ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 54th ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is unveiling a packed lineup of food vendors, artisans, and retail merchants as organizers prepare to welcome visitors from around the world Oct. 3-11.
While the hot air balloons remain the main attraction, Balloon Fiesta officials say this year’s Main Street experience will feature more than 100 food, merchandise, and artisan vendors spread along the event’s one-third-mile festival corridor.
“Main Street is the heartbeat of experience on the ground at Balloon Fiesta,” said Executive Director Julie Morgas Baca. “While the balloons paint the sky, our vendors create an unforgettable festival atmosphere full of local culture, world-class craftsmanship, and classic New Mexico flavors.”
Several businesses will make their first appearance at Balloon Fiesta this year, including:
- Crepe Crazy
- Olympia Café
- Pit Happens
- Potato Hut
- Mini Donut Co.
- Capy Caricatures
- HushHush Farm
- Memoreez
- Nature’s Lounger
- Mike’s Jerky
Balloon Fiesta staples are also returning, including:
- Blake’s Lotaburger
- Perico’s
- Tom Thumb Mini Donuts
- New Mexico Piñon Coffee
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Hatch Shack
Organizers say attendees will once again be able to enjoy the event’s iconic grab-and-go breakfast burritos, a Balloon Fiesta tradition that helped popularize the handheld breakfast option throughout New Mexico.
In addition to food vendors, visitors can shop for handmade jewelry, artwork, crafts, and gifts from dozens of local and regional artisans.
Highlights include:
- Native American Traders
- James Rogers Silversmiths
- Jennifer Patterson Designs
- Zion Blankets
- Victoria’s Southwest Designs
Guests can also watch live demonstrations from Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, known for high-energy chainsaw and wood carving exhibitions.
Officials say the expanded Main Street marketplace is designed to give visitors plenty to explore between mass ascensions, special shape rodeos, balloon glows, and fireworks displays.
The 2026 Balloon Fiesta runs October 3 through October 11 at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque.
Additional information on vendors, event schedules, and tickets is available through Balloon Fiesta organizers.
