Balloon Fiesta Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Balloon Fiesta. We rely on dedicated volunteers from around the world to generously devote their time and commitment to Balloon Fiesta.
Applications to volunteer for the 2026 ExxonMobil Balloon Fiesta are now open! Click the button to the right to apply.
Why are our Volunteers called Navigators?
To Navigate is to direct, guide, or manage a traveler on its course. A Navigator is a person who navigates by offering guidance to our guests so that a successful experience is had by all. Approximately 1200 individuals have completed the Navigator application process and been assigned to one of 45 teams. Navigators help before, during, and after the event and are critical to the event’s success. Navigators are under the direct supervision of an AIBF Staff person, who may or may not be assisted by a Navigator Team Leader(s). Navigators are critical to every area of operations, providing guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination, safety, set-up, and logistics.
Volunteers are asked to commit to 5 shifts minimum or the equivalent of 25 hours throughout the nine day event.
Volunteer Requirements
- New Volunteers must submit an application online
- New volunteers must commit to a minimum of 5 shifts or the equivalent of 25 hours
- Adhere to all of Balloon Fiesta’s policies and Volunteer guidelines
- Be dedicated to the success of the Balloon Fiesta, have a commitment to excellence and teamwork
Volunteers Receive
- Photo credential with lanyard
- Balloon Fiesta Uniform Package: 1 Navigator short sleeve t-shirt, 1 Navigator long sleeve t-shirt, Navigator jacket, Navigator pin
- Souvenir Balloon Fiesta program
- Balloon Fiesta Calendar
- 9-Day Admission Pass which allows entrance to Balloon Fiesta for the entire event
- Free parking in the “W” lot designated for Volunteers for sessions you are scheduled to volunteer.
- Access to the Navigator Tent which provides light snacks and beverages, tables, and chairs on sessions you are scheduled to volunteer.
Learn about the Volunteer positions for the 2026 Balloon Fiesta!
Please read through the available positions for 2026. Please remember Balloon Fiesta is an outdoor event. Many teams require long periods of standing and walking.
We will accept applications for new volunteers from February 2 – August 15, 2026, or until all team positions are full.
Hospitality
- Chasers Club: Tour groups and individuals have the option to purchase tickets for this private area that includes: admission, guaranteed seating, food, access to a bar and private restrooms.
- Chasers’ Club Gate Keepers: Scan tickets at the gate, wristband each guest, monitor gates, clean area as needed and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Gondola Club (FULL FOR 2026): The Gondola Club is a reserved area set way from crowded Main Street. This allows guests a more private option with guaranteed seating, delicious food, and luxury bathrooms. To give Gondola Club members the VIP treatment, we require the efforts of a top notch team of volunteers, staff, and caterers. Volunteer Positions include: Parking Lot Attendants – pre-event set-up, check and collect parking passes, make sure guests park in an orderly fashion, post-event teardown. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Shuttle Drivers: Shuttle guests to and from the Gondola Club parking lot and to Main Street in a golf cart. Minimum age of 20, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to pass a DMV Background Check are required.
- Welcome Desk: Pre-event stocking gifts in storage POD, scan guest wristbands as they enter, scan guest wristbands at gift collection, and ensure all Navigators sign in.
- Guest Services: Pre-event set-up, manage catering and beverage tent lines, cleaning tables as needed, helping welcome desk restock gifts, post-event teardown. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Group Tours: Balloon Fiesta offers special packages to tour groups attending the event. The basic package is the Group Tour Package that includes parking, admission and access to the Group Tour Hospitality Tent where were serve coffee, tea, donuts/iced tea, lemonade and cookies. Volunteers are needed in the bus parking area, at the gates of each area and working inside the Group Tour Hospitality Tent.
- Group Tours Greeters: Get on board the buses and offer a short greeting to group with weather updates and field logistics, get group count from each bus escort or driver, collect parking passes, and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Group Tours Guest Services: Serve beverages and snacks, keep tent clean, monitor entry/exit, and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Group Tours Parking Lot Attendant: Check parking passes, direct drivers to appropriate parking spaces. Standing for extended periods of time.
- Navigator Hospitality Tent: The Navigator Tent serves as a headquarters for Volunteers on shift; they can come in to relax, grab something to eat or drink, and briefly meet Volunteers from other teams. Volunteers assisting in the Navigator Tent will stock, cut, and package food for grab-and-go snacks. Keep the tent clean and professional for all to enjoy. Assist with the distribution of catered, hot meals. Assist with deliveries across the park to Volunteers who cannot leave their posts. Follow food safety for hot and cold items.
- Parties: Assist Pilot Coordinator and party team lead with Pilot Parties both on and off-site. This includes setting up decorations, collecting tickets, manning doors, and/or drink stations. Pilot Parties included are the Welcome Party, Navigator Party, Pilot & Crew Picnic, Shape of the Nations Party, and the Awards Banquet.
- Pilot Hospitality: This team’s reporting time is 3:00 a.m. and no evening shifts are available. If you are not an early bird, this might not be the team for you. The Pilot and Crew Hospitality Pavilion is hosted in the Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion. It is a reserved area, set up as a gathering place for pilots and chase crew members to come together in the morning and meet for some breakfast or snacks prior to the morning’s event. In addition to tables and chairs for pilots and crew, The Pilot and Crew Hospitality Pavilion consists of several service areas: Volunteers with long hair need to wear their hair pulled back while serving food. Required to wear closed-toed shoes and wear gloves at all stations when serving food & beverages. Replace gloves each time you leave the station you are assigned to. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds Be able to stand for long periods of time for each shift.
- Skybox: VIP area that hosts small groups. Duties include: pre-event onsite set-up, prepare each Sky Box daily for guest arrivals, monitor private parking area as guests arrive, check and collect parking passes, make sure guests park in an orderly fashion, assist guests as needed, clean and restock service areas, post-event teardown.
- Sponsor Hospitality: Sponsor Hospitality is responsible for ensuring the sponsor experience is memorable and encourages future sponsorships. To help ensure the sponsor experience, Volunteers assigned to Sponsor Hospitality are those who are hospitality-driven, always have a smile, and are ready to meet new people. This position has shifts that are 6-8 hours and require standing, being outdoors, trash removal, cleaning of tables, and some lifting/moving of heavy objects. We are also always looking to grow our core team, and are looking for those who would like opportunities not only during the event but who are willing to volunteer above and beyond the expected five (5) shifts.
Service
- Artisans Tent: The Artisan Tent is a unique and beloved destination at Balloon Fiesta — the only area on the field where original, handmade arts and crafts are sold by talented local and regional artisans. As an Artisan Tent Navigator, you’ll serve as the welcoming connection between our artisans and Balloon Fiesta staff, helping create a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone in the tent. Navigators are expected to bring enthusiasm and professionalism to the role, as you’ll be representing Balloon Fiesta while engaging with a wide variety of guests and artisans throughout each shift. This is an active, people-centered position that involves a fair amount of standing and walking, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, and clear and effective communication with various parties. Driving a golf cart may also be required, so a valid driver’s license and willingness to pass a DMV background check are necessary. Empathy and a positive attitude go a long way here! Artisan Tent Navigators help ensure the tent is fully prepared ahead of Fiesta, including verifying that all booth spaces are correctly measured and laid out. During the three days before the event, Navigators assist artisans through the check-in, registration, and setup process. Daily responsibilities leading up to and during the event include opening and closing the tent — which may involve climbing ladders, placing flags outside, and managing heaters — as well as collecting and organizing paperwork, monitoring tent activities, maintaining a visible presence to deter shoplifting, keeping the tent clean and tidy, and providing friendly guidance to both guests and artisans. On the final Sunday of Fiesta, Navigators assist artisans with checkout and teardown, ensuring all spaces are left clean and in good order. Navigators are needed beginning three days before the event through the Monday after Fiesta concludes.
- Balloon Discovery Center (youth focused): The Balloon Discovery Center (BDC) is a hands-on and interactive area geared toward teaching guests, especially children, about the sport and science of ballooning and Balloon Fiesta! BDC Volunteers assist with the various stations in the tent such as basket wicker weaving, arts and crafts, weather briefing, etc. Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic and professional as they represent Balloon Fiesta! This position does require engaging with many guests (especially youth), a fair amount of standing and/or walking, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, empathy, and positive communication with guests and children. BDC Volunteers set up and learn the basics of each exhibit, ensure that all exhibits are in proper working condition, educate guests in the various stations, engage guests in conversations, answer questions or find the answers for guests, and ensure that all stations are left clean and in good order, maintain the cleanliness of the tent including sweeping and trash removal, and tear down all exhibits back into storage after the final session on Sunday, open and close the tent daily. Tasks can include climbing ladders, placing items outside/inside the tent, and turning heaters on/off. Orientation to learn the basics of each exhibit is one evening the week before Balloon Fiesta.
- CAMP 505: Balloon Fiesta offers an affordable camping option for guests who would like a basic camping experience. Volunteers will be scheduled to help during the three check-in days and relieve the Camp Director for a mid-afternoon break on all other days during the event. Volunteers are asked to assist with the setup of tents for incoming guests, guest check-in, providing directions to the launch field, answering guest questions about the event or things to do in Albuquerque, covering the Camp Director for a break daily, keeping the camp tidy, and help guests pack up their camp kit upon check-out. We need enthusiastic Volunteers with excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 25lbs, and can work well with a team.
- Chase Crew Committee: Assist Pilot Coordinator and Chase Crew team lead by registering, assigning, and guiding new and returning crew members. The Chase Crew Headquarters is manned every session of the event and has a booth in the Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion during Pilot Registration.
- Concessions: Concession Row, affectionately known as Main Street, is the heart of the Balloon Fiesta experience — the only area where food and merchandise concessions come together to create a vibrant, bustling atmosphere for our guests. As a Concessions Navigator, you’ll serve as the welcoming connection between our concessionaires and Balloon Fiesta staff, helping ensure Main Street runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the event. Navigators are expected to bring enthusiasm and professionalism to the role, as you’ll be representing Balloon Fiesta while engaging with a wide variety of guests and concessionaires throughout each shift. This is an active, hands-on position that involves a fair amount of standing and walking, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, and the occasional use of a ladder or paintbrush. Clear and effective communication, empathy, and a can-do attitude are key to success in this role. Driving a golf cart may also be required, so a valid driver’s license and willingness to pass a DMV background check are necessary. Concessions Navigators play an important role in preparing Main Street ahead of Fiesta, including repainting concessionaire lot boundaries and reviewing Concession Row for any needed improvements during the week prior to check-in. Over the two weeks before Balloon Fiesta, Navigators assist with concessionaire check-in, collect and organize daily paperwork, monitor daily activities, provide friendly guidance and assistance to both guests and concessionaires, notify the Concessions Manager of any handbook violations, and interact with the Food Service Management provider as needed. On the final day of Fiesta, Navigators assist concessionaires with the checkout process, then continue to monitor Concession Row for the two days following the event to ensure all areas are left clean and in good order. Navigators are needed beginning two weeks before the event through the Tuesday after Fiesta concludes.
- Drone Show: Volunteers have two primary tasks: charging batteries and unpacking equipment from cases. This consists of monitoring the chargers and replacing batteries that have been charged with empty ones, laying out equipment, slotting batteries, and plugging batteries in. This will require constant squatting/standing and occasional heavy lifting. Volunteers for this portion definitely should be physically fit but no technical drone background is required.
- Front Desk: This location is off of Balloon Fiesta Park, located at the AIBF Main Office which is within walking distance to the field. Front Desk Volunteers assist the Balloon Fiesta Receptionist and Staff with administrative tasks. During October this can become a fast-paced environment with a lot of traffic in the lobby. Volunteers are expected to meet each interaction with enthusiasm and kindness. Volunteers should be well informed about Balloon Fiesta logistics and attractions and Albuquerque attractions to best serve our guests. Being able to navigate our website to find helpful information for guests is also important. Tasks may include but are not limited to answering phones, transferring calls appropriately, notifying staff members of the arrival of guests, distributing online orders as guests arrive for them, working copy machines/printers, and mailing packages as needed. Ballooning/Balloon Fiesta experience is preferred but not required.
- Glamping: AIBF rents fully furnished safari tents to guests who wish to experience the event in a more immersive way. (26) 15’x15’ safari tents are set up walking distance to Balloon Fiesta park. Navigators are scheduled to help during the three check-in days and relieve the Camp Director for a mid-afternoon break on all other days during the event. Navigators help with guest check-in, luggage handling, keeping the Glamping Village tidy, providing directions to the launch field, be available to answer guest questions about the event/things to do in Albuquerque, and provide mid-afternoon breaks for the Camp Guy. Must have excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 25lbs, and work will with a team.
- Greeter: Greeter Volunteers are stationed inside the park near the entrances to greet guests coming through the gates to the park. Greeters are expected to be well informed about Balloon Fiesta’s layout to answer questions and hand out Survival Guide Maps. If you are not able to answer a question that a guest has, please be sure to be informed about where the three Information Booths are located on Main Street so that you can refer guests to them. Greeters interact with and engage many guests and should be enthusiastic, courteous people with a customer service mindset. This position does require 4 hours of standing at a time and some walking.
- Information Booth: There are three information booths located North, South, and Central on Main Street. Info Booth Volunteers provide excellent customer service, maps, survival guides, brochures, bumper stickers, and answers about Balloon Fiesta or New Mexico in general for Balloon Fiesta guests! Info Booth Volunteers interact with and engage many guests and should be enthusiastic, courteous people with a customer service mindset. This position does provide chairs inside a small shelter but some light standing may be necessary at times. The minimum age is 18 for this position.
- Merchandise: Volunteers in the merchandise area can be responsible for setting up and tearing down the locations on the field, restocking merchandise, keeping the sales floor organized and clean, and helping guests find what they need. Our Volunteers will need to be able to move boxes of products and will be standing/walking the sales floor for the majority of their shifts. There are two merchandise tents on the field, north tent and south tent.
Transportation
- Bike Valet: Bike Valet Volunteers set up, tear down, and operate the Bike Valet venue behind the Balloon Museum daily. Volunteers are expected to positively greet guests, walk the guests through the check-in process, follow our two-part ticket system, and take the bikes to the bike racks in the Bike Valet fencing. Volunteers assist guests in retrieving their bikes at the end of sessions. At closing hour Volunteers are responsible for securing the compound and relocating any bikes that may not have been retrieved at the end of the session to storage. Set up and tear down of the Bike Valet compound require standing, walking, lifting, and carrying of loads up to 30 lbs. Daily Bike Valet monitoring consists of light walking and lifting with several hours of standing.
- Courtesy Shuttle Driver: This Team provides both a safe and efficient ride for all guests, volunteers, and personnel on the field. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park, as well as from one side of the field to the other. The Courtesy Shuttle Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session. Courtesy Shuttle Volunteers are expected to stick to their assigned route, be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, assist passengers in and out of the transports when necessary, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Courtesy Shuttle Volunteers are often the first and last interaction our guests will have with Balloon Fiesta Park; do your best to make their day! Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs when operating an ADA carts when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age with a valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a DMV Background check.
- Fiesta Conductor: iesta Transports is a truck and trailer combination that seats 22 passengers. The Fiesta Transport Team Conductor assists guest onto the transport and ensure all guest are properly seated before the transport departs. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park. The Fiesta Transport Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session. Fiesta Transport Conductors are expected to be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Conductors are often the first and last interaction our guests will have with Balloon Fiesta Park; do your best to make their day! Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs on the ADA transports when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, with a customer service background.
- Fiesta Transport Driver: Fiesta Transports is a truck and trailer combination that seats 22 passengers. The Fiesta Transport Team provides both a safe and efficient ride for all guests, Volunteers, and personnel on the field. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park. The Fiesta Transport Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session. Fiesta Transport Drivers are expected to safely transport guests to and from lots on their respective routes. Drivers will be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, assist passengers in and out of the transports when necessary, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs on the ADA transports when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age with a valid driver’s license (large vehicle/CDL experience preferred), with the ability to pass a DMV Background Check.
- Parking Lot Set-Up and Tear Down: One week before Fiesta: Put out barrels and flag each lot for the parking areas and put up t-posts. Post Fiesta: Take down and store barrels, flagging, t-posts, and towers. Volunteers on other teams who have availability before and post Balloon Fiesta are preferred.
- Park and Ride: If you enjoy interacting with people, this is the team for you! The main responsibility is to help guests navigate the Park n Ride system. Post-Event: Aid in taking down the flagging, signs, and stanchions at the Park.
Entertainment
- Balloon Fiesta Live!: Balloon Fiesta Live! is a professionally produced live broadcast of all 14 sessions of Balloon Fiesta. The show is streamed on BalloonFiesta.com, YouTube, and Facebook as well as low-power TV around the park. It attracts as many visitors as spectators in the park. Duties include driving a golf cart to move the teams and equipment around the field and behind-the-scenes support for on-air talent. We are also looking for someone with ballooning and broadcast-producing experience to serve as an assistant producer for the daily show. The expectation is that you will work a majority of the 14 sessions, as the continuity of the team is important to the success of the program. Check the show out here: Balloon Fiesta Live! If you are interested in this team, please contact Executive Producer, Ken Tuley.
- Main Street Stage: The Main Street Stage is one of the most exciting and dynamic spots at Balloon Fiesta! From the National Anthem performances that kick off each morning to local dance and music talent, strolling performers, and a wide variety of live musical acts across both the Main Stage and the roaming performers, there is never a dull moment. As a Main Street Stage Navigator, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes role in bringing these performances to life while also serving as an important communication hub — The Main Street Stage is pivotal in providing announcements as needed throughout each session as well as serving as the location as the signals flag depicting the sessions status in the Green/Yellow/Red flag. This is a fast-paced, people-centered role that calls for someone who is energetic, positive, and thrives in a lively environment. You’ll be engaging with staff, guests, and performers throughout every shift, so clear and effective communication — even during high-pressure moments — is essential. The position is physically active and requires a fair amount of standing and walking, the ability to lift up to 60 lbs, a willingness to climb a ladder when needed, and a knack for keeping things on schedule. Main Street Stage Navigators ensure the stage and area surrounding is set and ready before each session, assist performers as a stagehand with setup and teardown, manage performance timing based on guidance from Officials and Balloon Fiesta Management, and maintain the cleanliness of the area throughout the day. A solid working knowledge of Balloon Fiesta is a plus, as guests and performers alike will look to you for information and direction. If you love live music, enjoy being at the center of the action, and want a role where no two shifts are the same — this one’s for you!
- Music Fiesta: Music Fiesta is an onsite concert that we completely set up after the Mass Ascension ends on Saturday, October 12th and before the concert begins at 2 PM. Volunteers will help in the front of the house, on the day of the concert. Assistance is needed setting up all bike fences, measuring walkways, chairs, zip ties, trashcans, etc. We will also need assistance with scanning tickets and distributing wristbands at the gates of the reserved seating. We also need 1-4 drivers to help shuttle the stage crew to nearby hotels after arrival.
- Photographer: Volunteers assigned to this team will be assigned to take pictures of various aspects of the event. This can be booths on Main Street, signs around the park, people enjoying the Balloon Fiesta, and yes, even balloons. The Volunteer should have excellent photography and processing skills with the ability to process, categorize, rename, and upload photos within a short time frame. Photographers retain the copyright to all of the photos taken but grant AIBF, unlimited and non-exclusive rights to use the photos in any media form desired without further compensation. Photo credit will be given when possible. Selection of Volunteers for this team takes place during March and April. Read more about the expectations of Balloon Fiesta Photographers at Photo Highlights.
Work Crew
- Field Services: Must be able to work most shifts prior to Balloon Fiesta. Help bring the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to life by supporting park setup, event operations, and tear-down before, during, and after Fiesta. Tasks include painting, setting up launch markers, picnic tables, fabric and lattice fencing, competition flagging, and Music Fiesta seating and fencing. Volunteers also assist with daily and final event tear-downs. This role involves frequent standing and squatting, as well as occasional heavy lifting, so volunteers should be comfortable with physical activity. Work may begin in late August, with the busiest period running from September 5 through October 31. Scheduling will be coordinated by Cameron Clements, Assistant Field and Facilities Manager. Volunteers must be registered in the system to qualify for a Navigator pack. If you are not registered, please contact Navigator Manager Jory Slingerland. No exceptions will be made.
- RV Team: All RV Team members are required to be here by September 2, 2025, and be able to work throughtout the event until October 12, 2025. The RV Team is made up of 80-100 Volunteers and operates the 4 RV lot locations around Balloon Fiesta Park: President’s Compound, VIP East, VIP West, VIP North and the South Lot (Premium, Box View and Standard). The team is responsible for preparing the RV lots for use during Balloon Fiesta. The team also assists guests with checking in & checking out and acquiring services and amenities needed during their stay. Some of the RV Team members start arriving at Balloon Fiesta Park in August in preparation for setting up the RV lots. All RV Team members are required to be here by September 2, 2025 (if you need more time to get here, please let your team lead know as soon as possible). Each RV Team members should: Be able to work outside, be able to lift 50lbs or more, be able to walk for a number of hours per day, have the ability to work with various tools including but not limited to racks, shovels, post pounders, hand tools and have excellent customer service skills. Preparation of each lot includes: Clearing the lots of weeds and obstructions, setting fence posts and flagging for each lot, layout field using lime, spray paint, spreader, measuring tape, had tools, etc., preparing areas for RV groups for tents and/or generators that may be needed, preparing and organizing the blue check-in building in the South RV Lot and tent check-in stations in 4 other lots, installing fence and flagging around general parking area in South lot, and placing relevant signs, (e.g. “RV parking”, “No drive ups”, “Watch for Children”), for each lot. During the event the RV Team assists guests with checking in & checking out and acquiring services and amenities needed during their stay. They help rally style park the RVs that are incoming in an orderly fashion. They assist with pump passes, water refill passes, ice, and other things of this nature. Essentially camp hosts to the respective RV lots.