If you’ve never seen the colorful, magical mass ascension of hot air balloons, there’s no better place for a first-time view than Albuquerque, New Mexico. From Oct. 7 to 15, more than 500 hot air balloons take to the skies during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The largest event of its kind in the world, this year’s edition carries a special astronomical bonus, as the annual solar eclipse will fall during the festival dates, beginning in New Mexico at 9:13 a.m. on Oct. 14.
The state known as the Land of Enchantment is one of eight lucky enough to fall in the path of the eclipse for a view of the rare “ring of fire,” during which the moon leaves a thin outer ring of the sun uncovered. This brief phenomenon lasts for a mere four minutes and 48 seconds.
“Experiencing the International Balloon Fiesta and Annular Solar Eclipse in Albuquerque together will be the event of a lifetime,” said Sam Parks, executive director, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “We are working closely with experts from NASA to make sure our guests can get the most out of our New Mexico skies in October.”
To help visitors maximize their experience, representatives from NASA will be on hand to give out 80,000 pairs of solar eclipse viewing glasses. NASA will also have an onsite tent staffed by experts who will offer exhibits, presentations and answer questions from festival-goers.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Aug 26, 2026Make One Final Summer Splash at These 3 Unreal Hotel Pools
Summer may be coming to a close sooner rather than later; however, the warm air tends to linger into September, allowing for more fun in the sun.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Multigenerational
Aug 26, 2026Study Finds Road Trips Dominate 2026 Fall Travel, Generational Travel Habits
Hertz’s recent survey and booking data reveal how Americans travel this Labor Day and throughout the fall season. The company found nearly half of U.S. adults plan to travel this autumn, with road trips greatly outpacing air travel.
Hotels
Aug 25, 2026Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to Transform into Holiday Wonderland
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess undergoes a full-scale holiday transformation each year, and 2026 is no exception. The entire 65-acre desert property will light up with 17 million lights, festive attractions, seasonal dining and signature holiday moments. Touches of magic will be woven throughout, including gardens, lagoons, plazas and guest spaces.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Oceania
Aug 25, 2026This Fiji Resort Does It All: Honeymoons, Girls’ Trips & Family Vacations
Family travel can look different to everyone, whether it be a relaxing honeymoon, a getaway with close friends or a multigen family trip. Ahura Resorts caters to all across two island resorts in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands. The two resorts include Likuliku Lagoon Resort, an award-winning, adults-only resort with Fiji’s first and only overwater bures, one-of-a-kind snorkeling and diving, immersive cultural experiences, and sustainability initiatives; and Malolo Island Resort, a laid-back, family-friendly resort with spacious accommodations, authentic Fijian hospitality, kids’ programming and more.
ShareThis