ABQ Balloon Fiesta Bike Rentals

Whether you will be attending the 42nd Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with us or on your own, we have compiled a great list of FAQ to make your experience the best it can possibly be.

Enjoy! See the full list here.

Balloon Fiesta FAQ

  • Are pets allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park? No, except handicap assisting pets.
  • Is smoking allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park? There is no smoking allowed on the Launch Field while balloons are present. Smoking is permitted in designated locations on Main Street. Please be considerate of our other guests.
  • Are large packages and backpacks allowed at the park? Yes, but they are subject to inspection upon entering the Park.
  • Can we bring food and drinks into the park? Yes, but you cannot bring glass or alcohol and your bags or coolers are subject to search.
  • What types of entertainment happen at the park? Besides the balloons, there is a stage located in the center of Main Street that schedules various bands and children’s acts. We also have roving entertainment and interactive education at the Balloon Discovery Center.
  • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Zebra - Bicycle RentalsWho are the Zebras at Balloon Fiesta Park? Zebras are Balloon Fiesta’s launch directors. They help launch the balloons every morning. The reason they are called Zebras is that they wear black and white striped shirts. Zebras make up half of all of the officials on the field. We have about 120 officials that run the events during the week of Balloon Fiesta.
  • What do Chase Crews do? Chase crews help the pilot inflate and deflate his/her balloon for each flight. If you are interested in being on a chase crew, you can register online at www.balloonfiesta.com, call to have an application sent to you, or visit the Chase Crew tower in the southeast corner of the launch field to sign up.
  • What is Dawn Patrol? Dawn Patrol is a group of selected balloons that launch prior to sunrise on the days of Mass Ascensions. These balloons test the weather patterns and conditions for a full launch.
  • What is a Mass Ascension? A mass ascension is when all 500+ balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta Park.
  • Balloon Fiesta Bike RentalsWhat is the best way to take a picture? Create simpler, bolder pictures that are not cluttered with unwanted detail by moving in closer. Close-ups provide variety and add interest to pictures. Take the overall view, then a tight view, then some close-ups of the details.
  • When is the best time to take a picture? The magic hour of twilight, dawn or dusk, create beautiful lighting opportunities where the warmth of “Balloon Glow” blends with the velvet blue of muted skylight. Photographers call this “the jewel box effect”. Twilight and night are low levels of light which require high speed film.
  • How long does it take for the balloons to launch? All 500+ balloons should be launched in less than two hours.
  • How many acres is Balloon Fiesta Park? Balloon Fiesta Park is over 360 acres. The launch field is over 80 acres itself.
  • Is there seating available at Balloon Fiesta Park? Yes, a limited number of benches, bleachers and picnic tables are available and you are able to bring in lawn chairs.
  • Where are the ATMs located at Balloon Fiesta Park? There are ATMs at both the north and south ends of Main Street and near the Stage in the middle of Main Street.
  • What are typical weather conditions, and what do I wear? Generally, temperatures in the morning are around 20-40°F, warming up to about 50-70°F by noon. Bring a jacket and dress in layers. Also remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen to put on after the sun is up. You will be at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a bright, sunny or windy day.