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    • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024 Guide: Tickets, Balloon Rides
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    Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024 Guide: Tickets, Balloon Rides

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    Due to rain and wind, participants in the 2024 White Sands Balloon Invitational in White Sands on September 21 were unable to enjoy the traditional balloon flight.

    The weather changed to a calm, cool morning on September 22nd and about 14 balloons lifted gently from the Ed Brabson Balloon Park in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

    Pilots and hot air balloon enthusiasts can look forward to another ballooning opportunity this fall at the world’s largest balloon event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024, October 5-13. The festival attracts balloon pilots from all over the country, including Canada and Spain.

    Dave Chelgren of the White Sands event committee said pilots are always aware that a flight may or may not occur when they arrive at events.

    “It’s always nice to have a flying day, and ending on a good note is always a great thing,” he said on the morning of Sept. 22 as balloons floated above his head.

    “Weather-related delays and weather-related cancellations are a reality in the ballooning community. We always tell people: ‘We would rather disappoint you than harm you’. If the weather conditions are questionable, we will not start the field,” said Chelgren.

    This past weekend was technically the event’s 31st year. They had two years of no-flying due to COVID-19.

    Bob Fleet, president of Rock 97.5 FM in Alamogordo, said live on Sept. 22 that it is always a pleasure to see the balloons fly.

    “With everyday life and the world full of problems, it is always nice to have fun and watch the balloons go up and the children play,” he said.

    Here’s what you should know about the upcoming 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

    Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024 dates and times

    The Balloon Fiesta takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park, north of Alameda Boulevard, one mile west of I-25. The mass balloon launch takes place at 7 a.m. every day, but other events also take place before and throughout the day.

    Other activities include a drone light show at 5:45 a.m., a Krispy Kreme Morning Glow at 6:30 a.m. and a Twilight Twinkle Glow at 6:30 p.m

    Fiesta ticket appointments are from 4:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m

    How to get tickets to the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

    General admission tickets, $15 per person, ages 12 and under are free, are on sale now at www.balloonfiesta.com

    Please note that the Balloon Festival is a weather-dependent event and tickets are non-refundable. October is generally ideal for ballooning in Albuquerque, but adverse weather in the area may prevent balloons from inflating. If the balloon event is canceled, the Fiesta will issue a rain check for that session.

    In the event of a rainy session, you will keep your ticket. Your ticket will be reactivated as a general admission ticket and will be valid for all remaining sessions in the current year.

    General admission tickets allow entry to Balloon Fiesta Park during each individual session of the event. Ticket includes Balloon Discovery Center, Main Street, Artisans at Balloon Fiesta, shopping, entertainment and balloons. Sessions take place either in the morning or evening. There will be no evening events on Monday, October 7th, Tuesday, October 8th, Wednesday, October 9th and the last Sunday, October 13th.

    General admission is free for all New Mexico residents on October 7th.

    When to Arrive for the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

    Since some events have more than 80,000 people in attendance, it is better to arrive earlier. For weekend events, you should arrive at the park between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. For evening events, try to be in the park by 4:00 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m

    How to get a balloon ride at the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

    Rainbow Ryders is the official balloon ride concession for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The company may offer rides from Balloon Fiesta Park during Balloon Fiesta.

    The price depends on the day you choose. Typically the price is around $159 to $225 per person.

    Reserve your seat by calling 800-725-2477; www.rainbowryders.com

    Where to park at the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?

    There is general parking at the north and south ends of the park. The fee is $20 for each session. Each parking space is color coded and the gates are numbered. Therefore, remember the color and number of the gate through which you entered the field. Cash is only accepted for parking.

    Can you bring food and drinks to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta?

    Yes, you can bring food and drinks with you. However, you cannot bring glass or alcohol with you. Bags and/or coolers will be searched.

    More: Prepare for fall and open corn mazes and pumpkin patches in El Paso and Las Cruces

    María Cortés González can be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected], @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on Instagram, eptmariacg on TikTok.

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    Caradoc Wyn
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