Balloon Fiesta 2025: Bright Skies & Special Shapes Soar

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta The year 2025 sees the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in full swing, delighting partygoers with hundreds of glowing, floating, inflated marvels taking passes through the sky in all directions. From October 4 until October 12, there will be more than 500 hot air balloons arriving and departing from the event from countries across the United States and 12 countries to delight crowds, all as one of the world's more anticipated balloon festivals.

This year’s Balloon Fiesta has laughter and colorful balloons in store for you! It’s also full of surprises — new balloon shapes and an international feel, logistics, and dramatic weather! Join us as we explore what’s heating up the sky in Albuquerque and making headlines this year.

What’s New This Year: Highlights & Surprises

Special Shape Rodeo Shows Off 11 New Balloons

Day six brought the Special Shape Rodeo to life yesterday, following mostly decent but consistent flying conditions throughout the week.  This year's lineup welcomed 11 new balloon shapes to the event, many of which some of the crowd-pleasers from previous years will also be back, including Monty the Black Sheep.  The inflatable carnival begins at approximately 7 a.m. with a dawn patrol flight prior.

The “Flight of the Nations” Adds Global Flavor

On October 8, the Flight of the Nations will feature balloons representing 12 nations — Belgium, Brazil, China, Thailand, Mexico, the UK, etc. During the mid-week Mass Ascension, pilots will elevate their national colors as they take flight.

Dawn Drama & Mass Ascension Magic

Every morning, prior to sunrise, crews come together in the dark to begin the process of inflating balloons under stadium lights and headlamps. Pilots refer to it as “a Jackson Pollock painting come to life” — splashes of colors across the desert sky. The Mass Ascension typically has upwards of 500 balloons that rise together — a phenomenal sight.

Parking Chaos: Traffic Gets Redirected

As thousands of people continued to pack the area, parking lots quickly filled. The Albuquerque Police Department began rerouting traffic entering the venue. This is an ongoing dilemma - with such a large number of people, the organizers keep reminding visitors to arrive early or use other means of transportation.

Weather Strikes: Evening Events Cancelled

Unexpected rain showers forced the cancellation of many evening events on Thursday — including the Special Shape Glowdeo and fireworks. Organizers confirmed that unused tickets remain valid for other sessions.

Why Balloon Fiesta 2025 Matters & What Makes It Unique

• Unprecedented participation: Pilots from 41 states and 12 countries are flying, realizing both locally and globally.
• Economic impact: In previous years, Fiesta produced more than $200 million in economic impact for New Mexico.
• Educational and participatory: The Balloon Discovery Center revealed a new pilot simulator so visiting children could have their first flying experience.
• Cultural exchange: The Flight of the Nations and special shapes engage art, identity, and international collaboration and connection, which close the gap between communities and visitors.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025 | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/mW7ZKCcQ3s

— KOAT.com (@koat7news) October 11, 2025

What To Expect In The Coming Days

• Additional morning Mass Ascensions (weather permitting)
• Evening balloon glows, fireworks, and drone light shows with entertainment on Main Street
• More special shape launches
• Creative merchandise, food and shopping experiences throughout the festival grounds