ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Saturday, October 5, marks the launch of the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. After winds caused the yellow flag to be raised and delayed the start of fiesta, a green flag was sent up just after 7:30 a.m., signaling that balloons can lift off in the mass ascension Saturday morning.
Balloon Fiesta 2024: What you need to know
At 6 a.m. each morning through the nine days of events, pilots gather at the Pilot Briefing Tower to discuss the weather and flying conditions for the day ahead. If any of the following scenarios occur, the day’s events may be postponed or canceled:
- Winds faster than 10 knots (approximately 11.5 miles per hour)
- Less than 3 miles of visibility
- Clouds below 1,500 feet
- Rain
Schedule of events: Saturday, October 5
- 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show
- 6 a.m. Dawn Patrol Show
- 6:30 a.m. Morning Glow
- 7 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
- 7 a.m. Mass Ascension
- 8 a.m. Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
- 10 a.m. Chainsaw Carving Auction
- 3 p.m. Chainsaw Carving Exhibition
- 5 p.m. Team Fastrax Skydiving
- 6:30 p.m. Twilight Twinkle Glow
- 7:30 p.m. Team Fastrax Skydiving
- 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show
- 8 p.m. AfterGlow Fireworks Show