White Sands Balloon Invitational Returns for Epic Weekend of Fun

Hot air balloons will once again grace the clear blue skies above White Sands National Monument this month.

The White Sands Balloon Invitational, Southern New Mexico's annual balloon fiesta, prepares to take flight a short drive from El Paso. If the conditions are right on the weekend of September 16, colorful hot air balloons will dot the skies over Alamogordo and White Sands National National Park.

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The White Sands Balloon Invitational

The early fall adventure will include sunrise hot air balloon mass ascensions and tethered balloons. Although hot air balloons are what the event is built around, that's not all that will be going on.

Hosted by the City of Alamogordo, the two-day experience combines live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities with the beauty of colorfully painted hot air balloons dotting the New Mexico sky from Ed Brabson Balloon Park in the heart of Alamogordo and the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park.

Now in its 30th year, the White Sands Balloon Invitational will go up, up, and away (weather permitting) September 16-17 in Alamogordo and White Sands National Monument.

Event Schedule

Saturday, September 16, 2023

7 a.m. - Balloon Lift Off at White Sands National Park (weather permitting)
The Balloon Lift Off is free to see, but park White Sands National Park entrance fees apply

6 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Balloon Glow Spectacle at Ed Brabson Balloon Park

Entrance to Ed Brabson Balloon Park is free. The event includes 20+ food and craft vendors, an evening laser light show, live music, and various activities such as an inflatable obstacle course and mechanical bull rides, and tethered lit up hot air balloons (weather permitting).

Sunday, September 17, 2023

7 a.m. - Balloon Lift Off at Ed Brabson Balloon Park (weather permitting)
Entrance to Ed Brabson Balloon Park is free.