Three-Night Land-Only
October 1-4, 2027
Overview & Pricing
Hotel: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Activity Level
Days: 4
Travel Host:
OBU Alumni Association
Email Host
Package Overview
Experience the 2027 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with the OBU Alumni Association! Enjoy deluxe accommodations in Old Town, an exclusive tour welcome event with an industry speaker, two-day admission featuring Mass Ascension and Balloon Glow, Balloon Fiesta hospitality perks, a memorable Flamenco dinner, and much more!
Package Includes:
- Three (3) nights deluxe hotel ACCOMMODATIONS at the Sandia Resort & Casino located minutes from the Balloon Fiesta Park
- Check-in: Friday, October 1
- Check-out: Monday, October 4
- Friday evening WELCOME DINNER with light food and drinks
- ADMISSION and motor coach TRANSPORTATION to Balloon Fiesta Park for Saturday and Sunday`s Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension and Saturday evening`s Balloon Glow (three sessions)
- Gondola Club HOSPITALITY admission including seating for breakfast and dinner, open bar limited to 3 drinks per person, premier viewing location, and live entertainment in between sessions
- Saturday optional SHUTTLE to Old Town Albuquerque
- Ticket to the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International BALLOON MUSEUM
- Monday morning BREAKFAST at the hotel before departure
- Official Balloon Fiesta SOUVENIRS
- Event LANYARD and CREDENTIAL
- On-site SET TRAVEL HOSTS and HOTEL HOSPITALITY DESK
- TAXES and GRATUITIES on all included items
PLEASE NOTE: Transportation to/from your hometown and Albuquerque is not included. Deposits are non-refundable and travel insurance is highly recommended; CLICK HERE for more information.
Pricing
*Pricing is per person, based on room occupancy.
| Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| $TBD | $TBD | $TBD | $TBD | $TBD |
Occupancy Rules:
Max Occupancy: 4
Max Adult: 4
Max Children: 3
Videos
Hotel
Sandia Resort & Casino
30 Rainbow Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 796-7500
Overlooking the majestic Sandia Mountains, just minutes from Albuquerque Sunport, Sandia Resort & Casino welcomes guests to a unique Southwestern setting with outstanding service and modern comforts. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our distinctive porte-cochère entry and magnificent grand lobby, which boasts stunning mountain views along with original photographs and artwork that celebrates the region’s rich pueblo heritage.
Hotel Information
Standard Guestroom
Max Occupancy: 4 / Max Adults: 4 & Max Children: 3
Ticket
Balloon Fiesta Park
Albuquerque, NM
Saturday Morning Mass Ascension & Twilight Twinkle Glow
Admission to Saturday's morning and evening sessions.
Mass Ascension, a launch of all the participating balloons has been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Launch directors, also known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped outfits, serve as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. Weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 AM on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner.
The events now known as balloon glows were invented in Albuquerque in 1979, when local pilots inflated balloons on Christmas Eve night as a thank you to local residents. The sight of balloons lit from within at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking and glow events are now held all over the world. Balloon Fiesta launched its Balloon Glow, the world's biggest, in 1987. Balloon Glow all burns, when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time are perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Glows, followed by New Mexico's most spectacular fireworks displays, are now among Balloon Fiesta's most popular events.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Sunday Morning Mass Ascension
Admission to Sunday morning's session.
Mass Ascension, a launch of all the participating balloons has been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Launch directors, also known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped outfits, serve as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. Weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 AM on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Hot Air Balloon Rides
If you are interested in taking a ride in a hot air balloon during your time in Albuquerque, please reach out to Rainbow Ryders, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s preferred vendor.
www.rainbowryders.com/festivals/albuquerque-international-balloon-fiesta/ or call 1-800-725-2477
OPTIONAL TICKETS Ride and transportation to site not included in package
Gondola Club Inclusions
- Gourmet buffet meal
- Host/open bar (limit 3 drinks per guest)
- Prime location for viewing the launch field
- Shuttle transportation to and from the parking area and Main Street
- Dedicated bathrooms
- Live entertainment during evening sessions
- Collectible Gondola Club lapel pin
- Souvenir Gift
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Misc
Friday Evening Welcome Reception
Join us for a Friday evening Welcome Reception with complimentary food and beverages featuring Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta industry speaker, Doug Gantt.
With over 35 years of experience as a balloon pilot, Doug has flown in events across the United States, North America, and internationally. As a commercial pilot and flight instructor, he has dedicated his career to sharing his passion for aviation.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Saturday & Sunday Gondola Club Hospitality
Enjoy Balloon Fiesta from one of the most picturesque locations in Balloon Fiesta Park. The Gondola Club is a private area away from the crowds, and includes delicious food, local entertainment, courtesy shuttles, and indoor restrooms just for our guests. The Balloon Fiesta is a truly unique experience, and Gondola Club tickets allow guests to experience this world-class event in a very special and private setting. Just imagine being able to have a private seat complete with wonderful food while looking out over a Mass Ascension, Special Shapes Rodeo, a balloon glow, competition or fireworks.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Saturday Shuttle To Old Town
Hop aboard and spend your Saturday exploring the charm of Old Town Albuquerque! Wander colorful adobe-lined streets, discover local shops and artisan markets, enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine, and soak in the rich culture and history of one of the city’s most iconic destinations.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Admission
Experience the wonder and history of ballooning at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum! Explore interactive exhibits, learn about the science and adventure behind hot air ballooning, and discover the stories that made Albuquerque the ballooning capital of the world.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Itinerary
Friday, October 1
Check into Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
Visit the SET hospitality desk at the hotel to pick up souvenirs and on-site travel documents.
Evening welcome reception featuring a distinguished speaker from the hot air balloon industry. Enjoy dinner and drinks while getting acquainted with fellow travelers.
Saturday, October 2
Depart early morning for Balloon Fiesta Park to witness the awe-inspiring Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful balloons take flight against the backdrop of the New Mexico sunrise. Enjoy access to the exclusive Gondola Club hospitality, offering delicious food, local entertainment, restrooms, and outdoor seating away from the crowds.
Return mid-morning to Old Town.
Enjoy lunch on your own and an early afternoon at leisure.
Sunday, October 3
Return to Balloon Fiesta Park early morning for an expanded Mass Ascension and to delve deeper into the park’s offerings.
Mid-morning return to Old Town.
Enjoy lunch on your own and an early afternoon at leisure.
Enjoy dinner and a traditional Flamenco performance.
Monday, October 4
Gather for a group breakfast at Hotel Albuquerque, reminiscing about the memorable experiences shared during the trip.
Check out of the hotel.
Please note this is an approximate, working itinerary and timing of events is subject to change.
Map
FAQ
What is a “Land-Only” package?
A Land-Only package includes all the items listed as “tour package features” EXCEPT for air transportation, airport/hotel transfers, and baggage handling. A Land-Only package would be appropriate should the tour participant not be able to conveniently depart/return from the same city listed in the Air package or wish to travel on their own. Please note flights and/or motor coach transportation to the destination city is not included in this type of package.
What’s included in my price?
Your final price includes room and all hotel taxes. It does not include items such as charges for meals, parking, rollaway beds, phone calls, valet and room service, or any other items of a personal nature.
What do “Single,” “Double,” “Triple,” and “Quad” mean?
Single, Double, Triple, and Quad refer to how many adults (13 and over) are sharing each room (total room occupancy). For example, if two adults wish to stay in the same room, the price would be the Double price, and this would be per person.
Do I need travel insurance?
Due to the investment of your travel package, we strongly recommend the purchase of appropriate insurance coverage. Medical insurance policies may not protect your travels away from home and often have out-of-network deductibles. Likewise, coverage through credit cards and travel suppliers can have shortfalls and not fully protect you. For additional information, please click on the Insurance link on the bottom left of this website.
What does the “Child” price mean?
Children’s prices are limited to those 12 years of age or under sharing a room with one or more adults and using existing bedding. For example, if the room is shared with one adult, the single rate applies as the adult’s price plus the child’s price. If the room is shared with two adults, the double rate applies as each adult’s price plus the child’s price.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Debit cards featuring the Visa or MasterCard logo are also accepted; however, please be advised these types of cards typically have a maximum amount that you may charge daily. Please check with your financial institution.
When will I receive my trip documents?
Trip documents are typically emailed two to three weeks prior to departure for regular season football weekends and specialty programs while bowl game participants will receive theirs five to seven days out. Itineraries for special events, such as the Final Four and Bowl Games, will be sent via email just prior to leaving. If you are not the main reservation contact and would like to receive the emailed tour documents, please add your email to the reservation or contact your booking agent.
If I’m not traveling, can I make a reservation for someone else?
When completing the reservation, use the name of the person for whom you are making the reservation. When entering credit card information, you may use your credit card and billing address for payment.