The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) has announced the return of the Río Grande Sky Fiesta, scheduled for October 25–26, 2025, at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, New Mexico. The event will feature hot air balloon ascensions on both mornings and a Saturday evening Balloon Glow that will illuminate the Española Valley.
The Sky Fiesta will include the return of the Zozobra balloon and several new features. Among these are the debut of the Heritage Kitchen at Los Luceros, which will offer seasonal dishes and host local food trucks. There will also be a Halloween-themed "Trick-or-Treat Through Los Luceros Historic Site" passport adventure with lowrider trunk-or-treat displays. This activity is organized in partnership with Celebrate Planet Earth, the Museum of International Folk Art, and local fire departments. Children can participate in a Sky Fiesta coloring and stamp booklet activity focused on "Creatures & Phenomena of the Skies."
Eric Vasquez, Executive Director of NRGNHA, stated, "Our mission is to spark curiosity about the natural world. At Sky Fiesta, we connect families to the living and phenomena of Northern New Mexico in a setting that’s both festive and educational."
Parking will be available on site for $10 per vehicle. Free off-site parking and shuttle service will be provided from the Oñate Center and Ohkay Casino (north side). Tickets are priced at $12 for Saturday and $8 for Sunday’s morning launch. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free. Admission includes access to all event activities at Los Luceros Historic Site. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://riograndeskyfiesta.com.
The event is supported by sponsors including HilCorp, Century Bank, Chevron USA Inc., Singleton & Schreiber, Taos County, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Rio Arriba County, and New Mexico Historic Sites, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
The NRGNHA works to preserve and promote the culture, heritage, language, and environment of Northern New Mexico through outreach and cultural education. The organization also aims to support economic growth and community development in the region.
New Mexico Historic Sites is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs. It operates under the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico with support from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. The system was established in 1931 to preserve scientific resources in New Mexico and currently manages eight historic sites across the state. More information is available at nmhistoricsites.org.
