Opening Day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Tyree Boyd releases flames from the burner in the basket of the Grateful Red balloon during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Saturday. Due to windy conditions, balloonists were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Luke Bruce and Shelly Ortiz, of Denver, Colo., watch balloons inflate during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

People watch as the Dawn Patrol balloons light up during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday.

LEFT: People watch as the Dawn Patrol balloons light up the dark sky during the fiesta’s opening day at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Balloons inflate for a static display during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Saturday.

Pilot Ron Thornton with the Dawn Patrol team releases flames into his balloon named Peanuts 4Ever during opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Monica Hernandez, 4, waves the Mexican flag during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Mike Maung, crew member with the balloon Last Chance, helps deflate the balloon during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Colleen Perry helps set up the Polar Dawn balloon during the drone show during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

From the left, Milo Quintero, 10, Seth Willey, and Colton Willey, 11, with the Infinitude balloon hangout during opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Dana Thornton shows off his Dawn Patrol team jacket during opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Balloons inflate during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

A fly over during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Katie Wayles, center, from Dallas, Texas, reacts with her sister Lauren Wayles, right, during the candlestick glow during opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Cody Cottle watches the candlestick glow during the opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Chelsea Handler, who is a stand-up comedian and actress, poses for photos with fans during opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Due to breezy conditions, the balloons were not able to take flight and instead participated in a static display for spectators.

Chancey Bush

Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Photographer

Published October 4, 2025 - 11:30 a.m. Modified October 5, 2025 - 8:26 a.m.

Balloons alight, but not aloft, on opening day of fiesta

As featured on - Balloons alight, but not aloft, on opening day of fiesta

Wind grounded the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on opening day Saturday, but festivities still took place for the thousands that made the trip to the launch field.

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