Experience the Breathtaking Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM

If you’re a resident or have visited New Mexico in the fall, you know that October is a magnificent time of year in our state, thanks in part to the spectacle of colorful balloons dotting the sky. The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM is one of the most spectacular and unforgettable outdoor events you could experience. It lasts nine days, beginning October 7 and running until October 15, 2023. This hot air balloon fiesta is the largest worldwide, and you’ll marvel at the sight of over 500 balloons taking to the sky in a blazing display of shapes and colors.  

Making Your Way

Imagine a crisp, pre-dawn morning as a select group of pilots lifts up balloons to determine weather conditions and test the winds before all the balloons go up. It is a stunning scene to look out at a velvety dark sky and see random balloons lighting up the atmosphere and their fires illuminating the field. This is the 6 a.m. Dawn Patrol, which you need to get up pretty early to watch. And if you plan to go on either of the weekend dates, you can also take in a fantastic Drone Light Show at 5:45 a.m. Of course, if you can’t make it to the festival grounds in time for these super-early events, why not enjoy them from the hatch of your Subaru Outback? Pack up the family (or just yourself), drive to a nearby location, then fold down the rear seats and spread a blanket; the Outback’s cargo hold is roomy enough to fit two adults and two or three children. Enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate and donuts as you watch the happenings.

At the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM

Once you are on the grounds of the Balloon Fiesta, the Morning Glow is another beautiful sight to behold. Hundreds of balloons being fired up to prepare for liftoff will delight you. After that, the Mass Ascension will amaze you as row after row of balloons inflate and launch. The departure of 500+ balloons usually takes about an hour, so you get an excellent prolonged experience in exchange for the super early wake-up time. By about 10:30, the crowd of onlookers thins out, but other events are held throughout the day. This is a great time to shop the assortment of vendor booths or check out the exciting Chainsaw Carving Exhibition.

You’ll be mesmerized by the expert use of powerful chainsaws and the results the carvers produce. A live auction will be held after the exhibition on the weekends, and additional carvings will also be available for purchase each day. The Subaru Ascent and Forester are two outstanding SUVs with plenty of cargo space for loading up carvings or any other merchandise you might buy at the festival.

Evening Hot Air Balloon “Glodeos”

The “Glodeo,” or Balloon Glow, is an incredible evening event in which special shape balloons inflate but stay tethered to the ground while the pilots fire their burners in response to an announcer’s call. This wonderland of light and color is just as popular as mass ascensions, so if you plan to drive to the event, you need to arrive by 4 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic and delays. Getting in and out of tight traffic situations is a cinch when you’re behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX.

The WRX is a compact sports sedan that’s a blast to drive. With excellent acceleration and tight handling, you can zip around obstacles like a pro driver. When the glow is over, enjoy musical entertainment or watch the fireworks show from the moonroof of your WRX. 

Your Premier Dealership

No matter when you make your way to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, a Subaru vehicle will get you there safely. Subaru’s suite of driver assist technology, called EyeSight, is truly like another set of eyes on the road and will help you feel more confident wherever the road leads you. Stop by 7100 Lomas Blvd,  Albuquerque, NM 87110  today to see which Subaru fits your family’s needs.