Music Fiesta
Saturday, October 10, 2026
The ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is excited to bring back Music Fiesta™, presented by New Mexico Honda Dealers, for another successful year!
Balloons have always been the main event at Balloon Fiesta®, and that’s never going to change. But when the field goes quiet and the sky turns gold, the magic is just getting started. Music Fiesta is back, and this year we’re turning it up. As the sun sets over the horizon and the field clears, the stage comes alive with a lineup that’ll have you on your feet all evening. We’re talking chart-topping headliners, high-energy performances, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in New Mexico. Then, just when you think the night couldn’t get any more spectacular, the sky fills with a state-of-the-art drone show followed by a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the Albuquerque skyline.
This isn’t just a concert. It’s Balloon Fiesta after dark.
Tickets are limited — grab yours before they’re gone!
*Music Fiesta is rain or shine. No refunds will be issued.
Schedule
| 3:00p | Gates Open & Live DJ Tunes by KRST |
| 4:00p | Live Music – Nathaniel Krantz |
| 5:00p | Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. |
| 5:30p | Live Music – Dasha |
| 6:30p | Night Magic™ Glow, powerd by ExxonMobil |
| 7:30p | Live Music – Russell Dickerson |
| 9:00p | Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino |
| 9:15p | AfterGlow™ Fireworks |
A general admission ticket is required for entry into Balloon Fiesta Park. Music Fiesta upgrade tickets alone will not grant entry.
Russell Dickerson
Multi-Platinum chart-topper and Triple Tigers entertainer Russell Dickerson is no stranger to the grind.
The country headliner first broke through by wearing his heart on his sleeve, launching a string of five deeply romantic No. 1 hits—“Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), and “God Gave Me a Girl.” He followed that success with the slinky, soul-infused “She Likes It” (with Jake Scott) (2X Platinum), further showcasing his genre-blending style. Often inspired by his happy home life, they powered a rise which now includes 3 Billion career streams, industry-wide accolades and a solid reputation for lyrical brilliance, rooted in feel-good reflection and paired a good-natured grin.
But what fans of his singles couldn’t always see was Dickerson’s fiery, sold-out tour showmanship. That changes with his highly anticipated fourth studio album, FAMOUS BACK HOME. Blending the tender family man with the wild-eyed performer from his SOLD-OUT RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025, the project marks a new era of confidence and creative range. Leading with the dance-floor-ready single “Happen to Me,” a seize-the-moment rocker full of sonic swagger, landed on the Billboard Hot 100—and scored his biggest streaming debut week yet. FAMOUS BACK HOME delivers a bold blend of country-soul, ‘80s rock, and modern pop—pushing sonic boundaries while keeping Dickerson’s signature heart-on-sleeve sincerity. It’s his most personal and dynamic project yet.
For more, visit RussellDickerson.com.
Dasha
Since childhood, Dasha never doubted if she’d make it in music—only when. After spending years writing over 1,000 songs—including her current 49x platinum single, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” when finally arrived. The singer landed coveted spots at country music meccas in 2024, Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, CMT Awards, and CMA Fest. She sold out her first global headlining tour and performed on two of the biggest televised broadcasts of the year – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. The song went on to become one of the most-streamed country songs in 2024 and won the Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards. Her most recent release, an EP titled Anna, includes the introspective anthem “Not At This Party,” the fun and flirty “Work On Me,” and a love letter to her younger self, “Oh, Anna!”
Exactly two years to the day of the release of “Austin,” Dasha celebrated another huge milestone, becoming just the second solo female country act to hit one billion streams for a single.
Nathaniel Krantz
Nathaniel Krantz is one of New Mexico’s fastest-rising country music artists, bringing high-energy performances and authentic country sound to audiences across the Southwest. Based in Albuquerque, Nathaniel has become a favorite at festivals, casinos, fairs, and community events, earning a reputation for his powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and crowd-pleasing mix of country favorites and original music. He has shared stages with nationally recognized artists and continues to grow a loyal fan base throughout the region. Whether performing solo acoustic sets or full-band shows, Nathaniel delivers an unforgettable live music experience that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Ticket Info
Music Fiesta Ultimate Glow & Groove VIPA ticket is required for guests of all ages.
Your Ultimate Glow & Groove VIP ticket Includes:
TICKET SALES FOR THE ULTIMATE GLOW & GROOVE VIP END ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 |
$300 |
Music Fiesta ABQ Dance BoxA ticket is required for guests of all ages.
|
$55 |
Music Fiesta Balloons & Beats Lawnsponsored by New Mexico Beef Council A ticket is required for guests of all ages.
|
$30 |
General Admission
|
$20 |
Need help with your ticket purchase? We’re happy to assist! Email us at tickets@balloonfiesta.com
Music Fiesta FAQs
Don’t forget to review our general FAQ page as well to answer all your Balloon Fiesta questions.
Where can I get tickets?
All tickets will be available for purchase online through the AIBF ticket page, subject to availability.
Can I get into the Music Fiesta area with my General Admission ticket?
A General Admission ticket is required for entry to Balloon Fiesta Park. To access the Music Fiesta area, an upgrade ticket is required and can be purchased online — choose from the Music Fiesta Ultimate Glow & Groove VIP, Music Fiesta ABQ Dance Box, or Music Fiesta Balloons & Beats Lawn. All tickets are subject to availability.
My child is under 12 years old, can they get into Music Fiesta for free?
While children 12 and under are admitted free to General Admission areas, a ticket is required for all ages to access the Music Fiesta upgrade areas.
Can we bring chairs and tents/covers to sit under?
This depends upon your ticket level:
- Music Fiesta Ultimate Glow & Groove VIP: Chairs and a cocktail-style table are provided in this area. To ensure an unobstructed view for everyone, tents, umbrellas, and personal shade structures are not permitted in this area.
- Music Fiesta ABQ Dance Box: This is a standing and dance area only — get ready to move! To ensure an unobstructed view for everyone and so there’s room to dance, chairs, tents, umbrellas, and personal shade structures are not permitted in this area.
- Music Fiesta Balloons & Beats Lawn: You may bring chairs into this area. To ensure an unobstructed view for everyone, tents, umbrellas, and personal shade structures are not permitted in this area.
- General Admission: You may bring chairs into this area.
Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket or use a rain check from a cancellation earlier in the week?
General Admission tickets are for entry into Balloon Fiesta Park and may not be upgraded to Music Fiesta tickets, though all guests attending Music Fiesta must have a General Admission ticket. To access the Music Fiesta area, an upgrade ticket is required and can be purchased online — choose from the Music Fiesta Ultimate Glow & Groove VIP, Music Fiesta ABQ Dance Box, or Music Fiesta Balloons & Beats Lawn. All tickets are subject to availability.
Rain checks from cancelled sessions are not applicable to Music Fiesta tickets.
What is the refund policy if Music Fiesta or the evening session is canceled or affected by weather?
Music Fiesta is a rain-or-shine event, and all tickets are non-refundable regardless of weather conditions or schedule changes. The regular raincheck policy applies to General Admission tickets should the evening session be cancelled.
How do we get to Balloon Fiesta Park for Music Fiesta?
Traffic to Balloon Fiesta Park for Music Fiesta follows the regular Balloon Fiesta routes. Please visit the Maps and Directions page for more information.
How much is parking?
Parking for Music Fiesta is the same price as any other Balloon Fiesta session – $20 cash only.
Music Fiesta History
2024
Carly Pearce, LOCASH, Kyle Martin & Co.
2023
Lee Brice, Runaway June, The Brandon Saiz Band
2022
Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson, Restless Road
2019
Justin Moore, Cassadee Pope, Tylor Brandon
2018
Old Dominion, Michael Ray, The Noms
2017
Billy Currington, Phil Vassar, The Bus Tapes
2016
Chris Young, Parmalee, Sim Balkey
2015
The Band Perry, Gloriana, Two Way Crossing
2014
Josh Turner, David Nail, Sawyer Brown
2013
Darius Rucker, Charlie Worsham, Derryl Perry