ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque and Bernalillo County landowners are being asked to allow their property to serve as landing sites for hot-air balloons during the 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, set to take place October 3-11, 2026.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2026: What you need to know
The “X Marks the Spot” program encourages property owners to place a large white X on their land as a visual signal to pilots that a balloon landing is welcome there.
“Balloon Fiesta depends on the support and hospitality of the community, especially the landowners who are willing to provide pilots with additional landing options,” said Jennifer Garcia, director of operations and logistics and event director for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “As the metro area continues to grow and open land becomes more limited, the X Marks the Spot program gives pilots an important visual tool while allowing residents to play a meaningful role in an event they know and love.”
Balloon Fiesta pilots will carry cards to collect information from landowners after landing on a marked property. At the conclusion of each day’s flying events, Balloon Fiesta officials will draw one “landowner of the day,” who will receive a prize package…