Tom Rutherford - Ballooning Expert
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HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® October 1 - 9, 2011

Over 500 balloons participate in the world's largest balloon festival in Albuquerque every October. Plan now to attend the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® and be part of an amazing hot air balloon experience and city-wide celebration. It'll feel like you're in a dream.

View the Balloon Fiesta Schedule.



Congratulations to Beth P. from Stateline, NV, who won the 2011 Balloon Fiesta sweepstakes!

The 2011 hot air balloon experience is valid October 5 – 8 and includes:

  • Three nights at Albuquerque Sheraton Uptown
  • Hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company on October 6, 2011
  • Three days admission to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® with VIP access to the Gondola Club Hospitality Suite
  • Admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and Diamond Club access on Thursday, October 6
  • Two official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® jackets
  • $200 Visa Card to be used for airfare, gas or shopping

This balloon festival package is valued at $2,650
Balloon festival package is only available October 5 – 8, 2011
Hotel stay is for the nights of October 5, 6 and 7, 2011
Balloon ride is only valid on October 6, 2011

Complete Sweepstakes Rules


Balloonfiesta.com

Affordable Balloon Fiesta Packages

The 2011 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, October 1-9, is truly an experience like nothing else. You can enjoy mornings and evenings of skies filled with balloons and in between you can take advantage of all the other activities that will be happening in the city. The weather is great here during October, with cool nights and moderate days, so it’s perfect for hiking or biking in the mountains, playing golf and enjoying the tastes and smells of chile-roasting season.




 

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Balloon Fiesta Package

Balloon Fiesta Package includes:

  • Two Balloon Fiesta tickets per day
  • Complimentary Shuttle Drop Off and Pick Up at the Balloon Fiesta Park Based on Availability
  • Complimentary Daily Boxed Breakfast for Two (from 5am-11am) or Breakfast at McGrath's Restaurant (from 6:30am-11am)
  • Complimentary Breakfast Daily for Children under 12 Years of Age (up to two children per room)
  • Complimentary Customized Welcome Amenity on Day of Arrival

Amenity beverage selection includes one of the following:

  • Canvas Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
  • Marble Red or Corona, your choice of two
  • Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or Sierra Mist, your choice of two

Amenity food selection includes one of the following:

  • Tortilla Chips with Trio of Salsa
  • Homemade Cookies and Milk
  • New Mexico Cheese Board

To book, visit www.albuquerque.hyatt.com or call 1-888-591-1234

 

Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid

Ultimate Balloon View Package

The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid is THE closest full-service hotel to Balloon Fiesta Park and THE place to stay for the big event!

This special package includes priority room assignment preference during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Upgrade fee includes a North-Facing deluxe room for the duration of the stay.

The Marriott Pyramid North is also delighted to cater to our Balloon Fiesta guests by offering a free grab and go breakfasts for those early Balloon Fiesta risers.

The Hotel also features activities during the lull between events at the balloon field. Join us for an ice cream social, entertainment and drink and food specials in the lounge! Make your stay in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta something extra special at the Marriott Pyramid North.

Offer valid September 29-October 9, 2011.

 

DoubleTree by Hilton

Balloon Fiesta Package

  • $139.00 plus 13% tax
  • Single/Double Occupancy
  • Complimentary Full American Breakfast for Two
  • Complimentary Internet
  • Complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room with a view
  • Triple HHonor Points

Offer valid September 29-October 18, 2011.

DoubleTree is a preferred stop for Tour New Mexico motor coach transportation.

 

Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa

Balloon Fiesta Package

Price range $189.00-$239.00

Daily full cooked to order breakfast with an early raiser breakfast burrito to go. Nightly complimentary 2 hour Manager's reception to include beer, wine and light hors d'ouevres. Each spacious Suite is equipped with microwave, refrigerator and safe.

Offer valid September 30-October 9, 2011.

 

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa

Three for Free

Enjoy a free night (based upon a minimum length of stay), a 1-category room upgrade and full American breakfast for 2 daily when you book the Three for Free package.

  • Every Third Night Free
  • Full Breakfast for Two Daily at the Santa Ana Cafe
  • One category room type upgrade


Mauger Estate B&B

Balloon Fiesta Special Package October 3-7

Book three or more nights September 30, 2011 through October 9, 2011, get $10 discount per night!

Book by September 25, 2011.

 

Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel

2011 Balloon Fiesta Package

Share in the excitement of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® at the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel with our special hotel package including:

  • Rates from $159 per night
  • Complimentary parking, high-speed Internet and 24-hour airport shuttle
  • Breakfast for two daily at the Rojo Grill

Offer available September 28 through October 9, 2011

 

Super 8 Albuquerque East

Balloon Fiesta

Rooms starting from $65.88 to $105.88. Includes free breakfast, free wifi, free local calls. Call hotel for rates and availability.

Offer valid September 30-October 8, 2011.

 

Super 8 Albuquerque Midtown

Balloon Fiesta

Rooms starting from $65.88 to $105.88. Includes free breakfast, free wifi, free local calls. Call hotel for rates and availability.

Offer valid September 30-October 8, 2011.

 

Super 8 Albuquerque West

Balloon Fiesta

Rooms starting from $65.88 to $105.88. Includes free breakfast, free wifi, free local calls. Call hotel for rates and availability.

Offer valid September 30-October 8, 2011.

 

Travelodge Midtown

Balloon Fiesta

Rooms starting from $65.88 to $105.88. Includes free breakfast, free wifi, free local calls. Call hotel for rates and availability.

Offer valid September 30-October 8, 2011.

Tickets

Advanced general admission tickets are only $8 per person and include admission to the Anderson-Abuzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

VIP Gondola Club tickets include a prime viewing location, special parking area, buffet meal including appetizers, entree and dessert, shuttles to take guests to Main Street, and private bathrooms.

Chasers Club tickets include private seating in the Chase Lounge, beverages, pastries and a hot food items, the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail, and live entertainment featuring Albuquerque bands.

Check out the Balloon Fiesta event website for information on how to get your tickets early and for other admission information. Don't waste another minute; plan your vacation now!

Watch the events from the Albuquerque Balloon Museum's Diamond Club that includes an exclusive view, enclosed lounge and heated patio. For more information visit www.DiamondClubFiesta.info.



Balloon museum by megan mayo

Balloon Rides

Take a balloon ride – a once in a lifetime experience!

Take off from Balloon Fiesta Park with Rainbow Ryders, the official balloon ride operator of the fiesta.

For other balloon ride options throughout Albuquerque, check out the local ballooning operators to view your options.



Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM

Weather

New Mexico is known for its great weather all year round!

In October you'll find chilly early mornings and overnight temperatures around 44 degrees (7 degrees Celsius) so you'll want to dress in layers because by mid-afternoon temperatures will be around 71 degrees (22 degrees Celsius).

Look at the weather ahead of time to plan your wardrobe!



NM flag balloon by marblestreetstudio.com

Transportation

With rising gas prices and hundreds of thousands of people in attendance, transportation can become a problem. Fortunately Albuquerque has plenty of affordable public transportation like the ABQ Ride to help you get to and from Balloon Fiesta Park. The Balloon Fiesta also offers a Park & Ride service from five convenient locations around Albuquerque. Check out more information about transportation to and from Balloon Fiesta Park.

Tour New Mexico

Enjoy motor coach transportation with a professional tour escort to Balloon Fiesta Park from a number of hotels operated by Tour New Mexico, Inc. Includes admission to Balloon Fiesta and a pleasant, informative ride. There is no service Monday 10/3, Tuesday 10/4 or Wednesday 10/5.

Tour New Mexico Hotels

  • Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
  • Nativo Lodge
  • DoubleTree Hotel
  • Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
  • Hotel Andaluz
  • Embassy Suites
  • Clarion Hotel
  • Howard Johnson
  • Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
  • Courtyard by Marriott Journal Center

ABQ Trolley Glow

Take the ABQ Trolley Glow to the Balloon Fiesta's evening events. This all-inclusive, interactive tour is $40 + tax and includes:

  • Round-trip transportation (on a completely-custom, uniquely-Albuquerque, open-air Trolley) from Downtown ABQ to Balloon Fiesta Park
  • A live Burqueño guide
  • ABQ trivia with great giveaways from local businesses
  • Access to the Balloon Fiesta's exclusive Chaser's Club (a $25 value)
  • General admission to Balloon Fiesta
  • Exclusive transportation route with limited traffic
  • Available on evening events October: 1, 2, 6, 7 & 8

Routes Rentals Balloon Fiesta Bike Tour

Participate in the first annual Routes Rentals & Tours Balloon Fiesta Bike Tour which will include:

  • a refreshing, leisurely scenic 20 minute bicycle ride with your friends/family
  • admission to the Balloon Fiesta Park
  • admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum (located near the south end of the launch field)
  • a collectable, commemorative Balloon Fiesta Scarf
  • a hot breakfast
  • a pair hand warmer packets that will outlast the morning events

Tickets start at $35 (bring your own bike) and $55 with rental!

Ride your bike and valet park for free

Ride your bike to Balloon Fiesta Park and receive free valet bike parking
.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

While at Balloon Fiesta Park check out the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. There you'll find unique exhibits and a plethora of information about the art, culture and history of the sport of ballooning.

The Balloon Museum will be hosting the Lighter Than Air Fair, a themed daily event with music and activities, free with admission to the museum.

Other Events During Balloon Fiesta

Aside from the exciting sites and sounds of the Fiesta, or in case the weather doesn't allow a great day at Balloon Fiesta Park, venues throughout the city offer an array of activities during Balloon Fiesta.

Other activities include:

  • Gallery tours
  • Performing arts
  • Arts & crafts shows
  • Festivals and markets
  • Special cultural entertainment at museums
  • Museum exhibits
  • City, neighborhood and haunted tours
  • Corn maze
  • and more!

View the complete calendar here

Enter to Win

The Balloon Fiesta Sweepstakes has ended. The winner will be announced soon.
Please fill out the form below to receive email updates on deals, events and future sweepstakes happening in Albuquerque.





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