HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of people make the trip for the awe and joy of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “It’s the largest balloon event in the world,” says Tom Garrity, media director and spokesperson for the fiesta. This year’s nine-day event, October 5–13, features 566 balloons from 11 countries, including 106 special shape balloons and 55 first-time balloons.
“To be able to walk among 500-plus hot-air balloons on a Saturday morning and watch them launch and fly over is very magical,” Garrity says. While there’s plenty to experience at Balloon Fiesta, from concerts and collectibles to wood carving and fireworks shows, here are three ways to get the most of your visit outside the park.
Avoid the crowds, get the view. Built out of colorful shipping containers, Tin Can Alley is a sight in and of itself. Just east of Balloon Fiesta Park, the food hall features spacious upstairs decks with great views of the balloons during weekend watch parties from 6 to 10 a.m. “We make special drinks like mimosas and Pepe-ladas, which is our version of a michelada made with Pepe Loco, our Mexican-style lager,” says Evan Wrons, marketing director at Santa Fe Brewing Co.
Enjoy a little R&R. Whether you want to soak your early-riser’s bones in a hot tub after a mass ascension or remove the stress of travel with a facial, you can do it at Betty’s Bath & Day Spa. “Coming in for any of our services is a great way to pass the time between morning and evening Balloon Fiesta events,” says Lisa McCulloch, owner of Betty’s. “We set up a relaxing and tranquil environment so people can return to their true nature and radiance.”
Take in a quintessentially New Mexican evening. While hot-air balloons are the stars of the festival, flamenco artists always shine in Albuquerque. Every weekend, Tablao Flamenco at Hotel Albuquerque puts on world-class performances. “The Tablao is unique because it’s structured improvisation, a conversation between the dancers and musicians,” says Andrea Lozano, a dancer at Tablao Flamenco. “No two shows are ever the same.”
Picking pumpkins is fun for all ages at the Santa Fe Harvest Festival.
Photograph courtesy of Jane Phillips.
SANTA FE HARVEST FESTIVAL
October 5-6
Wandering the fields and hunting for the perfect pumpkin at El Rancho de las Golondrinas feels like peak fall. For more than 50 years, the historic La Ciénega property has been throwing the Santa Fe Harvest Festival (October 5 and 6), featuring a u-pick pumpkin hunt, ristra making, corn-husk crafts, and an art market. Leave with armfuls of fall decor for your home and a heart full of gratitude for the season.
Show off your stuff at Red River’s Oktoberfest.
Photograph courtesy of Town of Red River.
SIERRA COUNTY FAIR
October 3-6
A peewee pig show, cow patty bingo, and dog show are just some of the fun you can expect at this fair in Truth or Consequences, which showcases local agriculture and 4-H clubs.
OKTOBERFEST
October 11-13
Red River knows how to throw a fall shindig. Don your lederhosen, participate in a beard and mustache contest, enjoy craft beer and wine, and see the golden leaves in this quaint mountain town.
FALL FIBER ARTS SALE
October 12-13
This weekend show—hosted by the Southwest Women’s Fiber Arts Collective—highlights the diversity and beauty of the medium at the Murray Hotel, in Silver City.
SANTA FE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
October 16-20
Since its inception in 2009, this fest has grown to become one of the most anticipated of the year, with more than 300 hours of screening s and past participants including Ethan Hawke, Robert Redford, and Oliver Stone.
Carve up fun at Los Alamos Halloweekend.
Photograph by NMTD.
