👉 The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, often simply referred to as the Albuquerque IOI or just the Fiesta, is an annual event held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that features one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world. Typically taking place in late January or early February, it attracts thousands of spectators and balloonists from around the globe. The festival showcases hundreds of hot air balloons, ranging from small 10-foot models to large 70-foot "giant" balloons, all ascending and descending in a spectacular display of aerial artistry and engineering. Organized by the Balloon Festival Association, the IOI combines cultural performances, food vendors, and balloon launches with the thrill of witnessing these massive flying machines soar through the sky, making it a unique blend of adventure, community, and spectacle.
