Albuquerque Welcomes Thousands for 54th Annual Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta officials held a press conference in preparation of welcoming thousands of visitors for the 54^th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta beginning Saturday, October 3, 2026.  

The City is acquiring a 6.29-acre property located directly across from Presbyterian Medical Center near San Mateo Boulevard and San Diego Avenue. The acquisition represents a significant investment in the area surrounding Balloon Fiesta Park and provides the City with additional space to support the park.

“Balloon Fiesta has been a destination for visitors for more than five decades, and for 30 years, this park has been its home,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re not just preparing this park for this year’s fiesta; we are investing in its future.”

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta being held at Balloon Fiesta Park, solidifying the relationship between the event and one of Albuquerque’s most recognizable public facilities.

“This is our 30-year anniversary at Balloon Fiesta Park. And so, we are grateful to have the support of the city,” said Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Executive Director, Julie Morgas Baca.

The City has also completed several infrastructure improvements at Balloon Fiesta Park ahead of this year’s event.

Work along Vendor’s Row added new power and data infrastructure and additional connection points for vendors. The improvements build on the City’s ongoing effort to modernize the park’s infrastructure and create a better experience for vendors and visitors.

New storm drainage improvements have also been completed around the park, along with additional lighting and security cameras to improve visibility and safety throughout the grounds.

“From improved power and data along Vendor’s Row to drainage, lighting and security improvements, these investments help make the park safer, more functional and ready for one of the busiest times of the year,” said Director of the Department of Municipal Development, Jennifer Turner.

Improvements have also been made at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, including new ventilation and equipment upgrades to improve the facility and visitor experience.

More to Experience Across Albuquerque

For visitors coming to Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta, the experience extends beyond the launch field. The City’s Department of Arts & Culture will offer extended hours and special programming at the Balloon Museum, daily live music in Historic Old Town, and Route 66 Centennial events and experiences throughout the city.

“Balloon Fiesta is an incredible introduction to Albuquerque, but we want visitors to experience everything that makes our city unique,” said Arts & Culture Director Hilma E. Chynoweth. “From the Balloon Museum and Old Town to our Route 66 Centennial celebrations, there’s something happening throughout the city before and after the balloons take flight.”

Additionally, the Albuquerque International Sunport has seen a 10 percent increase in traffic with the start of the Fiesta. The city is also bringing back Sunport Serenades to welcome visitors into Albuquerque.

Also happening between sessions is the Harvest Festival at the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Gardens, along with extended hours at the Balloon Museum.

At the Route 66 Visitor Center, hours will be extended with events taking place throughout Balloon Fiesta.

• Saturday, October 3 — Fall Centennial Concert Series featuring Blues Y Mas Revisited from 12-4 pm
• Sunday, October 4 — Fall Centennial Concert Series featuring the Country Show from 12- 4 p.m
• Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9 — Enjoy Mexican‑style coffee from The Bean coffee truck daily.
• Saturday, October 10 — Fall Centennial Concert Series featuring Funk, Soul, and Old School from 12-4 pm

Public Safety

The Albuquerque Police Department is expanding its public safety operations ahead of the 54th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, with officers dedicated to the event and proactive enforcement efforts throughout the city to protect residents and visitors.

Specialized units, including APD’s Auto Theft Unit, will conduct targeted operations throughout Fiesta week to address vehicle theft and property crimes in busy areas. Officers and detectives will also increase patrols and conduct regular checks at hotels and lodging properties across Albuquerque to help keep visitors and their vehicles safe.

“Our goal is to help ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for everyone.  In addition to officers assigned to the event, APD will have added resources working across the city to support public safety throughout the week,” says Albuquerque Police Chief Cecily Barker.

APD is also encouraging visitors to use designated Park and Ride locations throughout the event:

• Cottonwood Mall: 10000 Coors Bypass NW
• Coronado Center: 6600 Menaul Blvd. NE
• Hoffmantown Church: 8888 Harper Road NE
• Intel (weekends only): 1600 Rio Rancho Dr. SE, Rio Rancho

Visitors are reminded to lock their vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, stay aware of their surroundings, and report suspicious activity to officers.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation has expanded its turf-management capabilities at Balloon Fiesta Park with new equipment and a new strategy designed to strengthen the grass and help it recover faster between major events. New equipment includes a Buffalo blower, slit seeder, aerator, compost spreader, tractor and two new mowers.

Crews have also increased aeration, overseeding and top-dressing ahead of major events while allowing grass to grow longer to protect its roots from vehicle traffic. The Buffalo blower will provide additional capacity to dry turf beneath tents if rain continues during Balloon Fiesta.

“The Parks team works tirelessly at Balloon Fiesta Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director David Simon. “We are better equipped than ever to care for the launch field and support a full schedule of events year-round.”

The department, in partnership with DMD, has also made improvements to the Golf & Event Center, including new kitchen appliances and restroom and plumbing repairs. Planning is underway for a second permanent restroom facility at Balloon Fiesta Park.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, now in its 54th year, remains one of Albuquerque’s signature events, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each year. The City continues to invest in the infrastructure, public spaces and services needed to support Balloon Fiesta while preparing Balloon Fiesta Park for its future as a major community and event destination.

For more information about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit www.balloonfiesta.com or www.cabq.gov

###