Day 8 of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins Saturday

Activities launched early Saturday in Albuquerque for day eight of the annual gathering. Organizers prepared the grounds for morning flights and shows. Officials scheduled multiple displays across the park.

The pilot briefing and Dawn Patrol got underway to determine flight status for the day. Saturday is ExxonMobil Day. Events began at dawn.

The morning lineup for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, lists several featured shows:

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
• 6 a.m. Dawn Patrol Show presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort
• 6:30 a.m. Krispy Kreme Morning Glow
• 7 a.m. Mass Ascension
• 8 a.m. Chainsaw Carving Exhibition

Pilots monitor local wind conditions during the early morning briefings in Albuquerque. Weather checks decide whether balloons safely launch into the sky each day.

Guests can review the complete listing of activities directly through event coordinators.