Up, Up, and Away: Soaring Dreams

Where Fantasy Takes Flight
As an urban fantasy author, I’m always on the lookout for real-world moments that feel like they’re straight out of a novel—a magical experience that sparks imagination and transports you to another world. One of the most awe-inspiring events that does just that is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Every October, the skies above Albuquerque, New Mexico, come alive with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons, creating a spectacle that feels like a dream brought to life.
For nine days, people from around the globe gather to watch balloons of all shapes and sizes ascend into the crisp, high desert sky. It’s more than just a festival; it’s an international celebration where languages, cultures, and experiences converge in a shared sense of wonder and adventure.

Dawn Patrol: A Magical Start
The day at the Balloon Fiesta starts with Dawn Patrol, a special event that begins before sunrise. As the darkness covers the landscape, the first balloons light up and lift off. The glow of the burners against the dark sky creates a stunning visual as these early balloons rise into the air, testing wind conditions and preparing the way for the larger mass ascension.
Dawn Patrol is one of the quieter moments of the Fiesta, but it’s also one of the most magical. Watching these balloons take off in the early morning is a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead as the sun begins to rise. For an author, it feels like the start of a journey, a quiet but powerful beginning before the day’s main events unfold.

The Fiesta Atmosphere
After the Dawn Patrol, the festival grounds become alive with activity. Crowds of people gather to watch the balloons, take photos, and enjoy the food vendors. The smells of green chile, breakfast burritos, and sweet treats fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere that adds to the experience.
Many people come with their cameras, ready to capture the perfect shot of the balloons. There’s even a Balloon Fiesta Photo Contest, where photographers of all skill levels submit their best photos of the event. It’s a great chance to get creative and capture the beauty of the balloons as they float above the city.
This atmosphere reminds me of bustling markets and festivals in fantasy novels. There’s a shared sense of excitement and wonder, and the connection between people and their surroundings is palpable.

Why Albuquerque?
Albuquerque’s geography and weather create perfect conditions for hot air ballooning. The city sits in the Rio Grande Valley, surrounded by mountains, which help create a weather pattern known as the Albuquerque Box. This phenomenon occurs when winds at different altitudes flow in opposite directions. Balloon pilots can use this to their advantage, controlling their balloons’ movements by ascending or descending into different wind currents.
The Albuquerque Box makes it possible for balloons to stay in a controlled area, which is ideal for both pilots and spectators. It’s one of the reasons why Albuquerque is considered one of the best places in the world for hot air ballooning, and why the Balloon Fiesta is such a successful event year after year.

Special Shapes: A Crowd Favorite
One of the most popular events at the Fiesta is the Special Shapes Rodeo. During this part of the festival, balloons come in a variety of fun and creative shapes—everything from animals and cartoon characters to mythical creatures. These balloons capture the imagination and are a hit with people of all ages.
Popular shapes over the years have included Darth Vader, Yoda, and a delightful trio of giant bumblebees. In 2024, the festival debuted a balloon shaped like Zozobra, an iconic figure in New Mexican culture. Zozobra represents “Old Man Gloom,” and a large effigy of him is burned every year in Santa Fe to symbolize the release of negativity and past troubles. Seeing Zozobra as a balloon floating above the city was both eerie and exciting, adding a unique touch to this year’s event.

Balloon Glow Night Magic
As the sun sets and the day draws to a close, the Balloon Fiesta takes on a different kind of magic. The vibrant colors of the day give way to the soft glow of the evening as the balloons gather for one of the most spectacular events: Balloon Glow.
During Balloon Glow, dozens of balloons remain anchored to the ground while their burners are lit, causing them to glow like giant lanterns against the night sky. The sight of all these glowing balloons creates a peaceful, magical atmosphere, and it’s a favorite for many attendees.
Balloon Glow is a reminder that even after the excitement of the day, there’s still magic to be found. The balloons may not be flying, but the way they light up the night brings a sense of calm and wonder to the event. For me, it’s the perfect ending to a day filled with adventure, and it feels like something out of a fantasy novel where the night holds its own kind of enchantment.

Real-World Fantasy Inspiration
For a fantasy author, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is more than just a celebration of flight—it’s a celebration of imagination. There’s something inherently magical about balloons. They defy gravity, rising into the sky like ships setting sail into the unknown. And in many ways, the Balloon Fiesta feels like a portal into a different realm—a world where the skies are filled with dragons and airships, where the laws of physics bend to the will of magic, and where the horizon is always just out of reach, waiting to be explored. It’s a reminder that the stories we tell, the worlds we create, and the adventures we dream of are not limited by the boundaries of reality.
In the end, the Balloon Fiesta is a reminder that magic doesn’t just exist in fantasy worlds—it’s all around us, waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places. And for those of us who create new worlds and tell stories, it’s a place where we can find the spark we need to bring our imaginations to life.
