🎈 Balloon Fiesta Opening Weekend + It's all in the hips! (Oct 2-4)

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Balloon Fiesta is one of those Albuquerque things you should experience at least once with your kids. For some, you may be tired of balloons by now. For others (us), we can't get enough of them. Either way, there are a few different ways to do Fiesta.

If you haven't been before, the morning session is the classic Fiesta experience: gates open at 4:30am, the drone show starts at 5:45am, Dawn Patrol starts around 6am, and the Mass Ascension follows at 7am. Bring layers because that pre-dawn chill is no joke. We love taking the Park & Ride because it feels so much less chaotic, even with a stroller. It runs $18–$30 per person and includes admission, but there's no bus service Monday through Wednesday.

For some, the evening sessions might be more your speed. Saturday night has the Twilight Twinkle Glow, while Sunday night is the Balloon Glow. Both have skydivers, a drone show and fireworks afterward.

And if you want a little Fiesta preview without committing to a ticket, Friday morning is Balloons Aloft, when about 200 balloons launch from schools and other locations around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Here's a quick look at what each day has:

A few things that might save you some money: kids 12 and under are free, adult general admission is $22.24 online or $20 at the gift shop, and parking is $20 cash. And if you can wait until Monday, October 5, it's New Mexico Day, which means free general admission for New Mexico residents. Bring a photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address. You'll still pay $20 for parking. Music Fiesta on Saturday, October 10 features Nathaniel Krantz, Dasha, and Russell Dickerson. It needs a separate ticket, $30–$300, plus Fiesta admission.

Where: Balloon Fiesta Park, 4401 Alameda Blvd NE

MORE THIS WEEKEND

Friday, October 2

Saturday, October 3

Sunday, October 4

“Its all in the hips. It’s all in the hips.”

Albuquerque has been long overdue for a great mini golf course. The Putt-Putt at San Mateo and McLeod closed in 2017, and the course sat quiet for years, until Scott Salvas, who also owns Brew Lab 101, brought it back. Now it's open again as Putts N Pints, and a lot of people have been waiting for it.

The original course is still here, with three outdoor 18-hole courses, fresh paint and turf, and the animal statues still in place. The rest is new. There’s a retro arcade with claw machines, pool tables, a clubhouse sports bar and a full kitchen, so you can easily make an afternoon of it instead of just playing a round of mini golf. There’s also a Virtual Golf Lounge, a golf simulator with room for up to 15 people. No reservation or tee time is needed, and all ages and large groups are welcome.

Hosting a birthday? The Kids Putts N Pizza Party runs 90 minutes in a private party room. Each guest gets a round of mini golf, a slice of pizza, and a soft drink, for $20 per guest. You can bring a cake or cupcakes and your own table decorations (nothing hung on the walls or ceiling), and one parent needs to stay with the group. A 50% non-refundable deposit books the party and counts toward your final total, and sales tax and an 18% gratuity are added on the day.

When: Open daily. Mon–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–12am, Sun 11am–10pm
Where: Putts N Pints, 5100 San Mateo Blvd NE
Cost: Mini golf is $10.99 for one course, $15.99 for two, and $19.99 for three. Seniors, military, and first responders save $1. Kids under 5 are $8.99, $13.99, and $17.99. You can play all three courses in one visit or spread them over several. Prices are per person.
Perk: Join the free Putts Points program for email updates and optional text alerts about events and promotions.

Jasmine took our 7-year-old to The Ivy Tearoom, and it's now at the top of our list for a special kid outing. It's an afternoon tea served in three courses, and the food was delicious.

There were so many teas to choose from, and each table gets to pick three. The staff was really helpful in picking one out for our 7-year-old. Hers was a glittery tea, which was right up her alley.

Ivy Tearoom opened in 2015 and moved to its current home in 2020, a two-story teahouse that was built from the ground up. Inside there are 10 private suites, plus three cottages out on the patio, so your table feels like its own little world. Each suite has its own look, which makes it easy to see why people book it for birthdays and other parties. In 2024 the tearoom started welcoming kids ages 5 to 11 at the first seating of the day, which is how our 7-year-old got in on it.

The menu changes every month. Through October 11, there's a special Balloon Fiesta menu that starts with a biscochito scone and a calabacita strata. Ivy Tea Room has a very impressive 4.7 stars on Google with over 900 reviews.

Good to know before you book:

📍 8830 4th St. NW
💰 $52 per person, tax and tip included
📞 Reserve online or call (505) 388-8691

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