Hot Air Balloons Block Out the Sky in Albuquerque
The Dawn Patrol shows, America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race and the colorful Balloon Glow events in the evenings are just some of the reasons the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held every October, is arguably the most popular balloon festival in the country. The 2009 festival is Oct. 3-11. You can read all about the annual balloon festival in Elizabeth Mitchell's lively account about her first hot air balloon ride. Many of the hotels in this New Mexico city book up a year in advance but there's usually lodging available close to the date in surrounding towns.
It's Target Tubing Time in Snowmass
Target tubing games, nocturnal flights and "Dawn Quixote" are among the events spectators love to watch during the annual Snowmass Balloon Festival in September.
Balloons Framed by Snow-covered Swiss Alps
Brass bands lead everyone to the take-off field for the initial rising of the balloons en mass during the annual Festival International de Ballons in Château-d'Oex, Switzerland, every January. (The 2009 festival is January 24-Feb. 1.) Flights during the day, nocturnal ballets of the balloons and parachute drops from the balloons are all part of the week-long party during the annual balloon festival in this city perched high in the Alps.
Where Are the Festivals
Colorful balloon festivals are held around in many locations. Visit Behind The Scenes Other Balloon Festivals Web page for a list.
