Event Details

Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area and Los Luceros Historic Site present the second annual Rio Grande Sky Fiesta, Sat. & Sun., Oct. 25 & 26, where the vibrant culture and close-knit community of Northern New Mexico come together in celebration of breathtaking landscapes and the tradition of hot air balloons. Visitors can get up close with the balloon crews and witness the thrilling spectacle of a mass balloon ascension on Saturday or Sunday morning, as colorful balloons fill the skies over the Rio Grande.

Mass Ascension will take place at 7:15 a.m. for two launch windows each morning at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. — weather permitting.

From 3:30-5:30 p.m. visitors can participate in a lowrider "Trunk or Treat" as well as other fun activities.

An evening Balloon Glow will take place Saturday evening from 6 – 8 p.m.

With your admission, you’ll have the chance to explore Los Luceros Historic Site, a picturesque 148-acre property along the east bank of the river. The property includes a 19th century capilla (chapel), Victorian cottage, carriage house, guesthouse, and farmyard with Navajo Churro Sheep and Jennies (female donkeys).

Saturday afternoon features the “Trick-or-Treat Through Los Luceros” passport adventure from 3:30-5:30 p.m., complete with lowrider trunk-or-treat displays and a hands-on activity trail for kids. Children can collect stamps in a Sky Fiesta coloring and stamp booklet while learning about “Creatures & Phenomena of the Skies” from local partners like the Museum of International Folk Art, Celebrate Planet Earth, and community fire departments.

On Saturday evening, visitors can enjoy an evening balloon glow starting at 6:00 p.m. to see the balloons stationed throughout the field, lit up by their flames, including the Zozobra balloon.

Safety Note:

Los Luceros Historic Site highly encourages visitors to bring flashlights and to walk carefully through the fields, as gopher holes, uneven surfaces, and other tripping risks are possible. Many of the paths are unpaved or made of gravel and grass. Visitors must be comfortable walking uneven surfaces in the dark or in low light. Unfortunately, because of these hazards, the field is not handicapped accessible.

Admission Details:

Saturday, October 25: $12 for adults and free to children 12 and younger. Ticket price includes admission to the morning mass ascension, entry to the site and historic buildings, activities throughout the day, and the evening balloon glow. Visitors must show their electronic ticket confirmation to participate in programs. On-site parking is $10 per vehicle. Free shuttle service is available from the Oñate Center and Ohkay Casino (north side).

Sunday, October 26: $10 for adults and free to children 12 and younger. Ticket price includes admission to the morning mass ascension, entry to the site and historic buildings, and activities throughout the day until the program ends midday. Visitors must show their electronic ticket confirmation to participate in programs. On-site parking is $10 per vehicle. Free shuttle service is available from the Oñate Center and Ohkay Casino (north side). Tickets available online at https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/452620.

Learn more at https://riograndeskyfiesta.com/