Free Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Admission For New Mexico Residents

 Want to attend the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for free? If you live in New Mexico, you can attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for free. Keep reading to learn how you can get free tickets to the Balloon Fiesta.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an event that has happened every year for the past 53 years. This hot air balloon event is a 9-day spectacular event that includes over 500 hot air balloons. It is a must-see event!

 Being such a huge event, one would think that everyone living in New Mexico has had a chance to attend the balloon event. Sadly, for many families who live in New Mexico, the cost of admission tickets is too expensive. At $20 a ticket per person, that can be too much money.

Attention New Mexico Residents! Want to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for free?

New this year at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2026 is New Mexico Day, which will include free general admission for all New Mexico residents. 

 This free admission day is huge! I have lived in New Mexico for 28 years, and the Balloon Fiesta has never offered free admission to New Mexico residents. While the free admission to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is only on one day, it is awesome that you can get in free to see the hot air balloons.

 If you live in New Mexico, mark your calendars for Monday, October 5, 2026, to attend the Balloon Fiesta for free. There will be plenty to see. From a drone light show to a balloon launch of over 500 hot air balloons, to even balloon competitions. 

 While general admission is free, parking fees will still apply. To avoid parking fees, learn about how you can bike to the balloon fiesta. The balloon fiesta offers a free Bike Valet service. If biking to the Balloon Fiesta Park is not an option, then consider car pooling with friends to save money on parking.

About New Mexico Day 2026: Attention New Mexico Residents!

   + Monday, October 5, 2026, will be New Mexico Day at Balloon Fiesta

   + As a special thank you for your support through the years, general admission will be free for all New Mexico residents

   + Present your photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address to a ticket booth (located next to all gates) and receive your ticket

  + This promotion is on Monday, October 5, only

   + No rainchecks or refunds will apply

   + Parking fees will still apply

This free day at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is for all New Mexico Residents

Anyone with a photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address can get in for free. Present your photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address to a ticket booth (located next to all gates) and receive your ticket. 

Monday, October 5, 2026, is New Mexico Day at the Balloon Fiesta!

 As a special thank you for your support through the years, general admission will be free on that day for all New Mexico residents. Present your photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address at the entry gate for free admission.

This promotion will be on Monday, October 5, only! No rainchecks or refunds will apply. Parking fees will still apply.

Learn more about New Mexico Day at the Balloon Fiesta HERE

Check out these articles about the Balloon Fiesta

The Best Ways To Get To The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Will Leave You Speechless 

Biking To Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Insider Tips 

Spicy Olive Tuna Bowl With Fishwife

 Meet Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil! Tender, flavorful, and perfectly buttery, this tuna has just the right kick to keep things interesting. It is bursting with flavor and perfect for a rice bowl creation.

 Looking for a quick and easy lunch recipe? Check out this recipe for Spicy Olive Tuna Bowl. This recipe was inspired by a tin of Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil. It is the best recipe idea for lunch at home or a meal on the go.

 Having 4 food allergies means that I have to pack my own food for meals outside the home. My favorite meals to create are meals in a bowl. The easiest bowl meals to take on the go are ones that use rice, like poke bowls, as they can be enjoyed cold. If I have access to a microwave, I can easily warm up a rice bowl.

The possibilities for rice bowls are endless when you know how to combine ingredients. One starts with a bowl of cooked rice and then adds vegetables, protein, sauces, and toppings.

My favorite protein for rice bowls

 My favorite protein for rice bowl recipes is tinned fish like albacore tuna. Tuna in a can is easy to pack into a lunch sack and is easy to open, as most have pop-top lids. My favorite tuna is albacore tuna from Fishwife. This seafood company has been selling wild and responsible tuna since 1869.

 Fishwife has a wide variety of albacore tuna that is packed in olive oil. My favorite is their Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil.

About Fishwife Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil

Fishwife's premium albacore tuna is sourced from the Bay of Biscay and South Africa. This tuna is caught during prime fishing season between June and August for peak quality. The tuna is packed by hand with a Spicy Olive Oil that is infused in-house using hot paprika, cayenne, white pepper, garlic, and salt.

Fishwife adds plenty of their spicy olive oil to their tins, so much that I am able to drizzle it over my bowl of rice. 

Fishwife also sells many other types of premium tinned seafood. From sardines to salmon to even trout, all of their seafood is full of flavor. 

Spicy Olive Tuna Bowl Is:

  ~ Full of flavor

  ~ Perfect for lunch

  ~ Easy to make

  ~ Loaded with protein

This spicy olive tuna bowl is a complete meal that is loaded with nutrition. From carbs to protein to healthy fats and even fiber, it has everything for a healthy meal. You will love how easy it is to pack this meal for lunch. Just make it in a bowl that has a lid. Store the rice bowl in the fridge and enjoy it cold.

 Ingredients Needed

  ~  Fishwife Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil

  ~ Cooked White Rice

  ~ Fresh Cucumber, peeled and sliced

  ~ Roasted Red Peppers, sliced

  ~ Green Olives, sliced

The ingredients in this rice bowl are some of my favorite ingredients that I always have in my pantry. If you want to add or eliminate ingredients, feel free to do so.

Ideas for other ingredients

 ~ Brown rice

 ~ Vegetables - raw or cooked broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers

 ~ Sundried tomatoes

 ~ Topping ideas - black olives, avocado, sunflower seeds

This rice bowl is so easy to make and can be made in minutes, after you cook the rice. I like to keep a container of cooked rice in my fridge for quick meals. One just needs to microwave the rice for about a minute.

4 Easy Steps To Create Spicy Olive Tuna Bowl

 1. Place cooked rice in a bowl - I like to keep cooked rice in my fridge for quick meals.

 2. Open the can of tuna - Drizzle the spicy oil over rice and stir.

 3. Top the rice with the cucumbers, roasted peppers, and olives

 4. Top the rice with tuna and any remaining oil from the can.

Now that you see how easy it is to make a rice bowl with a tin of tuna, you need to start packing your lunch for work. Packing lunch not only will save you money, but it is also better for your health. 

Check out another recipe made with Fishwife seafood

 ~ Simple Gluten-Free Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad

Learn about Fishwife premium seafood, plus get recipe ideas

The Essential Benefits of Bringing the Family Pet on Your Next Trip

Source

 Gone are the days when travel was about ticking all the destinations off a list. Today, it revolves around creating meaningful experiences, strengthening bonding, and traveling in ways that project our real lives. For families whose life revolves around their beloved pet, leaving them behind at home during travels can create a void in their plans.

 Adding your family pet to your next trip is the most heartwarming, practical, and emotional idea. Pet-friendly travel options have evolved globally, and traveling together has never been so rewarding for families raising companion breeds like a Cavapoo Puppy. So, here is why adding your pup to your travel plans is the best decision you are going to make in life.

Why Family Vacations Feel More Meaningful With Pets

 Family travel revolves around shared time and building emotional connection. Bringing a pet along provides a sense of 'home' in unfamiliar settings, helping the family stay grounded when exploring new places. Travel experiences will feel calmer when pets become part of your travel plans.

 Pets have a direct impact on how families plan their days, encouraging better times during holidays. This change often leads to great enjoyment and less travel-induced stress. Traveling with your four-legged companions can help support:

   + Stronger emotional continuity

   + Familiar daily routines

   + More intentional travel planning

   + Greater focus on togetherness

 Critical preparations can help you experience smooth travels, mainly when you are accompanied by younger pets. For instance, if you have dogs as pets, then knowing about their comfort needs and routines with the help of tips for traveling with your puppies can help. 

The Essential Benefits of Bringing the Family Pet on Your Next Trip

 Traveling with your family pet can transform your regular vacation into shared life experiences. Besides companionship, it carries emotional and lifestyle benefits that have a positive impact on families exploring new destinations.

Strengthens Emotional Bonds Across the Family

 Adding pets to your family trips builds shared experiences that deepen emotional connection. Your pets will take part in daily moments, rest stops, walks, play, and meals. This helps families to bond naturally, reinforcing trust and companionship in unknown environments. Such shared experiences lead to:

   + Deeper family emotional connection

   + Stronger pet-owner attachment

   + More meaningful shared memories

   + Increased sense of togetherness

 According to the American Psychological Association (APA), pets play a significant part in reducing loneliness and increasing emotional support in families. This reinforces the value of shared experiences during the extended time of togetherness.

Reduces Travel Stress and Pet-Related Anxiety

 Leaving your pet behind often raises guilt and concerns in you. This might overshadow your vacation time. Traveling together removes every concern about your pet's health, care, and emotional well-being. This helps families unwind completely and enjoy their trip. This sort of peace of mind leads to:

   + Less separation-related anxiety

   + No worries about pet care

   + More relaxed travel experience

   + Greater emotional comfort

 Traveling with your pet becomes more enjoyable, which helps families focus on the experiences instead of any concerns about home.

Encourages Active and Mindful Exploration

Pets such as dogs promote movement and outdoor engagement naturally. Traveling with them helps families explore the walkable areas, beaches, parks, and trails. This results in healthier routines, encouraging:

   + More daily physical activity

   + Outdoor-focused sightseeing choices

   + Slower, intentional exploration

   + Healthier family travel habits

 Traveling with pets can turn your vacation to a mindfulness experience to help families stay active, besides experiencing destinations in a more refreshing way.

Supports Your Pet’s Emotional Well-Being

 Companionship and familiarity are important for pets. Traveling alongside their family can help maintain emotional stability, reduce feelings of abandonment offering reassurances through consistent interactions in new spaces. Such emotional stability offers:

   + Reduced separation anxiety

   + Stronger emotional security

   + Familiar companionship routines

   + Improved overall pet happiness

 The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlights that pets will experience stress and behavioral changes when separated from their owners. This highlights the emotional perks of keeping pets closer during travels.

Creates Unique and Authentic Travel Experiences

 Pet-friendly travel often directs families beyond the general tourist paths. Outdoor cafes, local parks, scenic routes, and community spaces turn into highlights offering memorable interactions with iconic destinations. Such experiences include:

   + Local pet-friendly attractions

   + Outdoor dining opportunities

   + Scenic walking routes

   + Authentic neighborhood experiences

 When your pet joins your travel plans, new experiences set forth, making trips more immersive and connected.

Smart Tips for a Successful Trip with Your Pet

To reap the entire benefits, preparation is important, so ensure to:

   + Choose pet-friendly accommodations with clear policies and adequate space

   + Pack essentials: food, medications, favorite toys, bedding, and travel bowls

   + Schedule vet checkups before longer trips

   + Maintain routines as much as possible

Research local rules for leashes, vaccinations, and pet access

A little pre-trip planning can make your plans enjoyable for all, keep in mind, pets included!

Final Thoughts

 Bringing your family pet on your next trip isn’t just a trend. It’s a reflection of how families live and travel today. It encourages deeper connections, healthier habits, reduced stress, and richer experiences.

 When travel becomes inclusive, intentional, and emotionally fulfilling, it transforms from a simple getaway into something truly memorable.

Because at the end of the day, the best journeys are the ones shared with every member of the family.