Events & Festivals / Sep 27, 2023
Balloon Fiesta Takes You Up, Up, and Away
As the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lifts off for the 51st year in all its high-flying glory, here’s how to elevate your experience…
By Bryce Risley
Events & Festivals / Sep 27, 2023
Tips for Camping Out at Balloon Fiesta
Official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta photographer Scott Hughes and his wife, Lynn Gurnee, have some advice for how to set up camp and…
By Julian Dossett
Events & Festivals / Sep 27, 2023
Join a Hot-Air Balloon Chase Crew
Balloon pilots have limited control over where they land—chase crews follow along by car and help to pack up after the landing.
By Julian Dossett
Events & Festivals / Oct 04, 2023
Tips for Balloon Fiesta Photography
Elevate your Balloon Fiesta photography with help from Albuquerque photographer Aaron Blanc.
By Lynn Cline
Events & Festivals / Oct 04, 2023
Balloon Fiesta First-Timer Guide
Balloon pilots Neil Jackson and Judy Nakamura, who both also serve on the Balloon Fiesta board of directors, help prime first-timers for a…
By Julian Dossett
Events & Festivals / Sep. 27, 2023
Meet This Legendary Balloon Pilot
After a 50-year career piloting for the likes of Kellogg’s and Wells Fargo, Jim Ahern still makes ballooning part of his…
Events & Festivals / Sep. 27, 2023
Get to Know This Young Balloon Pilot
At 17, Kierstynn Wehner is continuing her family’s legacy and recruiting young people to the sport.
Events & Festivals / Oct. 04, 2023
Balloonist Makes a Comeback
Second-generation balloonist Karen Converse stepped away to raise her children before returning to her balloon family.
Culture / Jun 16, 2021
Meet the Female Pilots of Hot-Air Ballooning
An exhibit at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum celebrates adventurous…
June 2020 / May 20, 2020
Reach New Hot-Air Heights
My first ride in one of Albuquerque's hot-air balloons was everything.
People / Sep 28, 2022
Balloon Pilot Reaches New Heights
With more than 40 years as a balloon pilot, Ray Bair has helped to elevate the sport and…
Culture / Oct 03, 2018
The Joy of Balloon Fiesta
A retired cop steps off the beat and into the air.