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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025: Moments and memories

Vampirella crew member Katlyn releases flames from the burner during the final day of the fiesta.

Amelia Hoover, 8, left, and Beatrice Hoover, 8, from Golden, Colorado, hold their umbrellas as it starts to sprinkle during the final day of the fiesta.

Pilot of the balloon Balloon’s Deep Shelena Shamo from Orem,Utah releases flames from the burner during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

The Smokey Bear crew packs up their balloon after the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.

The final day of Balloon Fiesta had balloons grounded with static displays and candle stick burns during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

Gus Dobson,6, left, receives a balloon card from Vampirella crew member Katlyn, right, during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

The final day of the fiesta had balloons grounded with some static displays and candlestick burns.

Student pilot of the Balloon Battle Born Ana-Michelle Johnson sits on the back of a truck during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta where balloons have been grounded due to weather at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

A white board by the kids discovery center is colored in by attendee’s of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

Crew member of the Balloon Marauder’s Mark II Ken Romero brings in the balloon tarp during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

Smokey Bear crew member Cody Oliver helps put the balloons tarp away during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

The Smokey Bear balloon crew pack up their balloon after the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

The crowd watches the morning glow during the final day of the 53rd Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

Shelena Shamo, pilot of Balloon’s Deep from Orem, Utah, fires up the burner during Sunday’s static display at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Pilot in training Griffin Leonard, 12, watches the morning glow during the final day of the fiesta.

Launch director Nicole Tagart directs balloon pilots during the mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

People watch as the Zozobra special shape balloon of Old Man Gloom iflates during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Donovan Estrada, 13, center left, lies on his little brother Rohan Estrada, 7, center right, with Alexander Joseph, 12, top left, and Ienne Joseph, 10, bottom right, as balloons soar above during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Audrey Gear, from Montana, watches balloons take flight during the mass ascension during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Dennis Prescott displays his Balloon Fiesta pins on his jean jacket during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Kayla Chavez, 8, sits atop the Gut Punched balloon's basket during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Children help hold the American flag in preparation for the flight of the Chicklet balloon to perform the National Anthem during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Crowds gather to watch balloons ascend during the mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Bubbles shimmer in the morning sunlight as people view the Zozobra special shape balloon of Old Man Gloom during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Robin Jump, center, reacts with her daughter Jessica Mustard, center right, alongside her grandson Blake Miller, and her second daughter Josalyn Miller, back left, and son-in-law Craig Mustard, as the Zozobra balloon inflates during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Crowds gather to watch balloons ascend during the mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

The crowd glows during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Launch director Nicole Tagart directs balloon pilots during the mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Dat Le, a YouTube creator, captures time-lapse sequences for his channel during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Kayla Chavez, 8, sits atop the Gut Punched balloon's basket during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Ashley Desmett, back left, Mikall Hill, back right, Kari Schutty, front left, and Robbie Adair, front right, watch the balloons ascend from their inflatable couches during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Audrey Gear, from Montana, left, watches balloons take flight during the mass ascension during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Vivian Hoffman, 11, sits on her father Mark Hoffman's shoulders during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Launch director Nicole Tagart directs balloon pilots during the mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Balloons inflate and begin to rise, captured in flight from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. "It's the closest you can get to a flying carpet ride," said Meyer.

Balloons inflate and begin to rise, captured in flight from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer from North Carolina ignites flames in the Horizon balloon in preparation for flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Balloons begin to inflate captured from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer from North Carolina lands the Horizon balloon in a resident's yard on the outskirts of Corrales, N.M., during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Balloons in flight captured from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

The Horizon balloon in flight with pilot Mark Meyer of North Carolina during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Crew members work together to fold and bag the Horizon balloon on the outskirts of Corrales, N.M., during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer navigates his balloon named Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Balloons inflate and begin to rise, captured in flight from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer stands inside his balloon named the Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Crew members work to deflate the Horizon balloon after landing in the outskirts of Corrales, N.M., during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Missy Meyer and her pilot husband, Mark Meyer, of North Carolina, kiss while enjoying a glass of champagne after taking flight in their balloon, named the Horizon, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The couple will be celebrating their 38th anniversary on Friday.

Pilot Mark Meyer ignites flames into his balloon named the Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer poses with the burners after landing his balloon, named Horizon, in the outskirts of Corrales, N.M., during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Donna Houghton watches crews with the Horizon balloon pack up the balloon after landing in front of her home on the outskirts of Corrales, N.M., during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

The Horizon balloon soars during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Balloons prepare for inflation captured in flight from the Horizon balloon, piloted by Mark Meyer, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer navigates his balloon named the Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer ignites flames into his balloon named the Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Missy Meyer and her pilot husband, Mark Meyer, of North Carolina, kiss while in flight in their balloon, named Horizon, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, NM, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The couple will be celebrating their 38th anniversary on Friday.

Balloons in flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Balloons in flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Pilot Mark Meyer takes flight after landing in a field and switching passengers in his balloon named the Horizon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

George Rivera IV, 4 left, pretends to push Brandon Elwess, right, with the force while he is dressed as Darth Maul from Star Wars during mass ascension for the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

Joven Ballét Folkorico of Aguascalientes dancers Patricia Ortiz, left, and Adrian Carrillo, right, perform doing the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

The pilot of the balloon “Peanuts 4ever” from Littleton, Massachusetts Ron Thornton, center, ignites the burner during Dawn Patrol for the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

The balloon “Tiger” is fully blown up during mass ascension for the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

The Crew of the “Accident Insurance Company” balloon also known as the AIC balloon dance to the song the “Cupid Shuffle” to warm up before mass ascension for the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

The balloon “When Pigs Fly” peaks over the balloons during mass ascension for the 53 Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-001 — Hot air balloons take flight above Balloon Fiesta Park during a mass ascension on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-002 — Hot air balloons inflate ahead of a mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta Park on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-003 — Crowds gather in between hot air balloons as they inflate during a mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta Park on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-004 — Attendees watch as a balloon pilot lights their burner during a mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta Park on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-005 — Hot air balloons take flight above Balloon Fiesta Park during a mass ascension on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-006 — Crowds gather in between hot air balloons as they inflate during a mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta Park on Monday.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-007 — Hot air balloons take flight above Balloon Fiesta Park during a mass ascension on Monday. Wind could affect Tuesday morning’s balloon launch.

20251006-news-monfiesta-gg-008 — A lone hot air balloon flies above Balloon Fiesta Park while others inflate during a mass ascension on Monday.

Cynthia Seal goes up during Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.

The Dreamland Cow goes up during Mass Ascension for the 53 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.

RIGHT: The crowd watches dozens of balloons rise during Sunday’s mass ascension.

ABOVE: Tami Engle from Lexington, Kentucky, takes pictures as balloons rise during Sunday’s mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Zebra Joe Ballengee lets the balloon Rhapsody in Blue know they are cleared to go up during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.

Chancey Bush

Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Photographer

Jessica Baca

Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Photographer

Gino Gutierrez

Gino Gutierrez Gino Gutierrez Gino Gutierrez Podcast Editor

Published October 13, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. Modified October 13, 2025 - 10:01 a.m.

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