If you’ve ever looked at photos of hundreds of hot air balloons floating over the New Mexico desert and thought, that can’t be real, let me tell you—it absolutely is. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that somehow manages to exceed the hype.
This annual event draws pilots and visitors from all over the world for nine days of early mornings, glowing nights, and everything in between. It’s colorful, chaotic, and completely magical. I spent several days at the Fiesta, and I’m here to share exactly how to make the most of it—what to expect, what to pack, and how to experience it the easy way.
Getting the Observation Deck tickets at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum was hands-down one of the best decisions we made. Everyone with the Albuquerque Balloon Museum Foundation was so kind and helpful from start to finish.
Let’s start with the biggest perk—parking. Normally, parking for the Balloon Fiesta can be pure chaos. We’re talking people walking over a mile in the dark or waiting for school buses at Park-n-Ride lots. But with the Observation Deck tickets, you get museum parking, which is literally right next to Balloon Fiesta Park. You can stroll over instead of hiking a mile before sunrise, which felt like a luxury.
Once inside, you’re welcomed into a heated room overlooking the field while you wait for the events to start. For anyone wondering: yes, it’s cold. Like Tennessee girl in the desert realizing she should’ve brought one more layer cold.
Your ticket also helps a great cause. Since it’s a fundraiser for the museum, 40% of the ticket price is tax deductible. It’s a feel-good splurge that’s totally worth it.
We went on a Thursday morning, which I highly recommend. Wednesdays and Thursdays are noticeably less crowded than the weekend, but you still get the full morning show. Our day went like this:
The Observation Deck crew partners with local restaurants to cater breakfast, and this year’s lineup featured Slate Street Café. Breakfast, catered by Slate Street Café, was hearty and exactly what you want at 6 a.m.—fresh fruit, pastries, housemade carne adovada, crisp bacon, biscuits and gravy, and all the “fixins” (as we say in Tennessee). You could build the perfect breakfast burrito while watching the balloons lift off in the distance.
From the deck, you’re close enough that the balloons drift right over you. You can watch the first few illuminate the sky, then warm up indoors while the sun rises and the rest launch. It’s the best of both worlds—front-row views without the frostbite.
When you’re ready, hop the shuttle over to Balloon Fiesta Park. Walking among the balloons is pure magic. I was honestly shocked at how close you can get—no ropes, no barriers, just you and hundreds of massive, colorful balloons floating above. It’s one of those rare experiences that actually feels surreal in person.
After exploring the field, we wandered through rows of vendors selling handmade goods, New Mexican art, and every balloon-themed souvenir imaginable. I bought a beautiful turquoise necklace (because when in New Mexico…) and a tiny ceramic hot air balloon that I now consider my good luck charm.
We caught a bit of live entertainment, including traditional dancing, then took the shuttle back to explore the museum—another perk included with the Observation Deck ticket. The museum itself is well worth the visit, even outside of Fiesta week.
If you’re planning your own visit, I wrote a separate deep dive on this experience you can check out here: Observation Deck at the Balloon Museum—it covers every detail from what to expect, pricing, and how to snag these tickets early.
The Balloon Fiesta offers both morning and evening sessions, and they’re totally different experiences.
The mornings start early—like “set your alarm for 3:45 a.m.” early. You’ll want to be parked by 4:30 a.m. to beat traffic. The early wake-up call is worth it for the Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension—hundreds of balloons rising together as the sun hits the Sandia Mountains. It’s one of the most photogenic moments of the entire event.
Evening sessions are all about the Balloon Glow. The balloons stay grounded but light up in unison, turning the field into a glowing rainbow. Add live music, food, and fireworks, and it’s a total vibe.
Our evening session was supposed to include:
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and rain canceled most of it—but at least we got some seriously good food out of it.
We grabbed loaded carne asada fries from JP’z Concessions, expecting basic fair food. Wrong. They were incredible—fresh, flavorful, and so big you’ll want to share (or not, I won’t judge). Another must-try is Cornivore Popcorn Company, which I’m now obsessed with. Their Sweet Green Chile flavor is life-changing. The owner told me the story behind it—he wanted to create a true New Mexico green chile popcorn, no seeds or stems, paired with kettle corn to balance the heat with sweetness. It’s the perfect combo of spicy, sweet, and salty, and it’s still their #1 flavor five years later. It’s also my #1.
Each year, the Balloon Fiesta has a theme, and the 2025 theme, “Painted Horizons,” celebrated the way hundreds of balloons color the New Mexico sky.
If you can, plan to attend at least two sessions—preferably one morning and one evening. Weather plays a huge role, and flights can be canceled if it’s too windy or rainy. Out of our four sessions, three were canceled, which made me so grateful we booked multiple.
If you’re doing general admission, you can often buy tickets last-minute, but if you want Observation Deck or Park-n-Ride tickets, book at least four months in advance—they sell out fast.
Also, download the Balloon Fiesta app. It’s the easiest way to access live updates, buy tickets, see schedules, and get text alerts for delays or cancellations.
As for packing: layers, layers, layers. It’s freezing before sunrise and warm by late morning. Bring camera gear, maybe a foldable chair if you’re staying all day, and a hearty appetite. The local breakfast burritos are legendary.
And if you’re planning multiple days in the area, you can pair this guide with my post 5 Mistakes to Avoid at the Balloon Fiesta (trust me, “DO NOT do the Sandia Tram” during Fiesta week is one of them). You can also explore more of the city with 3 Perfect Days in Albuquerque: Beyond the Balloon Fiesta for ideas once the balloons land.
Flying into or out of the Albuquerque International Sunport is a pleasant surprise—it feels more like arriving at a boutique lodge than a typical airport. The adobe-inspired architecture, wooden beams, and local art instantly set the tone for your New Mexico trip.
The rental car process is refreshingly easy: grab your bags, hop on the shuttle to the rental center, and you’re on your way. If you’re traveling during the Balloon Fiesta, give yourself an extra 30 minutes—lines move a little slower when half the world’s balloon enthusiasts are in town.
Honestly, if airports gave out “most relaxing terminal” awards, Albuquerque would win. Read my full writeup of the Albuquerque Airport for all the information.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of those rare events that truly lives up to the photos. From the pre-dawn drone shows and glowing balloons to the smell of roasting green chile drifting through the air, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Go early, dress in layers, plan multiple sessions, and if you can snag Observation Deck tickets—do it. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re sipping hot chocolate in a heated room watching the sun rise over hundreds of balloons.
And if you’re extending your trip, don’t miss my guides to Where to Eat in Albuquerque: From Green Chile to Fine Dining, Best Places to Stay for Balloon Fiesta, and Experiences You Can’t Miss During Fiesta Week to round out your New Mexico adventure.
I walked down what looked like a regular hillside entrance and came out into a room that could almost fit a football stadium. 🪨 Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest-rated cavern in the Eastern US and until you’re standing inside it, that’s just a fact. When you’re actually there, it feels earned.
Stalagmites 24 feet tall. A 210-foot underground waterfall. Formations that took 20 to 30 million years to build. A family that still runs the whole thing.
Bring a jacket. Wear good shoes. Don’t Google how it was discovered before you go hearing it on the tour is so much better.
#townsend #visittennessee #travel #travelling #travelvlog
If you’ve only ever seen the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge side of the Smokies, Townsend is going to feel like a completely different state. 🌲 No neon signs. No traffic. No crowds fighting for the same overlook.
🥾 Middle Prong Trail | River views, small waterfalls & fresh air the whole way. Hike as little or as much as you want.
⛰️ Tuckaleechee Caverns | Start underground with massive cave rooms, waterfalls & guided tours. Go early, beat the rush.
🍕 Peaceful Side Social | Made-from-scratch food, craft beer & mountain views. Fair warning: you’ll stay longer than planned.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Tremont | Slow down. Stop. Take it in. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Summer swap? Ditch the hike for River Rat Tubing — same vibe, more splash.
Townsend calls itself the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. After one full day there, I completely understood why. Entire itinerary linked in bio.
@peacefulsidesocial is what happens when someone builds exactly the restaurant a mountain town deserves. Made-from-scratch food. Craft beer brewed on site. A kids’ play area outside, & mountain views from the patio. ⛰️
It’s casual in the best way, the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and suddenly it’s two hours later and you don’t care.
@cityoftownsend | 📍Townsend, TN
I walked through the gates and immediately understood why people fly back to Curaçao just for this place. 🌴
23 rooms. Private beach. A Balinese-inspired resort built stone by stone by the owners themselves. Buddha statues next to conch shells. Candles lit everywhere at night. Beachfront dining that eats like fine dining but feels like you’re just having dinner on the sand.
It’s currently the #1 resort in the Caribbean and after spending time there, I get it completely.
Full review linked in bio
#travelling #curaçao #visitcuraçao #luxuryresort #travelvlog
I walked down to the beach and immediately noticed how calm the water was. 🐚
It sits in a small cove, so there’s really no waves pushing in. You just walk right in without thinking about it. I grabbed my snorkel (they actually rent them for free at the resort, which I didn’t expect) and went out near the pier and stayed way longer than I planned, because the water was that clear.
Honest caveat: if you need a lot of energy and activity at a beach, this probably isn’t it. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and you’re mostly just... sitting there. Which for me was exactly the point.☀️
Full Baoase review linked in bio. 🔗
#curaçao #travel #luxuryresort #privatebeach #visitcuraçao
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
