’t until 1972 that something special started. That year, a small group gathered in the parking lot of a shopping mall in Albuquerque for a balloon ride that would grow to what is now the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Because of the unique, pristine ballooning conditions that Albuquerque offers, casual ballooning was able to evolve into the biggest balloon festival on the planet and crown the Southwestern city as the hot air balloon capital of the world.

The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation proudly raises awareness, involvement, and funds for the Balloon Museum. Our goal is to uplift the Museum through project collaboration, artifact donations, and shared information and resources. The Balloon Museum Foundation also holds special events during The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each year, which is the world’s largest balloon festival that lasts nine days at the beginning of October. The Albuquerque Balloon Museum Foundation hosts the best seat in the house for Balloon Fiesta 2026.. Find out more about the Fiesta and how you can support our efforts by becoming a member, donating, volunteering, or purchasing a wall tile today.

Conditions at Hot Air Balloon Festival

Albuquerque has the optimal weather conditions for hot air ballooning, which include wind conditions and air temperature. Both of these factors contribute to successful hot air ballooning and Albuquerque has the perfect mix. Albuquerque’s predictable wind patterns, known as the “Albuquerque Box,” make it easy for balloon pilots to navigate in the Rio Grande Valley. The area’s cool air temperature in the early morning also helps the balloons rise faster and handle better.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Landscape

The area offers a stunning landscape with plenty of open space for balloons to take off, land, and float through the sky with breathtaking views of New Mexico’s one-of-a-kind landscape.

What time are the balloon flights?

We meet about 30 min. before sunrise. The exact meeting time will be included with your balloon ride confirmation.