Go ahead and share it. Your friends will appreciate it.
Albuquerque is so much more than Balloon Fiesta — and we should know.
As the city’s favorite arts, culture and events news hub, The Paper. has curated the “Unofficial” Balloon Fiesta Guide to everything you need to plan your day, (or night) off the field.
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Burners On
Locals already know that Albuquerque has the largest hot air balloon event in the world, and we have watched the largest collection of hot air balloons in the world paint vibrant colors all over the Duke City skyline each October since 1972. Tom Garrity, the Balloon Fiesta spokesperson, says we’ve come a long way from…
Keep readingWhether you’re here with family or friends, or venturing out on your own, there’s something for everyone. Visit the largest zoo and botanic gardens in New Mexico at the ABQ BioPark. Take a day trip along old Route 66 up the Turquoise Trail and visit the historic mining town of Madrid. Plan a night out 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 go and things to do while you’re here for the state’s largest event. Visit abq.news/balloon-fiesta-guide/ or scan the QR code to plan your visit.
Choose your own adventure…
Historic Old Town
Old Town Albuquerque is a vibrant cultural and retail center of the historic part of the city. With over 75 shops and restaurants, this bustling…
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Night Life in ABQ
Did you know? ABQ has more theaters per capita than NYC. Add in a thriving local music scene and hip walkable neighborhoods and your post-Balloon…
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Day Trip East Mountains in partnership with The Independent
Just east of Albuquerque lie the East Mountain communities of Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park and Madrid on the Turquoise Trail. These mountain towns are…
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Art Gallery Tour of ABQ
While Santa Fe may be globally known as an art mecca, Albuquerque is home to over 100 art galleries and provides an art vacation. Visit…
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Bookstores of ‘Burque
Albuquerque loves supporting locally owned businesses, and we love our local independent bookstores! Some of the city’s best bookstores are great places to shop for…
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Family Outings Off The Field
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or you’ve lived here for decades, Albuquerque has an array of activities and events for families during Balloon…
Keep readingBalloon fiesta special coverage
Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town Features Free Live Entertainment and New Museum Exhibition
There’s no shortage of activities in Albuquerque’s Old Town during Balloon Fiesta Week. Flamenco, swing, and country are just a few musical genres visitors can expect to enjoy in the plaza, October 4-13 from noon to 4 p.m. each day. The free performances at the gazebo will provide a soundtrack for strolls through the plazas…
Exploring Cannabis for Balloon Fiesta
New Mexico’s widespread cannabis market is home to some of the finest medicinal and recreational cannabis in the country after it was legalized in 2021. Fiesta fans from “not here” states love to go wild, but don’t take the leftovers home. It’s still illegal to take in airports or across state lines. With eight locations…
Need more to do? Check out more than 1,000 local events in the city’s most-read calendar @The Paper.
