The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area has announced the return of the Río Grande Sky Fiesta for 2025. The event will take place on October 25–26 at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, New Mexico. This two-day celebration will feature vibrant hot air balloons, food, culture, and family-friendly activities along the Río Grande.
Morning balloon ascensions are scheduled for both days at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., weather permitting. The Zozobra balloon will also make its return. A highlight of the event is the Saturday evening Balloon Glow from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., where balloons will illuminate the Española Valley.
New features this year include the debut of the Heritage Kitchen at Los Luceros, offering seasonal dishes and local food trucks. A Halloween-themed 'Trick-or-Treat Through Los Luceros Historic Site' passport adventure with lowrider trunk-or-treat displays will be hosted by partners such as Celebrate Planet Earth and the Museum of International Folk Art. Additionally, a Sky Fiesta coloring and stamp booklet will encourage children to explore 'Creatures & Phenomena of the Skies.'
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 on site costs $10 per vehicle, while free off-site parking with shuttle service is available from the Oñate Center and Ohkay Casino (north side). Tickets are priced at $12 for Saturday and $8 for Sunday’s morning launch; children 12 and younger 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 under the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Information from this article can be found here.
