New Mexico: Balloon Fiesta Tips

Saturday, October 5, is coming up fast – only 10 days until the first day of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

Here are some tips to help prepare for your time at the event.

Arrive early. Gates open at 4:30 a.m. for morning sessions and at 3:00 p.m. for evening sessions. We recommend planning to arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park when the gates open.
Dress in Layers. Early mornings and late evenings in Albuquerque can be especially chilly, with temperatures ranging from 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the sun comes up, temperatures will average in the low 70s and have been as high as 80 degrees. There isn’t a lot of shade at Balloon Fiesta Park, so it is good to dress in layers to help you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout each session.
Make sure you hydrate. Albuquerque has an altitude of about one mile high. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Download the Official Balloon Fiesta App.
Balloon Fiesta’s mobile app provides guests with the opportunity to stay up-to-date with weather, event status and all things Balloon Fiesta. It also has tools, such as the find-my-car feature. This app will be updated by the start of the event. IOS app link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/abq-int-balloon-fiesta/id1036404605 Google Play app link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.balloon.albuquerque&hl=en (as I do not have a Google Play device, I cannot confirm this is the correct link. Please search the Google Play store if this link does not work.)

We will be at every event session possible, so look for our gray polo shirts with the Chase the Blue Dot logo.

6:00 am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

6:30 am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

6:45 am Opening Ceremonies

7:00 am Mass Ascension, presented by Canon

2:00 pm America’s Challenge Gas balloon Inﬂation

6:00 pm America’s Challenge Gas Race Launch

6:00 pm Twilight Twinkle Glow™, presented by Albuquerque Journal

8:00 pm AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show, presented by Sandia Resort and Casino

Published by rjhoughton