The Balloon Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Balloon Fiesta!

On a clear morning in April of 1972, thirteen hot air balloons

launched from Albuquerque’s Coronado Mall to a cheering crowd of ten thousand spectators. The event was a promotional stunt meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of local radio station KOB (now KKOB).

Little did organizers know, that launch would mark the first annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, which this October will celebrate its own 50th anniversary.

VIP MUSEUM DINING DURING BALLOON FIESTA OCTOBER 1-9,THE OBSERVATION DECK

Enjoy the views of the 50th anniversary of Balloon Fiesta from above the crowds at the Balloon Museum. With breathtaking and panoramic views, delicious food & drink, VIP parking, museum elegance and amenities, THE OBSERVATION DECK is a one- of -a-kind experience and a fundraiser for the Balloon Museum. Choose breakfast with morning launches or dinner with evening glows and fireworks—many patrons choose both!

Advance purchase tickets required.

September / October 2022 at the Balloon Museum

NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION CANOPY OF COLOR: ALBUQUERQUE’S BALLOON FIESTA®

The Balloon Museum announces its highly anticipated exhibition Canopy of Color Celebrating 50 Years of Balloon Fiesta ® opening in conjunction with the 50th Balloon Fiesta. Dig deep into the history of Balloon Fiesta and soar high above the crowd in this interactive and engaging new exhibition.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION OPENING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 9 AM–NOON CANOPY OF COLOR:

Celebrating Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta® Join the celebration for the first-ever long-term exhibition about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Step inside the exhibition and learn how it all started. Listen to pilots, crew members, vendors, and spectators talk about why they keep coming back to Balloon Fiesta. And watch as the Canopy of Color lights up like hot air balloons during an All Burn! Included with Museum admission. Free for Museum Members. No reservation required.

Elevation Station

INTERACTIVE ALL-AGES FUN

This hands-on exhibition engages the young and young at heart in the joy of science, culture, and art of ballooning. Through interactive games with projection mapping and touch tables, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences, visitors will learn more than they expected about the exhilarating sport of ballooning.

S.T.E.A.M. Nights

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM

STEAM Night at the Balloon Museum, theme: Canopy of Color. Roll up your sleeves and get ready for hands-on fun as we explore the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math of Ballooning at this event for curious minds of all ages. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and beverages for the adults at this family-friendly event. Included with Museum admission. Free for Museum Members. No reservation required.

HISTORIC

SID CUTTER: MAN ABOVE TOWN

INTERACTIVE ALL-AGES FUN This hands-on exhibition engages the young and young at heart in the joy of science, culture, and art of ballooning. Through interactive games with projection mapping and touch tables, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences, visitors will learn more than they expected about the exhilarating sport of ballooning.

BOOK SIGNING

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6: 9 AM

Book Signing for coffee table book “50 Years of Balloon Magic” with authors Dick Brown, Tom McConnell, Paul Rhetts, and Kim Vesley. Children’s book “The Best Day Ever!” by author and Illustrator Ross Van Dusen.

SCIENTIFIC AND INTERNATIONAL SPORT BALLOONING & HALL OF FAME

Each year the FAI - Fédération Aéronautique Internationale elects two inductees to the Hall of Fame: one living and one posthumous who have made significant contributions to Aerostation. The induction ceremony takes place at the Balloon Museum during a private event on the eve of Balloon Fiesta. This year’s inductees Vincent Leÿs of France and Dr. Carol Rymer-Davis of the USA will be featured in the Hall of Fame as part of the Sport Ballooning exhibition.

DOCENT-LED MUSEUM TOURS
DAILY, OCTOBER 1–9: 2 PM INCLUDED WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Experienced docents lead tours around the highlights of the Balloon Museum. Subject to availability.

CRAFT COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 4 PM–9 PM LIFT YOUR SPIRITS CRAFT COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

ART GALLERY

BEEP! BEEP! ILLUSTRATING BALLOON FIESTA

Through the Art of Chuck Jones Did someone take a left turn at Albuquerque? For a limited time, view original Warner Brothers animation cels of Road Runner and Coyote by Chuck Jones and learn about the longstanding history between the art of Chuck Jones and hot air ballooning competitions during Balloon Fiesta. “Up, Up and a Weight “ by Chuck Jones, 1996, animation cel with handpainted color. On Loan from the Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa Collection

GALLERY TALK

Beep! Beep! - Illustrating Balloon Fiesta Gallery Talk SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2: 9 AM BEEP! BEEP! ILLUSTRATING BALLOON FIESTA ®

Through the Art of Chuck Jones Gallery Talk With Craig Kausen, grandson of Chuck Jones and President of Linda Jones Enterprises. See the artwork of Chuck Jones through the eyes of his grandson, Craig Kausen. Learn about the connection between Balloon Fiesta and Roadrunner and Coyote. Included with Museum admission. Free for Museum Members. No reservation required.