Experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta from Santa Fe: A Unique City Different Adventure
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to New Mexico to witness the spectacular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Marking its 49th year from October 2–10, 2021, this iconic event is the world's largest ballooning gathering, the most photographed event on Earth, and the largest annual international event in the United States.
Albuquerque hotels book up fast during the fiesta week, but staying in Santa Fe— just 60 miles north—offers a perfect alternative. Enjoy both the Balloon Fiesta and the unique charm of The City Different.
This year, TOURISM Santa Fe provides a convenient daily shuttle to and from Balloon Fiesta Park for $40 per person with advance roundtrip tickets (separate park admission tickets required, available here). Santa Fe also boasts excellent lodging deals, cooler temperatures, crisper air, and vibrant fall colors. Discover these curated recommendations to experience the Balloon Fiesta in a fresh, Santa Fe-style way.
View Aspens from on High
The magic of the Balloon Fiesta peaks early with the Mass Ascension of over 500 balloons, launching around 7 a.m. and wrapping by 9 a.m. This leaves ample time to explore Santa Fe. October is ideal for outdoor adventures—hike through golden aspens at Hyde Memorial State Park, then take in stunning fall foliage from above on the Ski Santa Fe Super Chief Quad Chairlift Ride during the weekends of October 2–3 and 9–10. Bonus: Enjoy live music and a beer garden!
An unforgettable fall ride! The chairlift runs daily during the Balloon Fiesta. (Photo: Ski Santa Fe)
Savor Santa Fe's Flavors
From mountain views to patio vibes, embark on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Pick up your passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center or download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Sample over 40 signature margaritas and save $1 on each with your passport.
Cheers to the Margarita Trail! (Photo: Douglas Merriam)
Immerse in Culture at 15+ Museums and Historic Sites
Dive into Santa Fe's 400+ years of history and artistic innovation. Start at Museum Hill, home to four world-class museums. Save with the $30 CulturePass, granting one visit to each of New Mexico's 15 museums and historic sites—valid for 12 months. Family perk: Kids 16 and under enter free.
Celebrate Rich Indigenous History
October brings vibrant events honoring Santa Fe's heritage. Since 2016, the second Monday in October is Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos. Enjoy traditional dance and drum performances on the Santa Fe Plaza daily October 9–10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus events at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Santa Fe Indian School on October 11.
Dancers enliven Santa Fe Plaza for Indigenous Peoples Day. (Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe)
Join the Fall Harvest Festivities
Celebrate the harvest at New Mexico's premier living history museum, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, during the Harvest Festival on October 2–3, 2021. Taste fresh sorghum syrup, press cider, pick pumpkins, stomp grapes, craft cornhusk dolls, or roll handmade tortillas—perfect for families.
Chile harvest bounty at the festival.
Discover The City Different! Order your free Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide or explore deals and specials to plan your trip.
