Any local will tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, made so in large part by the much-anticipated sight of colorful balloons punctuating the skyline.

During this season, the sky is bluer, the days are gentler, and the mornings crisper — almost as though the landscape has taken a deep sigh — and on the desert’s warm breath sails the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Schedule of Events:

5:45 am: Drone Light Show
6:00 am: Dawn Patrol Show
6:30 am: Morning Glow
7:00 am: Opening Ceremonies (Chile Flight-Formation Flight Team Fly-Over)
7:00 am: Mass Ascension
8:00-noon: Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
10:00 am: Chainsaw Carving Auction
3:00-6:00 pm: Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
5:00 pm: Team Fastrax Skydiving
6:00pm: America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch
6:30 pm: Twilight Twinkle Glow powered by ExxonMobil
7:30 pm: Team Fastrax Skydiving
7:45 pm: Drone Light Show
8:00 pm: AfterGlow Freworks Show

General Admission:
$15 per person, per session
Children 12 and under are free

Click here to buy tickets.