Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta enters day seven with Friday events
Pilots met in Albuquerque at 6 a.m. Friday to review flight weather conditions. Officials categorize flight safety using green flag, yellow flag, and red flag statuses.
Organizers may cancel or postpone events if local conditions become unsafe for flight operations. Winds faster than 10 knots, or about 11.5 miles per hour, stop launches. Visibility under 3 miles halts activity. Rain stops flights. Clouds below 1,500 feet also prevent morning ascensions across the Albuquerque launch field.
The Friday schedule features events throughout the morning and evening hours:
- 4:30 a.m. Kids’ Day Goodie Bag Distribution Begins
- 5:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show
- 6 a.m. Dawn Patrol
- 7 a.m. Special Shape Rodeo™ and Balloon Launch
- 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fiesta de los Globitos (RC Balloon Exhibition)
- 8 a.m. Fly In Competition
- 8 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
- 10 a.m. Chainsaw Carving Auction
- 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Team Fastrax™ Skydiving
- 6:30 p.m. Special Shape Glowdeo™
- 8 p.m. After Glow™ Fireworks Show
The Pilot Briefing Tower serves as the operational center for morning flight coordinators. Staff review atmospheric measurements to maintain safety across regional airspace.
Evening activities in Albuquerque conclude with skydiving demonstrations, illuminated envelope displays, and fireworks.
