Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

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Any local will tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, made so in large part by the much-anticipated sight of colorful balloons punctuating the skyline. During this season, the sky is bluer, the days are gentler, and the mornings crisper — almost as though the landscape has taken a deep sigh — and on the desert’s warm breath sails the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

2024 will mark the 52nd time that the Balloon Fiesta has filled Albuquerque’s crystal blue skies. The Balloon Fiesta is the premier international ballooning event, powered by the typically perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the “Albuquerque Box,” (a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and even retrace their adventure) that is great for spectators and pilots as they can possibly take off and land from the same location.

Any of Ted Turner’s Southern New Mexico properties make a perfect residence for your Balloon Fiesta experience. Stay at Armendaris, Ladder, or Sierra Grande, for this spectacular sight; mixed with beautiful accommodations, delicious meals, as well as the opportunity for adventures on Turner properties, spa treatments, and healing water soaks.