What is the name of the hot-air balloon festival held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

The annual hot-air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The event began in 1972 as part of a radio station anniversary, with 13 balloons participating. It grew into one of the world’s best-known balloon gatherings, held over multiple days at Balloon Fiesta Park in October.

Its program includes mass ascensions, special-shape balloons, competitions, balloon glows, and evening fireworks. Albuquerque’s high-desert setting and generally favorable autumn weather help make it suitable for ballooning.

The festival’s signature mass ascension sends hundreds of balloons into the sky, but its name should not be shortened to “Albuquerque Fiesta” when identifying the official event. It is a balloon festival rather than a single race or championship.