Do you feel a bit deflated after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? After the Albuquerque Aloft event where balloon pilots inflate and launch their balloons from school locations throughout the city, my toddler was convinced that there were hot air balloons at my older son’s elementary school every day. On more than one occasion, we checked the school’s field to make sure he wasn’t missing the “BIG Balloons!”
If you, like my son, want to experience hot air balloons year-round, here is a list of hot air balloon experiences and events to fill that balloon-shaped void in your New Mexican heart.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Guide to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for Families
For the brave of heart: take a ride!
If you’re up and about early enough, you’ll see balloons flying over Albuquerque on the regular. Several local companies provide year-round balloon rides, weather permitting, of course. Generally, children must be five years of age or older to ride.
One of the largest local companies is Rainbow Ryders. You can see their diamond pattern patchwork yellow balloons in the air just about every morning. I reached out to them via email and learned that they encourage spectators of all ages. They attempt to fly at sunrise year-round in Albuquerque. If you would like to follow their vans to watch a launch, call their office for launch times, and follow them from their business location to the launch location. Launch times and locations vary depending on the day’s weather.
Other local companies include World Balloon (My sons recognize these balloons when we see them in the morning and fondly call them the “Captian America” balloons!), Fly Albuquerque, Aeerogelic Ballooning, Four Corners Balloon Rides, and Air Carriage.
Taos, NM, is also a great place to find a balloon ride and catch incredible views of the Rio Grande Gorge. Visit or call Taos Balloon Rides or Eske’s Paradise Balloons to book a flight.
Pro tip: Check out Groupon for discounts on flights!
Visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
With a variety of rotating and permanent exhibitions, this gem of a museum is a bargain for the low price of $5 for NM adult residents, $3 for kids 6-17, and free for children 5 and younger. Learn about the history of ballooning, trans-oceanic and around-the-world flights, and ballooning sports. The exhibitions feature real ballooning equipment and artifacts that are truly impressive to adults and children alike. The museum’s regular hours are from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Check their website for holiday hours and price updates.
Attend a Balloon Rally or Glow
There are several rally and glow events throughout the year at various locations around the state. You can find out about more ballooning events by visiting the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A) calendar of events.
Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, Rio Rancho
This rally occurs near the Valentine’s Day holiday at the Rio Rancho City Center. Past events included a chili cook-off, kid’s corner, merchandise store, crew games, and more.
Balloons Over Angel Fire
This event happens over Father’s Day weekend in Angel Fire, NM. Events include mass ascensions, live music, and a kite glider festival. For camping families, June is a lovely time to spend in the great outdoors in the beautiful Moreno Valley and catch some spectacular views of the balloons.
Pridefest Balloon Glow
This June event is the culmination of the New Mexico Pride Fest during Albuquerque Pride Week, which takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park. The glow is one of many events at the Fest including exhibitors, music, food, a drag show, dancing, and educational events.
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta
This event takes place the first weekend of August in Elephant Butte. This rally combines ballooning and boating in a unique way. This event includes a mass ascension and a glow on the first evening.
White Sands Balloon Invitational
For over 30 years, this event in Alamogordo, NM, has provided ascensions and glows at the Ed Barbson Balloon Park in September. This event hosts food trucks, vendors, a laser show, inflatables, and other fun activities. Find more information on the City of Alamogordo’s Facebook Page.
Land of Enchantment Fly-In
While this event is more focused on a gathering of unique aircraft equipment, if the weather is good, you’ll probably catch a hot air balloon inflating and a small-scale remote balloon launch. Other highlights include a Chile Flight formation by a local small aircraft flying team, music, a car show, exhibitors, and food trucks. Catch the Fly-In in September at Double Eagle II Airport.
Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
This event hosts about 35-50 balloons and occurs at the end of October. It includes mass ascensions, food, and live music with a dance. There is a trick-or-treat event as well as free tethered balloon rides for local school kids.
Corrales Trunk or Treat
This popular Halloween celebration in the Village of Corrales hosts at least a dozen hot air balloons and a mini balloon which inflate while trick-or-treaters gather candy from a line of treat-filled trunks. Arrive early for good parking.
Jingle Bell Rally
This event takes place in December at Balloon Fiesta Park and features both full-sized and smaller, remote-control balloons. Ballooning teams compete in a variety of competitions, earning points over the two-day rally by completing a variety of tasks including shoveling “snowballs.”
Chanukah Night Glow
This glow features a menorah made out of nine hot air balloons. Live music, Jewish treats, and gifts for children make this a fun family-friendly event.
Red Rock Balloon Rally
This rally takes place in December among the stunning red rock formations east of Gallup, NM, with over 150 balloons taking to the skies! This event features a variety of events including mass ascensions, Indian Dances, competitions, and a “Balloominaria” glow.
Visit Cottonwood Mall
Only in Albuquerque would you find a hot air balloon inside of a mall! My “balloonatic” toddler gets a kick out of the large hot air balloon that appears to be dropping in from the ceiling of the mall. Grab lunch at the food court and enjoy the upside-down cityscape on the ceiling, complete with hot air balloons and hang gliders. This is a great option for a low-key and low-cost experience.
