“Unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide

Go ahead and share it. Your friends will appreciate it.

Albuquerque is so much more than just a balloon festival – and we should know that. As the city’s favorite news center for arts, culture and events: The Paper. has put together the “unofficial” Balloon Fiesta Guide with everything you need to plan your day (or night) away from the field.

Burner on

What to Know Before the Crowds Gather to “Hug the Sky”

Locals already know that Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon event, and we’ve watched the world’s largest collection of hot air balloons paint the Duke City skyline in vibrant colors every October since 1972. Tom Garrity, the Balloon Fiesta The announcer says we’ve come a long way…

Read on

Whether you are here with family or friends or traveling alone, there is something for everyone. Visit the largest zoo and botanical garden in New Mexico at ABQ BioPark. Take a day trip along old Route 66 on the Turquoise Trail and visit the historic mining town of Madrid. Plan a night on the town in the historic Nob Hill district, home to over dozens of restaurants, cafes, live music venues and more!
We’ve created an online guide full of places to visit and things to do while you’re here for the state’s biggest event. Visit abq.news/balloon-fiesta-guide/ or scan the QR code to plan your visit.

Choose your own adventure…

Explore Cannabis for Balloon Fiesta

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide for ABQ

New Mexico’s widespread cannabis market is home to some of the best medical and recreational cannabis in the country since its legalization in 2021.…

Read on

Historic old town

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide for ABQ

Old Town Albuquerque is a vibrant cultural and shopping center in the historic part of the city. With over 75 shops and restaurants, this bustling…

Read on

Nightlife in ABQ

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide

Did you know? ABQ has more movie theaters per capita than NYC. Add a thriving local music scene and hip, walkable neighborhoods and your post-balloon experience…

Read on

East Mountains day trip in association with The Independent

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide

Just east of Albuquerque, the East Mountain communities of Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park and Madrid lie along the Turquoise Trail. These mountain towns are…

Read on

Bookstores of ‘Burque

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide

Albuquerque loves supporting local businesses and we love our local independent bookstores! Some of the city’s best bookstores are great for shopping…

Read on

Family trips away from the field

The newspaper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide to ABQ

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for decades, Albuquerque offers a variety of activities and events for families during the balloon ride.

Read on

ABQ Art Gallery Tour

The Paper’s “unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide for ABQ

While Santa Fe is known worldwide as an art mecca, Albuquerque is home to over 100 art galleries and offers an art vacation. Visit…

Read on

Need more to do? Check out more than 1,000 local events on the city’s most-read calendar @The Paper.

Gottagopestcontrol

Gottagopestcontrol

“Unofficial” 2024 Balloon Fiesta Guide