Did you attend the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? The massive event recorded 901,720 guest visits this year, officials said as they released the official attendance figures. The total is the third-highest since 2011, with visitor numbers reaching 900,000 only three times.
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta recorded 901,720 guest visits, the third-highest total since 2011, trailing only 2023 and 2015. The event featured 664 registered balloons, including 114 special shapes, and 584 pilots. Participation grew internationally, with representatives from 18 countries and 47 U.S. states.
All 14 scheduled sessions proceeded, with October 10 drawing the largest crowd at 193,761 guests. Balloon Fiesta Live! attracted over one million viewers, and 891 media representatives from 140 organizations covered the event. The 2027 Fiesta is set for October 2-10, themed “Adventure with Altitude.”
The 2026 Balloon Fiesta saw 49,726 more guest visits than last year. The count ranks third, behind 2023, with 968,516 guest visits, and 2015, with 955,703.
“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,” Neil Jackson, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Board president, said in a statement.
“Beautiful ballooning weather and the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers made it possible to deliver 14 unforgettable sessions. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it so special,” he said.
The 2026 Balloon Fiesta in Numbers
The 2026 Fiesta brought together 664 registered balloons, including 114 special shape balloons, 13 of them new, and 584 registered pilots. The number of registered balloons rose from 537 last year, while special shape balloons increased from 103. The event also featured 101 remote control balloons, up from 90 last year.
Balloon Fiesta Live! attracted 1,047,295 viewers this year. Meanwhile, 140 media organizations covered the event, with 891 media representatives reporting on the festivities.
Officials said this year’s Fiesta lived up to its “international” name. It welcomed participants from 18 countries, up from 12 last year. Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, North Macedonia, and Tanzania joined the fun this year.
Pilots came from 47 of 50 U.S. states, an increase from 41 last year. Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia also joined the list of represented states. Only Delaware, Maine and Rhode Island had no pilots represented at this year’s Fiesta.
This year, organizers held all 14 scheduled sessions as planned. Organizers staged one morning flying event as a static display on October 7. They also presented one evening glow as a candlestick glow on October 10. Music Fiesta made its return during the evening festivities on October 10.
Event staff reported that October 10 was the busiest day, with an estimated 193,761 guests. October 9 followed with approximately 162,317 guests.
Mark your calendar for the 55th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which will run from October 2-10, 2027. Organizers have chosen “Adventure with Altitude” as next year’s theme.
