Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Oct. 4-6, 2024

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the perfect getaway for couples, families, a girlfriends getaway, and even anniversary celebrations!

We depart after lunch on Friday. After checking in to our hotel we head to Old Town Albuquerque for dinner and shopping, then it is off to bed early!

Saturday morning is the first day of the fiesta, so we leave the hotel at 4:00am to arrive at the fiesta field on time for the morning ascension. We have reservations for all at the Gondola Club, a private area away from the crowds that includes a huge breakfast buffet. After departing the morning ascension, we drive to Sandia Peak to ride the tram to the top of the mountain, where you can see the whole town! We have a group lunch planned next at Buca di Beppo, then time for a little nap before going back to the fiesta field for a catered dinner at the Gondola Club and the Evening Glow. There is also a fun fireworks show to end the evening!

On our final morning in Albuquerque, we leave the hotel early once again to experience another amazing morning ascension! Last year there were 546 registered hot air balloons, including 107 special shape balloons, and 629 pilots representing 16 countries! There will be another deluxe catered breakfast at the Gondola Club for us to enjoy as well. After the ascension is complete, we drive back to the hotel to pack and load, stopping for lunch in Albuquerque before driving back home to Lubbock.

You will be able to get up close and personal with all the balloons and talk to the pilot crew if you want. There is also plenty of shopping opportunities, food/drink vendors, and entertainment as well. Balloon rides are available (your cost), but much more expensive during the fiesta.