53 pilots experiencing the thrill of Balloon Fiesta for the very first time
Albuquerque, NM – Hundreds of pilots, crews and volunteers from across the country and around the world are preparing for another exciting Balloon Fiesta. This year, 543 pilots representing 12 countries are preparing to ascend into Albuquerque’s turquoise skies as a part of the 2025 ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, set to launch October 4-12, 2025.
This year, 59 experienced pilots will experience the thrill of launching from Balloon Fiesta for the very first time as part of the nine-day event. These first-time participants join veteran pilots to fill Albuquerque’s skies and bring fresh energy and new perspectives to the event. Their presence highlights Balloon Fiesta’s continued growth and global appeal, as balloonists from around the world aspire to take part in the one-of-a-kind spectacle.
The 53rd event will include 517 pilots from the United States – representing 41 states – and 26 pilots from eleven other countries.
Balloon Fiesta will host pilots from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
International pilots will be visiting from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
The event will also feature 100 special shape balloons, including 11 shapes new to Balloon Fiesta. Some early favorites include Boo (a cute special shape resembling a ghost), Como se Llama (a giant purple llama head), Universal Supreme Leader (a UFO and Alien theme). Some of the fan favorites returning for this year’s event include the Bees – Joey the Little Bee, Joelly, and Lilly Little Bee – Smokey Bear, Darth Vader, and Master Yoda.
“Balloon Fiesta wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and dedication of our talented pilots; they are the stars of the show,” says said Julie Morgas Baca, Executive Director of Balloon Fiesta. “We are excited to welcome new and returning pilots this year to showcase their talent and passion for ballooning and paint the skies of Albuquerque.”
The annual flying event first launched in 1972 from Coronado Mall (southeast of Balloon Fiesta Park) as a part of a radio station promotion. The 13 pilots who inflated and flew their hot air balloons include founder Sid Cutter, Bill Cutter, Gene Dennis, Dennis E. Floden, Don Kersten, Oscar Kratz, Bill Murtorff, Donald Piccard, Wilma Piccard, Karl Stefan, Brent Stockwell, Carter Twedt and Matt H. Wiederkehr.
As the largest balloon event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta serves as a magical time that brings people together from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds to both spectate and participate in the event.