Ballooning Capital of the World
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, takes place each October, when you’ll see hundreds of balloons in the sky at a time. This magical hot air balloon festival is considered to be the most photographed event in the world, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators. The 41st annual Balloon Fiesta will be held on October 6 - 14, 2012.
Clear blue skies, calm winds and mild temperatures are the norm in Albuquerque, encouraging year-round hot air ballooning and enabling more than 300 r
esident balloonists (more than any other state) to fly hot air balloons frequently and for long periods of time. If the hot air balloons you see dotting the sky pique your interest, why not take a flight yourself? Local hot air balloon companies, like Rainbow Ryders, provide rides for visitors on a daily basis.
While you're here, do not miss a visit to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, the world's premier facility dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport and spectacle of hot air ballooning. It features one of the world’s finest collections of hot air ballooning equipment and memorabilia.