Plan Your Trip: 2025 Balloon Fiesta Schedule & Lodging

Held each year at Balloon Fiesta Park, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta spans nine days and features over 500 balloons from all corners of the world. Since its modest beginning in 1972, it has grown into the largest event of its kind, drawing seasoned pilots, curious newcomers, and passionate enthusiasts alike.

What distinguishes this festival from any other is its profoundly immersive nature. Visitors are not merely spectators; they are welcomed onto the launch field, surrounded by vibrant envelopes inflating at arm’s length. You can converse with pilots, feel the radiant heat of burners, and become a part of a tradition that dances between artistry and aviation.

This year’s festivities will take place from October 4 through October 12, 2025. Below is a glimpse into several of the most anticipated events on the schedule:

Each morning at 7:00 AM, weather permitting, hundreds of balloons take to the sky in perfectly timed waves, filling the horizon with breathtaking motion and color. For early risers, the Dawn Patrol offers an ethereal preview: a select group of pilots launch in the pre-dawn darkness to test conditions, their balloons glowing gently against the still-black sky.

We recommend arriving at the park by 4:30 AM to experience the quiet hum of anticipation and secure an optimal vantage point. Dress in layers and bring a warm beverage—it is a sensory experience not to be rushed.

On select nights (October 4, 5, 10, and 11), the field comes alive once more—not with lift-offs, but with light. During the Balloon Glows, pilots ignite their burners while remaining tethered, causing the balloons to pulse and shimmer like luminous lanterns. This event is accompanied by music, laughter, and an atmosphere that feels both festive and deeply moving.

Guests of Santuario Grande frequently describe these nights as the pinnacle of their stay. You will see balloon envelopes blaze against the twilight sky, their fiery interiors illuminating intricate designs in glowing detail.

• Special Shape Rodeo™ (October 9–10): A whimsical exhibition of balloons shaped like animals, characters, and fantastical creatures, enchanting children and adults alike.
• Flight of the Nations (October 7): Each balloon represents its country of origin, launching in a procession of flags and international spirit.
• AfterGlow™ Fireworks (October 4, 5, 10, 11): A vivid finale of pyrotechnics following the glow events, best viewed from the center of the launch field or from a quiet distance at a cozy vantage.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Santuario Grande offers an experience that contrasts beautifully with the excitement of the Fiesta. While thousands gather in the city’s core, our guests retreat to a space defined by calm, beauty, and intentional hospitality.

From manicured gardens to hand-curated interiors, every aspect of Santuario Grande has been crafted to soothe the senses. Return from an early morning at the park to enjoy a nourishing, locally inspired breakfast—whether served al fresco in our courtyard or packed to accompany your next adventure.

Though we feel a world apart, our estate lies just 20 minutes from Balloon Fiesta Park. Guests typically access the festival via rideshare services or Park & Ride shuttles, ensuring a seamless transition from serenity to celebration and back again.

✅ Dress in Layers
Albuquerque mornings can be brisk—often in the low 40s—while afternoons may warm considerably. Comfortable footwear and breathable outerwear are essential.

✅ Bring Binoculars or a Camera with Zoom
While proximity is part of the experience, many balloons take to the sky simultaneously. A quality lens or field glasses can reveal intricate artwork from afar.

✅ Download the Official Fiesta App
Real-time updates on weather, launch delays, and event timing help you stay informed and adaptable throughout the day on this app.

✅ Ask for Our Insider Recommendations
At Santuario Grande, we gladly assist guests with local tips, including lesser-known viewing areas, scenic routes to avoid traffic, and even where to pick up the perfect local pastry before dawn.

The Balloon Fiesta may fill the skies, but it is what surrounds those moments that shapes your stay. At Santuario Grande, we offer a sanctuary where color and calm coexist, where the memory of every ascent is matched by the comfort of returning home.

Wake to the Whispers of Dawn
Step into the stillness of the morning before the world stirs. Whether you join the first lift-offs or watch from our veranda with a warm mug in hand, the moment feels sacred.

A Place to Land Gently
Between the marvels of the festival, your suite becomes a private refuge. We offer plush bedding, ambient lighting, and the quiet hush that follows joy—perfect for afternoon naps or evening wind-downs.

Evenings Lit by Glow and Grace
As the last balloon glow fades into night and the crowds disperse, you will return to soft lighting, curated comforts, and a sense of stillness. The celebration may end at the park—but its memory lingers, gently, within our walls.

There is a quiet joy in watching the sky ignite with color—especially when you know your morning began in comfort and your evening will end in peace. The balloon fiesta schedule is more than a series of events; it is a rhythm that fills your days with beauty and your nights with serenity.

If you are ready to witness the grandeur of balloon glows, the thrill of mass ascensions, and the heartfelt hospitality of a boutique inn dedicated to your rest, we encourage you to reserve early. Rooms during the Fiesta book quickly, and we would be honored to welcome you to Santuario Grande while availability remains.

Reserve your suite for Balloon Fiesta 2025 now—let your adventure begin in comfort, beauty, and ease.