Each year in early October, the Albuquerque sky turns into a rainbow of colors at the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event in the world. Start your morning at the Mass Ascension, where hundreds of balloons take off at once, and watch throughout the day as balloons in a variety of shapes and colors take to the sky. In the evening, enjoy the Balloon Glow when balloonists light their burners to illuminate the night, followed by the After Glow fireworks show. While in town, visit the International Balloon Museum for more insight into the history of ballooning.
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is often included as part of a longer itinerary that visits multiple cities throughout the western United States.