Each year, thousands flock to New Mexico to visit our southern neighbors and experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This phenomenon in its 52nd year, October 5–13, 2024, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.

Albuquerque hotels can fill quickly for the week of the event, but bear in mind that lodging in Santa Fe is always an option. This way you can enjoy both the Balloon Fiesta AND Santa Fe, just 60 miles to the north, where you can find great lodging deals. In Santa Fe, temps are a bit cooler, the air a bit crisper, and the colors a bit more vivid.

Again this year, TOURISM Santa Fe is offering a daily shuttle that will run to and from Balloon Fiesta Park with the purchase of an advance roundtrip ticket of $55 per person (+ processing fee). Click here to purchase your roundtrip shuttle ticket

Click here to purchase your separate tickets to Balloon Fiesta.

Here are a few recommendations to help you experience the Balloon Fiesta in a whole new way, The City Different way.


View the Aspens from on High 

You can experience much of the Balloon Fiesta's thrill early in the morning. The Mass Ascension launches of 500+ balloons are not to be missed, occurring at approximately 7 am and lasting until about 9 am. The shuttle will return you to Santa Fe between 10:30 and 11 am, and you will find plenty of ways to fill the day. October is a great time to get outdoors! Take in the golden aspens shimmering in the breeze at Hyde Memorial State Park or from the Aspen Vista Trail. Both offer gorgeous autumnal walks for all types.

This is one fall experience you will never forget! Aspens galore along beautiful, gently graded trails in the Santa Fe National Forest.

Enjoy the Many Flavors in Town

Take your adventure from the mountains to the patios with the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Your adventure begins with purchasing the Margarita Trail Passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center or downloading the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. Tantalize your taste buds at participating Trail restaurants and bars with your choice of 50+ margaritas—you’re bound to find a favorite or two! Bonus: Show your Passport to receive $1 off each location's special Margarita Trail cocktail.

Santa Fe Margarita Trail
Cheers to the Margarita Trail! 

Get Cultured at More than 15 Museums and Historic Sites

Immerse yourself in the art and culture that only a 400+-year center of history and artistic innovation can deliver. Consider Museum Hill, which offers four world-class museums, all in a single location. If you plan on visiting multiple museums, save considerably on admission with the CulturePass. For just $30, the CulturePass allows one visit to each of the state’s 15 museums and historic sites. The pass is good for 12 months after first use, so you have plenty of time to take full advantage. Perk alert: Should you have children traveling with you, bear in mind that all kids age 16 and under are always free at these museums.

International Folk Art Museum
Kids marveling at the Museum of International Folk Art. (Photo: Kitty Leaken)

Celebrate Our Rich and Vibrant History

October is also a great time for events in The City Different. Since 2016, the second Monday of October has been proclaimed Indigenous Peoples' Day, in honor of the 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos whose influence is evident throughout the region. Santa Fe is deeply proud to embrace its rich cultural diversity and the prolific and profound contributions that its First Peoples brought and continue to bring to Santa Fe. In honor of these contributions, there are traditional dance and drum performances on the historic Santa Fe Plaza daily throughout the weekend of October 12–14, 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm. Also take part in celebrations via the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Santa Fe Indian School.

Indigenous Peoples DayDancers brighten the Santa Fe Plaza on Indigenous Peoples' Day. 

Participate in the Fall Harvest

Additionally, October is the time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest. Visit New Mexico’s top living history museum, El Rancho de las Golondrinas for the 52nd Annual Harvest Festival, October 5 & 6, 2024. Taste syrup from a burro-driven sorghum mill, help make cider by cranking a traditional apple press, or pick a pumpkin from the scarecrow-guarded patch. For the children, there will be grape-stomping, cornhusk doll making, and rolling their own delicious tortilla by hand.

Pumpkins at GolondrinasPumpkins are part of the bounty at the Harvest Festival. 

Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.