Hello All
My school is closed in October and it fits in for the time frame of the balloon fiesta. Going there has always been a dream of mine. Can I please get some great advice of where to stay and what to expect. What else should I do? Old Town? Thanks so much

Old Town with its historic Plaza features the 1706 San Felipe de Neri church and 300-year-old adobe homes converted into art galleries and boutiques selling Native American pottery and jewelry. Nearby are the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Alb Museum of Art, History and Science which features ancient Spanish maps and Spanish conquistador armor and helmets. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center shouldn’t be missed and is 10 minutes north.The Sandia Peak Tramway takes you up 4,000 feet from the high desert floor to the lush mountaintop where there are fantastic views of the city and a restaurant. One can walk on trails through pine forests and on large boulders. New Mexico Cuisine. Be sure to eat traditional New Mexican food (different from TexMex) which includes green-chile stews, blue corn dishes, purple pinto beans, Chile rellenos, blue-corn enchiladas and Sopapillas. Check out Sadie’s of New Mexico.

No doubt you have done some research. This page, about last year’s event, contains good information about the balloon fiesta.

https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/bal...fo-for-hotels/

I highly recommend using one of the bus services instead of driving your own car. No getting stuck in traffic! No long walks from the parking lot! No confusion with roads unknown! Select a hotel location with easy access to one of the buses.

Do plan to arrive pre-dawn to be sure to experience the launch. And plan to be there at dusk for the ‘glow.’

And watch the weather forecasts. Naively, I had no idea how cold the temperatures could be in Albuquerque at 5 am! And, of course, the balloons do not launch in unfavorable conditions.

We had a rental car and picked a hotel on price. Used park and ride.
went both early for launch and late for glow. Can also watch morning launch from distance from other areas than the park but check wind direction.
Chose to go on day with the special shapes. I really enjoyed those.
weekday less busy than weekend.

cultural center puts on shows. Vendors selling jewelry etc.

I also enjoyed the petroglyphs national monument west of the city.