Balloons Over Angel Fire is one of the country’s few high-altitude hot air balloon displays. Set against azure blue skies, with rides and festivities throughout the weekend, it’s a handful of joy whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or a week in the fresh mountain air.
Balloons Over Angel Fire: Annual Event
Imagine being at the cinema but instead of being in a dark room with a projector, the clear blue sky above the Sangre de Cristo mountain range is your screen. The feature you are about to watch is filled with opulent colors buoyed in the wind. You sit back in awe as you breathtakingly watch luminous montages of color gently rise above mountain peaks in the form of mesmerizing hot air balloons.
What makes this event so spectacular are the 35-40 silently nodding and bobbing balloons above the already pristine Moreno Valley. The experience is ethereal. It’s like eye candy for your soul.
Expertly piloted balloons from all over northern New Mexico ascend on Angel Fire each year on the third Saturday of June. Balloons Over Angel Fire is an annual event that also features live music, food, art and a farmers market.
Set within the crisp sun filled air of the southern Rockies, this unique and spellbinding event is a fantastic way to celebrate Father’s Day on your Angel Fire, New Mexico vacation.
Balloon Festivities & Schedule
Festivities begin on Friday and include a mountain bike race, a benefit golf tournament during the day and free music at Frontier Park on Friday night. Saturday morning at 7 AM balloon sightings begin above the Angel Fire Airport and last until 10 AM. Visitors are encouraged to arrive with their own lawn chairs and blankets. You can also grill, picnic or do other tailgating activities.
Mimosas On Main
Take a walk through town after the hot air balloon show to experience Mimosas On Main. From 8 AM to 4 PM the Angel Fire Street fair features live music, face painting, artisans, food and drinks. The kids can enjoy playing at The Kids Zone, while adults can imbibe beverages in the Mimosa Garden.
Take Your Own Hot Air Balloon Ride In New Mexico
If you are more daring, hot air balloon rides are available so you can experience the joy and excitement of sailing high above Moreno Valley for yourself. Hot air balloon enthusiasts can interact with pilots who are available to talk and share the history and intricate details of balloon navigation and rides.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Night brings more live music and the annual balloon glow to light up the evening skies.
On Sunday you can rise to experience the balloons all over again. Then head back to town to the Farmers and Artisans Market. Enjoy the freshness of locally grown produce. Explore art and crafts of northern New Mexico while you drink and dine on food from local vendors.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Angel Fire Weather
The average temperatures in Angel Fire in June range from 60-70 degrees during the day. Nights and early mornings may get down into the 40s but make for great summer grilling and bonfire weather.
How To Dress For The Weather
The best way to dress in the mountains is in layers. Start with a light sweatshirt or sweater over a t-shirt or tank top. Sunglasses, a hat and a raincoat or umbrella will have you prepared for varying weather. All events are outdoors and apparel is casual.
What To Bring To Tailgate At The Angel Fire Airport
The ascension events at the Angel Fire Airport are a bring-your-own-seating and food, type of festivity. Lawn chairs, blankets, strollers and wagons are all acceptable. You are encouraged to tailgate so light up that grill or open up that cooler and get fueled up for summer mountain fun.
Prices & Promotions
Balloon sightings, live music, the street fair and the farmers market are all FREE to attend. There will be food and beverages available for purchase, along with local art and produce.
If you are interested in sponsoring a balloon, contact: tourismdirector@angelfirenm.gov. Festival directors are always looking for volunteers to help inflate and deflate balloons. For any additional information please contact tourismdirector@angelfirenm.gov.