What you should know: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins this Saturday, October 5, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of people from around the world.

According to Tom Garrity, they are expecting 500,000 to 900,000 spectators for Balloon Fiesta. Since the weather looks nice, it could be at the higher end of this visitor estimate.

FULL COVERAGE: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

With so many people, you should get there early. The best way to get to Balloon Fiesta Park is via I-25 at Tramway or Alameda. Once you arrive at the park, parking is $20 and admission is $15.

If you use Park and Ride, you still have a few options available. If you want to bike to Fiesta, you can ride up the North Diversion Channel. Then when you arrive at the park, turn right at the balloon museum and you can park your bike for free. All you have to do is pay the entrance fee.

The gates open at 4am every morning. Dawn Patrol departs every morning at approximately 6-6:15 a.m., around the time of the pilot briefing. Mass climbs occur around 7 a.m

Once you're inside, of course there are the balloons, but there's much, much more.

“When you enter the park, remember that we have the Balloon Discovery Center. We also have the Fiesta Artisans at the north end of Balloon Fiesta. We also have drone shows every morning,” Garrity said.

What can you bring with you? Definitely a jacket. It's getting cold out there. You can also bring a cart with chairs and food.

If you have no luggage or transparent luggage, you can also use the express lane.

No pets are permitted, with the exception of certain service animals. Additionally, you are not allowed to bring glass products, alcohol or weapons. For more information about restrictions, see this link.

There are also all kinds of delicious food and drink options and vendors. You can find out more about this here and in the video above.