The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) is set to host the 2025 Río Grande Sky Fiesta at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, New Mexico. Scheduled for October 25–26, the event will feature hot air balloons, cultural activities, and family-friendly entertainment along the Río Grande.
Returning after a successful first year, the fiesta will include morning balloon ascensions on both days at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., weather permitting. The Zozobra balloon will also make an appearance. On Saturday evening, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., a Balloon Glow event will illuminate the Española Valley.
New features this year include the public debut of the Heritage Kitchen at Los Luceros, which will offer seasonal dishes and host local food trucks. Additionally, there will be a Halloween-themed 'Trick-or-Treat Through Los Luceros Historic Site' adventure with lowrider trunk-or-treat displays. This activity is supported by partners such as Celebrate Planet Earth and the Museum of International Folk Art.
Eric Vasquez, Executive Director of NRGNHA, said, "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 at the site costs $10 per vehicle; however, free off-site parking with shuttle service is available from Oñate Center and Ohkay Casino's 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. Tickets can be purchased online at https://riograndeskyfiesta.com.
The event receives support from sponsors including HilCorp, Century Bank, Chevron USA Inc., Singleton & Schreiber, Taos County, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Rio Arriba County, and New Mexico Historic Sites.
The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area aims to preserve and promote Northern New Mexico's culture through collaborative outreach efforts. Meanwhile, New Mexico Historic Sites operates under the Department of Cultural Affairs to maintain several historic locations across the state.
For more information about these sites or to learn more about their programs and exhibits supported by donors like those from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation visit nmhistoricsites.org.
Information from this article can be found here.
