Digital Assignment Editor
Balloon Fiesta saw a lot of traffic this year, bringing in nearly a million guests during the 2026 festival.
According to officials, the event drew more than 901,000 people, 50,000 more than last year.
They say new guests and returning attendees showed up to enjoy “The Scenic Route” and everything Balloon Fiesta had to offer.
The busiest overall day was Saturday, Oct. 10, with an estimated 193,761 guests, followed by Friday, Oct. 9, with an estimated 162,317 guests.
One thousand and fifty-seven volunteers were said to have worked the event, with Neil Jackson, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Board president, saying, “From pilots and crews to guests on the field and fans watching on Balloon Fiesta Live!, this year’s Balloon Fiesta was an incredible success.”
Next year’s event is themed “Adventure with Altitude” and will be held from Oct. 2-10, 2027.
