The must have items if you’re looking for what to pack for Balloon Fiesta
If you’re planning on going to the International Balloon Fiesta this year, yay! I’m so excited for you! This was a bucket list trip for me that I definitely wanted to experience once in my life, but after going in 2023 I decided I need to make it a yearly trip! That’s how much fun it was! While this event is absolutely incredible, it does require a lot of planning in advance. Due to how crazy early in the morning it is ( first event is at 5:30am, seriously, view my other blog post on tips for the Albuquerque balloon fiesta), the fact it’s out in the middle of the desert, and the crazy change in weather – you definitely want to make sure you pack everything you could need! Here’s everything I’d recommend bringing, all can be easily found and purchased on Amazon.
Want to skip right to the links? I got you, here’s a direct link to things to pack for the balloon fiesta shopping list on amazon. You can also click on any of the photos below to be brought to it.
- Soft Sided Cooler
When I went to the Balloon Fiesta in 2023 I had no idea you were allowed to bring in your own snacks and drinks! I had to instead wait in super long lines for expensive bland fair food. My second day there I brought my own food but only brought a backpack with me so into my backpack it went! Next time I go I’m going to bring this cooler backpack! Hard sided cooler are NOT ALLOWED at the park, so you’ll have to bring a soft one, and I like how this one has bacpack straps so it’ll be much easier to carry into the field! Also remember no alcohol can be brought in either! Link
- Snacks
To put in your cooler of course! You can make breakfast sandwiches, cup up fruit, or just buy some easy protein bars! Link
- Chairs or a blanket
You will be waiting a while. Might as well be comfy! You don’t need both a blanket and fold out chair but whatever suits your needs better. I have this blanket and it folds up really small so it’s great to throw in your bag and is waterproof, perfect for the most likely wet grass you’ll be sitting on. Just note that security will have you remove your chair from its carrying case when you go through security so don’t try and sneak some beers in there! Link
- Flashlight
It is pitch black in some parts of the field early in the morning, especially if you’re smart and wander far away from the crowds to get your own space. I’d definitely recommend bringing flashlights so you don’t drain your phone battery using your phone’s flashlight. Link
- Phone Chargers
Even if you don’t use your phone’s flashlight, you will probably be taking hundreds of photos on it. Make sure to bring a portable charger so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying! I love that these chargers plug right into your phone so you don’t have to carry a bunch of tangled up wires too. Link
- A Thermos & Water Bottle
Both is honestly such a good idea. Bring coffee or hot chocolate in a thermos for the cold morning to help you stay warm and awake. Then a water for when the sun comes up an you’ve been walking around all morning. Link
- Binoculars
This one I didn’t think of until I saw some people using them at the field, this will give you the opportunity to get a unique view of hot air balloons on the other side of the field, the pilots controlling the balloons, and the ease of viewing the balloons while far away from the crowds! Plus this exact binocular can be connected to your phone for some amazing photos! Link
- Hats/gloves/scarves & handwarmers
It can easily be 40 degrees in the early morning, and you’ll be out in the field for hours, dress warmly in layers! Link
- Sunscreen & ChapStick
This is why I mentioned dressing in layers. Once the sun is up it can get warm quick. You don’t want to mess around with the sun in a desert, make sure to also pack chapstick and sunscreen. I especially like this sunscreen because you can easily put it on while on the go. Plus it doesn’t normally annoy children when you apply it like the sticky liquid sunscreen does. Link
- Sunglasses
Again, that sun. Link
- Phone Holder
These phone lanyards are a great way to keep your phone handy for all the photos you’re going to want to take. Link
12. Postcard holder
Most balloon pilots have “trading cards” for their balloon, roughly the size of a postcard. This postcard holder perfectly captures that explorer vibe while keeping your cards that you collected safe! Link
- Boots
For some reason the field is always muddy, boots are highly recommended. I bought these boots years ago, they’re cheap, comfy, and have held up amazingly! Link
- Hand Sanitizer
Porta potties, enough said. Link
- Books & Entertainment for the kids
Waiting can be hard for the little ones, I’d recommend bringing bubbles, a small soccer ball, something to keep them occupied. I also love this hot air balloon book, and hot air balloon themed coloring book to help them get excited for the balloons! Link
16. Bonus if you’re bringing a lot – Folding wagon ‘
If you’re bringing multiple kids or a lot of stuff these collapsible wagons are the way to go! You’re even allowed to take them on the shuttle bus, just empty them, collapse them, and the driver will put them in the back. Link
I hope that list was helpful for you to decide what to bring to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! If you’d like more tips please check out my other blog post – Tips for the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival
** I do get a very small commission if you purchase any of these items but they are genuinely all items I bought for my last trip or plan on buying for my next one.**