Balloon Museum Adds Virtual Reality Experience, Extended Hours During Balloon Fiesta
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is gearing up to enhance the excitement of the upcoming Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® with extended hours and a dynamic schedule of events running from October 4-13. Highlights include a virtual reality ballooning experience, S.T.E.A.M. Night on October 10, and Lift Your Spirits Craft Cocktail Festival on October 11.
On the eve of Balloon Fiesta on October 4, the Balloon Museum will host the prestigious Féderation Aéronautique Internationale Ballooning Commission International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a private event. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Neil Robertson of the United Kingdom and Aleš Kubíček of the Czech Republic.
The Balloon Museum will be open each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., October 5 to 13.
“The Balloon Museum expertly showcases the history and spirit of our city’s most iconic event, and this new virtual reality feature takes it to even greater heights,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “A visit to the museum is the perfect compliment to the fiesta experience, and there’s no better place to learn about ballooning and its important place in our city.”
Balloon Museum Event Highlights
Virtual Reality Balloon Experience - Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Experience the feeling of flight without your feet leaving the ground during a 10-minute virtual reality balloon journey. (Included with admission.)
New Mexico Day at the Balloon Museum - Monday, October 7: N.M. residents present your photo ID or utility bill with a N. M. address to the ticket booth and receive free museum entry.
Balloons in the Sky - Wednesday, October 9 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers are invited to experience hands-on age-appropriate activities while the balloons launch into the sky. Activities provided by Explora’s Early Childhood program. (Included with admission.)
S.T.E.A.M. Night: Floating with Buoyancy - Thursday, October 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Join the museum us for an evening for curious minds of all ages. Did you ever wonder how balloons fly? Learn the principles of buoyancy and density and then try them for yourself with exciting hands on activities. Enjoy live music and food trucks. This event is in partnership with Be Greater than Average.
Lift Your Spirits - Friday, October 11 from 4 to 9 p.m.: The Department of Arts & Culture has partnered with the New Mexico Distillers Guild to present a craft cocktail festival. New Mexico distilleries will be mixing up signature cocktails and educating guests about their creations and methods. While you enjoy your drink, grab some local cuisine from a food truck, shop from an assortment of local handmade products, listen to a variety of bands, and enjoy the best view of Balloon Fiesta Park. Tickets available on the website.
Lecture Series (included with admission)
Sunday, October 6 - 11 a.m. to noon: Petr Kubicek discusses the rich history of his company, Kubicek Balloons.
Monday, October 7 - 11 a.m. to noon: Bryce Risely reveals Zozobra the Balloon: History and a Merging of Cultures.
Wednesday, October 9 - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Becky Wigeland, Curator at the National Balloon Museum in Indianola, Iowa, explores the History of Ballooning in Indianola.
Friday, October 11 - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: The Fractal Foundation shares how a passion for natural patterns, fractals and hot air ballooning led to the stunning Flying Fractals balloon designs.
Tickets to the Balloon Museum can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/y379x8w8.