Family-Friendly Balloon Museum Events During Balloon Fiesta

Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary October 1 and will host a series of special events during this year's Balloon Fiesta. The celebration kicks off on October 3 with special activities running through October 12. Hours of operation will be expanded, with doors opening at 7 a.m. and beyond 5 p.m. for certain events.

"While the Balloon Museum is open year-round, October is always an extra special month with people coming from around the world for the Balloon Fiesta,” said Balloon Museum Director Nan Masland. “We have an exciting list of upcoming events for Balloon Fiesta week, including new exhibits featuring unique items from the museum archives." 

Breakfast and lunch are available every day from the Museum’s local partners Desert Sky on the Fly, Stan’s Coffee and Scones, and The Munchie Truck. Breakfast runs from 7 a.m to 9 a.m., with lunch from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Come grab a burrito, pastry, and coffee to enjoy with the balloons.

Events include:

●      Oct. 3-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Virtual Reality Balloon Rides: 10 minutes of “flight” without leaving the ground, free with regular museum admission.

●      Oct. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m – Ballooning Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (by invitation only but available on Facebook Live): This Hall of Fame is more formally referred to as the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), Comité International d'Aérostation (CIA) Hall of Fame. This year's ceremony will honor Richard Abruzzo and Hans Åkerstedt for their groundbreaking advancements and achievements in ballooning.

●      Oct. 4-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Anderson Theater - Maxie, Patty, & Family Opening: Three groups of films will be featured daily, free with regular museum admission.

●      Oct. 6 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – New Mexico Free Day: New Mexico residents receive free museum entry when presenting a NM photo ID or utility bill with a NM address to the ticket booth. Valid only on October 6.

●      Oct. 8 from 7 to 9 a.m. – Balloons in the Sky: Early childhood activities co-hosted with Explora Museum. Visit new exhibits and watch the balloons launch from the back lawn. Participate in fun, educational, hands-on activities related to air, wind, and ballooning. Ticket prices vary.

●      Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. – Groundbreaking ceremony for the Outdoor Balloon Adventure: The groundbreaking is to celebrate Phase 1 of a two-part project. This upcoming Outdoor Balloon Adventure space will be an interactive balloon exhibit and will encompass the science, art, and history of ballooning.

●      Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – STEAM Night–The Art of Ballooning: Curious minds of all ages will enjoy this evening of great views along with art demonstrations, hands-on activities, live music, and food trucks. Ticket prices vary.

For additional details, event tickets, and information on museum admission visit www.cabq.gov/balloon.