The enormous colorful balloons lit by the flame of their propane burners against the dark sky resemble oversized light bulbs lined up on the launch field. Dinosaurs and dragons, flying shoes and bottles, fantasy castles and a cow jumping over the moon delight the audience during each Fiesta. Albuquerque hosts the Balloon Fiesta from the first Saturday through the second Sunday of October at the Balloon Fiesta Grounds near Osuna Road and I-25. Parking is free. The oldest children's powwow in the country, this event attracts more than a hundred young American Indians who perform intertribal, blanket and social dances on either the first or second Saturday of the month.
Prizes go to the winners in different age groups, and spectators are welcome to take pictures.
You'll also find American Indian crafts and food sales. The event usually runs from late morning until dusk. If you can't stay the whole time, the grand entry that opens the powwow is especially colorful and photogenic. An all-volunteer staff does the organizing and recently enlarged the powwow area and added bleachers and a new tipi. The event is free.