ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of the most anticipated mornings of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta took flight Thursday as the annual Special Shape Rodeo returned to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Launch officials raised the green flag Thursday morning, allowing dozens of specialty balloons to inflate and head into Albuquerque’s skies under favorable weather conditions.
The Special Shape Rodeo is known for featuring some of Fiesta’s most recognizable balloons, from larger-than-life characters to creative and whimsical designs that draw thousands of spectators each year. The event is considered one of the most photographed and family-friendly attractions of the nine-day festival.
Thursday’s activities continue into the evening with a full lineup of events, including the Special Shape Glowdeo, Team Fastrax skydiving demonstration, a drone light show, and the popular AfterGlow fireworks display. What’s happening tonight:
- 6:30 p.m. — Special Shape Glowdeo™
- 7:30 p.m. — Team Fastrax™ Skydiving
- 7:45 p.m. — Drone Light Show
- 8:00 p.m. — AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Friday morning is expected to feature another packed schedule at Balloon Fiesta Park, including:
- Morning Glow
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Mass Ascension, weather permitting
So far, Balloon Fiesta has enjoyed what many pilots and visitors describe as “Chamber of Commerce weather,” with generally favorable flying conditions throughout the week.
However, forecasters are monitoring Tropical Storm Simon, currently off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Meteorologists say the system is expected to push moisture northward into the Southwest, increasing the potential for rain across New Mexico beginning this weekend and continuing into early next week.
For now, visitors are being treated to another picture-perfect Balloon Fiesta morning as one of the event’s most beloved traditions fills the skies above Albuquerque.
