Every October, the skies of Albuquerque come alive with a vibrant display of over 500 balloons taking flight from Balloon Fiesta Park. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world, and it's an event you won't want to miss. As you wander through the festival, you'll be surrounded by the mesmerizing sight of hot air balloons gracefully ascending into the cool autumn air. It's an experience that will transport you to a dreamlike state.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a highly regarded event that draws visitors from around the globe. Taking place in the first week of October, it offers a sensory experience with the aroma of roasting chiles and the captivating sight of hot air balloons gracefully floating through the autumn sky. The Balloon Fiesta Park serves as the launch site for hundreds of balloons, creating a city-wide celebration that should not be overlooked.

One of the main attractions of the fiesta is the Dawn Patrol, which was introduced in 1978 by two California balloonists. They developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. The Dawn Patrol pilots take off before sunrise and continue flying until it is light enough to see landing sites. This is particularly appreciated by fellow balloonists as they can observe the balloons and gather early information about wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. On mass ascension days, around a dozen Dawn Patrol balloons perform the Dawn Patrol Show, a synchronized inflation and launch accompanied by music. This show has been a part of the Balloon Fiesta since 1996. The inflations for the Dawn Patrol begin at approximately 5:45 AM, weather permitting, with the actual launch taking place around 6:00 AM.

The balloon event will not only feature captivating balloons, but also a diverse range of talented performers, many of whom are local New Mexicans. These performers represent various styles and genres, adding to the magical experience.

See the full schedule of events!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

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This is truly the most beautiful time of the year in New Mexico…magical, really. A breathtaking display of colorful, amazing hot air balloons majestically decorating the blue skies. This is a world renown event that beckons kids of all ages and all parts of the world to Fiesta Park for the 9-day event. Hundreds of balloons will take flight in all their glory and cruise through the desert sky.  

Did you know that the gentle winds of the Albuquerque area, between the lower altitude of the river valley and the higher altitude of the mountain range create the Albuquerque Box? It makes the gentle winds blow in a box pattern and the perfect place for ballooning in the world!

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, check into the Gondola Club- which is a VIP experience offering the best of the best. Prime views, private parking, a gourmet buffet and hosted bar, shuttle service, private restrooms, collectible pin, and Gondola souvenir gift.  You can also opt for the Chaser’s Club, this upgraded ticket offers its holder a grand experience with outdoor seating in the patio next to the Launch Field with hot food items, desserts, and refreshments. Enjoy a cocktail for purchase while you comfortably watch the beautiful balloon displays. There is even Glamping available! Yes you heard that correctly! Enjoy spectacular views from the Glamping tent village. Restroom and shower trailers are provided and you can walk to Launch Field.

While the balloons obviously take center stage, there will also be great entertainment! Starting on Thursday, entertainers include- Big K & Blue Train, Entourage Jazz, The Panhandlers, Mirage- A Santana Experience, Restless Road, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell, and Brandon Saiz!!

It is going to be a phenomenal festival!  For more information, ticket sales and more, click here. 

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:

1632 Borrego Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM

It's hard to believe, but October is here. And there's plenty of fun to be has this month in Albuquerque. While we may be missing the Balloon Fiesta, we can still enjoy a virtual presentation. The Gathering of Nations will also be hosting a virtual event as well. With other virtual events this month, you won't miss out on the fun. Here's what's waiting for you this month.

DOWNTOWN GROWERS' MARKET & FARM TO CAR

Downtown Growers' Market
Robinson Park
810 Copper Avenue NW, Corner of Central Avenue and 8th Street , Albuquerque, NM 87102

Recurring weekly on Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Market is open at Robinson Park for in person shopping through Saturday, November 7 with many new safety measures in place. Farm to Car is available for pre-order pick-ups at Robinson Park from individual vendors.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2020

September 15, 2020 - October 15, 2020

The unique cultures that make up our city and our communities are what make Albuquerque the incredible place that it is, all year long. For National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, you can celebrate and honor these cultures at home, from anywhere. Click here for ways to celebrate from home.

BALLOON FIESTA® LIVE! SIESTA EDITION

October 3, 2020 - October 11, 2020

Balloon Fiesta Live is the live-streamed program that broadcasts each session during Balloon Fiesta week. The Siesta Edition will feature expert commentary by long-time announcers/balloonists Glen Moyer and Art Lloyd Jr. in addition to video highlights from past Balloon Fiestas, live interviews with balloonists and Balloon Fiesta officials, and even offer specials on Balloon Fiesta merchandise. The Balloon Fiesta Live! team will also feature live shots of balloon launches and flights when available. On October 3 and 4, 2020, many hot air balloon pilots will join together as a symbol of thanks to frontline and essential workers, with a balloon launch called Lifting Spirits Around the World. Independent balloonists from around the world will take flight on these two days, flooding social media with pictures and videos of their flights.

DAY OF THE TREAD

October 25, 2020

Day of the Tread is a 'Day of the Dead – Halloween', themed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. There is truly something for everyone. Sunday, October 25, 2020 in the SAWMILL DISTRICT – 20th St. NW. The various routes go to some of the most scenic places in the Albuquerque metro area.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

25 CAMINO DEL CARRISITO, Placitas, NM 87043  $775,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 3468 Square Feet

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Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There's simply no other festival like it in the world. It's the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® and it's coming up next month on October 5-13. This beautiful time of the year is only made more amazing with the sight of hundreds of colorful balloons in the air. But this fiesta is not all just a bunch of hot air. There's so much going on during these 9 days to keep everyone from around the world in amazement.

Just the opening day on Saturday brings non-stop action and fun. Starting at the crack of dawn at 6am is the Dawn Patrol Show and the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow at 6:30am. The opening ceremonies at 6:45am kick off the breathtaking Mass Ascension where all of the balloons will be launched, filling the Albuquerque skies with stunning colors.

And while the balloons are aloft, there's plenty to do on the ground, with the AIBF Chainsaw Carving Exhibition & Auction, America's Challenge Gas Balloon Inflation, Team Fastrax Sky Divers, America's Challenge Gas Balloons Launch, and capping off with the AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show. And this is all just on the opening day!

Since this event is hosted by Canon, there will be a photo contest where you can show off your balloon photography prowess. And since half the fun of balloons is all the shapes they come in, the most popular event is the Special Shape Rodeo where all sorts of characters come to life in the sky.

In all, there will be 550 balloons with 650 pilots from around the world. Over 880,000 people will be there to witness this amazing spectacle.

You can get all the details at balloonfiesta.com. Don't miss out on this world-famous Albuquerque event!

Looking for the perfect home in Albuquerque? Our powerful home search feature will help you find the home of your dreams. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8320 Calle Petirrojo NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120  $750,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 half) / 4844 Square Feet

Beautifully maintained and lovingly upgraded single level custom home close to the Bosque on 1 acre lot. Kitchen is well appointed with island,granite counters,dbl oven, Wolf gas cook top & sub zero fridge. Wide open floorplan, light, bright and cheery, perfect for entertaining. Stunning maple flooring, breakfast nook and formal dining room. Large master suite w/ sittingarea & luxurious bath w/jetted tub & sep. shower. Immaculate grounds w/covered patios, lush grass, 2 storage sheds & fountain to enjoy outdoor living. Newer appliances,hot water heater, water softener and so much more.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Imagine early morning in Albuquerque with the blue dusky sky wide open above you. So beautiful!  But that's not even what you've come to see. You're there for the great Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! 

The largest festival of hot air balloon festivals in the world. Boasting over 500 hot air balloons that will take to the sky in a mass lift off. You can’t wait for Albuquerque to blow your socks off.

Of course, the hot air balloon lift off isn’t the only activity available during this event. Albuquerque has many other events and activities planned and available to you, such as fireworks and balloon glows during the evenings, Pilot Presentations, Mariachi entertainment and off event ground tours of local historical attractions and much more.

Here is a link to the schedule for the 2017 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Time to relax, be amazed and have some fun!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

996 Lynx Loop NE, Albuquerque, NM  $595,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3215 Square Feet

Custom Home features INCREDIBLE VIEWS of the Sandia Mountains, Tram & City lights from large balconies and decks. Master Suite features cozy fireplace, tranquil balcony, mountain views, complimented by the Spa-like Master Bath.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team