Ballon Fiesta?

Hi my New Mexico locals. Can anyone tell me if the balloon festival is worth attending? Honestly I've never heard anything like it. Is it like the fair? Do I buy tickets ahead or when I arrive? How is parking in the area, do I need to pay for parking? Is it an all day event??

I don't know if I would be willing to actually get in s hot air ballon! But pictures I've seen, they seem pretty look at.

If you go, do the park and ride ....... way better than driving. I have been twice, other than getting up at the butt crack of dawn, it is marvelous.

I'm new to NM also, and, unfortunately, am out of town, but everyone I've met has said it's amazing. So, I would think that if you have a chance to go, you should. Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions about tickets, etc. Hope you enjoy it!

If you go, do the park and ride ....... way better than driving. I have been twice, other than getting up at the butt crack of dawn, it is marvelous. Originally Posted by carguy1989

Uhhh I'm not a butt crack of dawn kind of girl lol! If I go around noon is there still stuff to do and look at??

They usually have morning events as well as evening events which are the night glow both are really nice to go see .. also Google Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and they usually have a schedule of what's going on including admission fee and parking .. if you do choose to attend it will be well worth it

http://www.balloonfiesta.com/event-info/event-schedule
I'd say if you haven't gone and you have the time you definitely should

Oh wow the Night Glow sounds really neat!!! Thanks for the link I'm definitely going to check it out.

Go early, we'll before whatever event you want to see. It takes a long time to get in and even longer getting out.
Check the weather as ballooning is weather dependent. High winds,low clouds, rain and lightning could cause delays or cancellations. Bring a jacket and possibly an umbrella. I would also bring a lightweight camping chair or a blanket to sit on, if you decide to sit on the grass to watch balloon glow. There will vendors selling food and drinks and there are porta-potties.
For a different view, you can watch the launch from any place in town with a clear view. The closer to Balloon Fiesta park the better. Consider Anyplace north Montano and I25.
I hope you have fun.

Not going in the morning you will miss the mass ascensions . The balloon glow is cool, but SEEM to be more likely to be cancelled because of winds. I could be wrong in that but it is what I recall.

You have to get up early just once for a mass ascension! Seeing close to 1000 hot air balloons go up at the same time is awesome! It is the most beautiful sight you will ever see. It truly is a once in a lifetime sight. Nowhere in the world does it better than Albuquerque.

Yep. The famous "Albuquerque box" makes the Fiesta one of a kind.

definitely go for the mass ascension, the Glodeo is ok, but pales in comparison to the ascension. There's not much to do after they go up, but it is well worth your time to see it at least once. Park and ride is the most sanity preserving option, get there early!

Yea, the glows are ok, but no balloons fly at night, only in the morning. They haven't gotten near 1000 for quite some time, closer to 500 these days. There might be up to 700 total balloons at the event. Get there early enough and bring leather palmed gloves and get on a crew, or go sign up at the website. Great experience.

http://www.balloonfiesta.com/event-info/event-schedule
I'd say if you haven't gone and you have the time you definitely should Originally Posted by Jxoxo

Ahhh just missed it.
It goes on for awhile I see ... is there like a peak 'can't miss' part of it?
I might try to get to town for it next year.

Any of the mass launches are great ...... perhaps the special shapes day.