News and Announcements
Open year-round, the Balloon Museum is a vibrant hub where locals and visitors from around the world can explore the art and science of ballooning. Discover cutting-edge innovations in aviation, learn about the achievements of global explorers, and experience our one-of-a-kind collection of artifacts — including original gondolas from historic balloon flights.
We also bring you updates on new collaborations, museum enhancements, as-well-as, highlights from major ballooning competitions and the broader ballooning community. Join us for the action, excitement, and adventure. Bookmark this page and follow us on social media to stay up to date on museum expansion projects, special program announcements, and ballooning news.
Student Art Contest: Balloons Over Route 66
- Announcement
- Programs and Exhibits
Who: The Balloon Museum and our Stories and Music in the Sky program
What: Nominated for the 2026 ABQ Mom's Choice Award
When: Voting closes on April 3, 2026
Where: Cast your votes at www.ABQMom.com
We are excited to share the Balloon Museum has been nominated for the ABQ Moms' Choice Awards in the following three categories! Vote now through April 3, by visiting www.ABQMom.com and look for us listed under:
- CATEGORY 1: Best Museum
→ Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum - CATEGORY 2: Best Storytime
→ Stories and Music in the Sky at the Balloon Museum - CATEGORY 3: Best Educational Experience for Kids!
→ Stories and Music in the SkyABQ Moms does allow for individuals to vote multiple times to amplify support for their local favorites. Thank you PNC for helping make this possible! Thank you, Enchanted Playground and Keeping Up in Albuquerque for nominating us. Thank you ABQ Moms for including us in the ABQ Moms' Choice Awards.
Statewide Tour with the Zozobra Balloon
- Announcement
- Education and Exhibit Design
Who: Students, grades K-12, who are residents of the greater Albuquerque Metro area
What: Artwork submission (visit the "learn more" button below for more information)
When: Deadline for submissions February 20th, 2026
Where: Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
In celebration of the Route 66 Centennial, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is hosting an art exhibition featuring a black and white mural by a local artist with colorful hot air balloons floating above. This call for artists is for school age (K-12) youth who are invited to create original artwork of colorful hot air balloons. Up to 50 submissions will be selected to be enlarged and printed for the exhibit. The selected artists will have their work featured in the museum’s exhibit that will be on display for approximately one year. Featured artists and their families will be invited to an opening reception.
Statewide Outreach with the Zozobra Balloon Crew
- Announcement: January 1, 2026
- Outreach at External Ballooning Events
Who: Balloon Museum staff join the Zozobra balloon crew and the Kiwanis Club to tour the New Mexico
What: Outreach at statewide balloon festivals
When and Where: Coming to a balloon festival near you! Please see the event line up below.
The Balloon Museum team is excited to partner with the Zozobra balloon crew from the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe to participate in balloon festivals throughout New Mexico and occasionally visit communities in neighboring states. We hope you will come out and join us! NOTE: These events are dependent upon weather conditions. Specifics for each event can be found through the hosting organization's website or social media linked below.
- January 16 and 18, 2026 Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally in Las Cruces, New Mexico
- February 14, 2026 AAAA Balloon Club Friends & Lovers Rally, launching from various sites in Rio Rancho, NM
- September 4, 2026 Zozobra balloon inflation at the 102nd Burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe, NM
- September 18 and 20, 2026 Pagosa Colorfest in Pagosa Springs, CO
- October 5, 8, and 9, 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM
- October 24 - 25, 2026 Rio Grande Sky Fiesta at Los Luceros Historic Site, Alcalde, NM
Groundbreaking: Outdoor Balloon Adventure (Phase 1)
- News: October 9, 2025
- Exhibit News: Museum Expansion / New Exhibit
Who: Balloon Museum staff, CABQ Officials and local community members.
What: Groundbreaking ceremony
When: October 8, 2025
Where: Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
We are excited to share special moments from the groundbreaking of the Outdoor Balloon Adventure space (phase one). Thank you to everyone who joined us and became an active part of the groundbreaking celebration.