This October, we’re heading west again to take part in one of the most iconic gatherings in all of ballooning: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

For one week each year, hundreds of balloons fill the skies over Albuquerque, New Mexico, lifting into the cool desert air just after sunrise. Mass ascensions create a steady rhythm of color and motion that’s hard to put into words. It’s something every balloon pilot should experience at least once, and we’re grateful to be part of the excitement again this year.

Evenings bring the glow, where balloons light up against the dark like oversized lanterns, along with special shapes and a strong sense of community that makes Fiesta more than just an event.

For us, attending Fiesta is an inspiration. It’s a chance to see friends from around the world, to fly alongside some of the best pilots in the world, and to bring that experience back home to North Carolina.