The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event that takes place every October in New Mexico. For the 2026 season, the 54th annual Fiesta is officially scheduled for October 3–11, 2026. The festival is structured around two "mass ascensions" on the opening and closing weekends, where hundreds of balloons take flight simultaneously at sunrise. Throughout the week, the schedule includes the "Special Shape Rodeo," "Glowdeo" evening events (where tethered balloons light up the night), and the "Dawn Patrol" flights. Because the event is highly weather-dependent, the nine-day duration provides a buffer for visitors; if high winds cancel a morning launch on Tuesday, there are still several other opportunities to see the balloons in flight. By 2026, the Fiesta has grown into the "most photographed event on Earth," attracting nearly a million visitors over its nine-day run, making it essential to book accommodations in the Albuquerque area at least a year in advance.