Every year I attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and have been doing so for the past 10 years. I am lucky that this hot air balloon event takes place in my hometown. This is a must-see bucket list event that everyone needs to attend at least once.
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is an Event Like No Other. For nine days in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® creates an enchanted world of special-shaped balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies. Brisk autumnal mornings in the Rio Grande Valley create an otherworldly backdrop for the breathtaking majesty of our most popular event, Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
My favorite event at the Balloon Fiesta is The Special Shapes Rodeo
If I had to choose my favorite event at the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta it would be the Special Shapes Rodeo. This event happens in the morning and is the mass ascension of hundreds of special-shaped hot air balloons. These are balloons that have unique shapes like animals, trucks, cartoon characters, and more. Check out some of the special shape balloons from 2023.
These are the balloons that I get excited about while watching the balloons float up into the sky. It is so cool to look at them from different angles.
The balloons with the special shapes are my favorite ones to photograph. I love taking photos and having them made in canvas art pieces for my home. I have photos of my favorite special shapes hanging up in my living room and bathroom.
Special Shape Balloons Are One of Many Different Types of Balloons to Fly During The Balloon Fiesta
Special shape balloons are unique and creatively designed balloons that deviate from the traditional round shape. They can take on various forms, including characters, products, and whimsical creatures. Special-shaped balloons can be up to 160ft tall. Regular hot air balloons are usually 108 feet tall.
My favorite Special Shape Balloons over the past 10 years
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the best place to see special-shaped hot air balloons. Typically the event has around 100+ Special-Shaped Balloons and every year there are new shapes to discover. Last year 16 new special-shaped balloons made their first Balloon Fiesta appearance.
Since there are so many balloons on the field, it can be hard to see all the different shaped balloons. On most days, there can be around 500 balloons floating into the sky. That is why I recommend attending the event for several days.
Even as a frequent Balloon Fiesta attended, many balloons are still new to me. I also have some favorite shapes that I look for every year. The colorful balloons always bring such joy to me and I decided to go down memory lane by looking at all the balloon pictures I have taken over the years. Below you will find some of my favorite Special Shape Balloons over the past 10 years.
Over the past ten years, my photo quality has improved due to factors like the weather and my photo equipment. So enjoy the pictures.
This balloon was from the Netherlands
The biggest balloon at the 2017 Fiesta also happened to be the biggest hot air balloon in the world. "It’s 44 meters (144 feet) wide. It's 30 meters (98 feet) high."
Airabelle is a 120-foot by 80-foot, 910-pound hot air balloon, and she took flight for the first time in 1989. When she made her first appearance in the sky since 2018 this year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, it was a sight to see.
Because of Airabelle’s large size, it takes a village (and perfect wind conditions) to get her successfully up in the air. At least 16 people must carry Airabelle, and the wind should ideally be traveling north – toward open fields large enough for her to land in. All of the hard work is worth it because Airabelle is a cherished member of the Albuquerque community.
Tom, Jerry, Tweety, and Sylvester
Butterfly
These are just a few of the many special-shaped balloons that you will see at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This year this amazing event happens October 4th - 12th 2025. To get more information head to balloonfiesta.com
Check out some other Balloon Fiesta Articles
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Is Celebrating 50 Years
The Best Ways To Get To The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
4 comments:
These are so cool! I've never been to a balloon festival before. I think they are all really neat. I like the animal ones a lot.
WOW, these balloons are so freaking cool. My kids would really love this, and I bet the crown was huge. So many awesome balloons to see, what a cool festival.
These are such cute floats, I love the butterfly one. I’ve always wanted to go to one of these events, hopefully soon!
All of the balloons at The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta look so fun and I definitely need to plan trip to head that way to see it for myself ;)
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