NM Balloon Fiesta!

[Winter Monroe]

I finally will be able to catch the Fiesta during my travels! I'm so excited! Any Experienced goers that have any tips for the morning shows? Unfortunately I will not be in town for the Night Glow but I'm Excited to see the Sunrise and Morning Balloon Take off!

[seasonedvet]

Go early, dress in layers, cold to hot! You have to have a breakfast burrito and some cinnabuns! It will be a once in a lifetime experience for you!

[RedorGreenorXmas]

Try to do the park and ride as opposed to driving in... Unless you are staying really close to the balloon launch area already. As seasoned vet says - go EARLY - try to get to the launch field well before dawn if you can handle it and if you really want to get a feel for the whole scene. Walking up and down the rows of balloons as they are being laid out and inflated is a pretty awesome experience.

A pair of binoculars can be handy/fun. Agreed with the breakfast burrito! It is chile roasting season after all - you'll be able to smell it in the air if the wind is blowing right.

Also, be ready for a cancellation... If the wind isn't blowing right or there is a threat of rain or any number of other things, they just call the whole thing off, leaving a LOT of people standing around with nothing to do. Don't be too disappointed, eat some more food, explore other things the city has to offer, etc. If you are eating out remember that restaurants (especially good ones) will be super busy all week long - reservations help or eating at odd hours can as well.

Have fun!

[drpierce]

If you want to help out on a crew, get there early and bring some gloves, there should be a booth by the entrance. PM me for more details if you want, I'll be on a crew. This year they're doing metal detectors, so if you bring everything in a clear plastic bag that you want to bring, you'll get in quicker.


Park and ride is definitely the way to go if you're not already close as someone else said. I'm guessing with how wet it is, bring shoes that can handle getting wet. Might be chilly, so dress warm. Hat gloves, that kind of thing.

[abqspencer]

It’s easiest to drive in from the west side of town. I live around paradise/golf course and it never takes long to get in going down Paseo, exiting 2nd street. Maybe 30-40 minutes total from the house.

Coming from the east side of town, or along 25, no clue.

[Winter Monroe]

Thank you for all the Great tips! Makes my experience much better! I'll keep an eye on weather too cuz I'd hate to have that be the reason it's canceled!