Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Rides
Be a part of the world’s largest hot air balloon festival by booking a flight with Rainbow Ryders, the official, exclusive hot air balloon ride operator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®.
Can’t catch a flight at Balloon Fiesta? Rainbow Ryders flies every day, year-round in Albuquerque, offering breathtaking sunrise views of the Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains. Visit our Albuquerque page to explore current rates and availability.
Balloon Fiesta® Mass Ascension Balloon Ride
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Be sure to include the exclusive Ryders Club for VIP treatment when you book your balloon ride! You’ll receive the following benefits when you upgrade your flight with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Shared Basket Balloon Ride
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, you’ll enjoy a celebratory toast and receive a commemorative balloon flight pin, marking the end of your safe and memorable adventure.
Balloon Fiesta® Private Mass Ascension Ride
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket. It also includes the VIP Ryders Club package.
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Included with your private flight is the exclusive VIP Ryders Club package, valued at $150 per person. You’ll receive the following benefits with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Private Basket Balloon Ride
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket.
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to mark the end of your safe and memorable adventure. You will be presented with a balloon flight pin to commemorate your aeronautical experience.
Balloon Fiesta® Mass Ascension Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Be sure to include the exclusive Ryders Club for VIP treatment when you book your balloon ride! You’ll receive the following benefits when you upgrade your flight with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Shared Basket Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, you’ll enjoy a celebratory toast and receive a commemorative balloon flight pin, marking the end of your safe and memorable adventure.
Balloon Fiesta® Private Mass Ascension Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket. It also includes the VIP Ryders Club package.
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Included with your private flight is the exclusive VIP Ryders Club package, valued at $150 per person. You’ll receive the following benefits with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Private Basket Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket.
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to mark the end of your safe and memorable adventure. You will be presented with a balloon flight pin to commemorate your aeronautical experience.
About the Festival
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is the world’s largest hot air balloon event, filling New Mexico’s skies with hundreds of colorful balloons every October. It draws visitors from around the globe for nine days of unbeatable, picture-worthy fun, featuring things like:
- Mass ascensions with hundreds of balloons
- Special shape balloons
- Glowing evening events
- Live music and thrilling performances
- Mini remote-controlled balloons
Rainbow Ryders is proud to be the one-and-only official ride operator of this amazing event, helping transform the Rio Grande Valley into a celebration of lighter-than-air flight.
What Our Ryders Have to Say
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We're Hiring
Are you interested in supporting flight operations from the ground? As a member of our Balloon Fiesta chase crew, you could assist with launch preparation, track balloons during flight, and help pilots and passengers safely land and pack up after each adventure.
Apply to be a part of our chase crew to experience the excitement of the world’s most iconic aviation events while working alongside an experienced team.
Learn More About Our Locations
Albuquerque
- Get an aerial view of New Mexico's scenic Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains.
Phoenix
- Drift above saguaro cacti and see the rugged mountain ranges of Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
Colorado Springs
- See Colorado's dramatic Rocky Mountains and the iconic Garden of the Gods from the sky.
Park City
- Get sweeping views of Utah's Wasatch Mountains while gliding in a hot air balloon.
