Tupuna-Moai balloon from Brazil. Courtesy photo

BALLOON FIESTA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The 53rd ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will host the
largest gathering of special shape balloons as a part of the world’s premier balloon event, October 4-12,
2025. This year’s event will include 100 special shape balloons; 11 of those shapes will make their first
Balloon Fiesta appearance.

With twelve countries represented in this year’s event, three countries will be showcasing their new
special shapes. Pilots from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America will bring their
new-shaped hot air balloons to the Albuquerque skies.

Special shape hot air balloons and the pilot’s home country, making their inaugural appearance at Balloon
are listed at the Balloon Fiesta website.

“These balloons spark joy and capture the imagination unlike anything else in the world,” Miranda Portillo said, pilot coordinator. “From the moment they inflate, special shapes transform the park into a wonderland of creativity, drawing awe and wonder.”

Special shapes will take center stage during the Special Shape Rodeos at 7 a.m., Oct. 9 & 10 and the Special Shape Glowdeo at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 9 & 10. From flying farm animals and pirates to Dracula himself, this year’s lineup of special shapes promises to surprise, delight and thrill Balloon Fiesta guests.

Get an early look at this year’s special shapes by following Balloon Fiesta on Facebook and Twitter.