2018 ABQ Balloon Fiesta Guide, Part 2

Check out Part 1 here.

By 10 AM most of the balloons will have launched, and you will have most of the day to wander around the Fiesta Park or explore Albuquerque a bit before the main evening events. There are plenty of merch tents to check out as well as tons of food options in the Park, as well as a museum featuring many cool historical craft and exhibits covering the history and science of ballooning. You can also check out the Balloon Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits are specially set up for each year's event. At this free (with admission) attraction, you can try your hand at weaving a gondola out of rattan, or learn how to use weather equipment, and kids can simulate a flight.

NASA will have many exhibits and activities going on at the Discovery Center this year. They will be displaying parts of a new propulsion system for their X-57 Maxwell, a new experimental aircraft. A scientific balloon will also be on display with staff from their Balloon Office to answer questions about the program’s mission. Several former astronauts will be giving talks throughout the festival. Other exhibits include advanced infrared cameras, high altitude pressure suits, an F-15 cockpit simulator, and an outer space photo booth.

There's also a huge chainsaw carving competition going on all week at the Fiesta, as well as a classic car show on Sunday. If you decide to go exploring around Albuquerque during the day, you will see balloons still floating all over the city, and there will be balloons coming down all around. Some end up landing in backyards and streets, so beware! It's a good idea not to get distracted by all the balloons when driving, but there are usually a few accidents for this very reason. Also, remember that it is illegal to pull off the side of the freeways (I 25 & I 40) to balloon watch!