Good morning, Albuquerque.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta starts today at Balloon Fiesta Park with parking opening at 3 a.m. and gates at 4:30 a.m.—attendees must pass metal detector checks and follow strict restrictions on weapons, drones, and glass.

Organizers announced a special guest from Disney, a $15 ticket for adults with free entry for kids 12 and under, and on Oct. 6 New Mexico residents can enter for free by showing an ID or utility bill while a balloon glow lights up Los Ranchos on 4th Street between Pueblo Solano and Schulte.

Families celebrated a festive Balloon Fiesta eve at Albuquerque Aloft early this crisp fall morning—Principal Kathryn Ramsey from Mountain View Elementary prepared the event as roosters crowed and the sun rose.

The celebration marks a joyful start to the season with local traditions in full swing.

Today, Balloon Fiesta may face wind impact during its mass ascension as a cold front moves through Albuquerque—if the front passes before daybreak, easterly winds are expected, but if it stalls north, winds will come from the south to north at 10 to 15 mph.

Stronger winds aloft may also challenge the balloons before calmer conditions take over later in the morning.

This weekend, Albuquerque hosts the 50th Greek Festival at St. George Church from Oct.

3 to Oct. 5 with Greek food, dance, and free park and ride from Lomas and University. Fall fun continues at Rio Rancho’s Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch—open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct. 31—and near Sandia Resort and Casino the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival will feature art booths in a large white tent for local families.

On October 3, about 200 graduate student workers and their supporters picketed at the intersection of Yale Blvd. and Las Lomas Rd on the UNM campus to demand higher pay, dental and vision coverage, and fair contract negotiations—UNM stated it values the workers and remains committed to ongoing talks.

Advocates say New Mexico’s public schools still lag behind despite $1.6 billion spent over seven years on education programs for students named in the Yazzie/Martinez suit.

The Education Department has not followed through on its remedial plans—drafted orders have not been approved by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham—and the issue will be discussed on Let’s Talk New Mexico on October 12 at 8 a.m.

New Mexico’s MVD tightened its rules for noncitizens seeking commercial driver’s licenses by requiring valid H-2a + H-2b + E-2 visas to meet federal DOT mandates after fatal crash concerns.

The DOE cancelled $135.2M in local energy projects amid political disputes and local credit unions are offering relief programs for workers affected by the government shutdown.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Balloon Fiesta Park — Check event details for pricing — Experience the stunning visuals of colorful hot air balloons filling the Albuquerque skies.

October Monday Afternoon Hand Building

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check event page for pricing — Hands-on pottery sessions for ages 14 to 120 in Albuquerque.

The Legendary Pink Dots Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of The Legendary Pink Dots with themes of connection and solitude in a post-pandemic world.

Michael Schenker with Armored Saint

7-8:30 p.m. — 120 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM — All Ages — Rock out with legendary guitarist Michael Schenker in an exciting evening of live music.

Buses and Balloons Campout

5 PM - 12 PM — Alameda Little League — Camping fee — Experience a unique campout during the Albuquerque International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta with stunning views from your campsite.

Biohazard Concert

7-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the Divided We Fall Tour with Biohazard, Onyx, and more.

Balloon Fiesta Pints and Painting

12-3 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — $30 includes all supplies + beer discounts — Unleash creativity while enjoying craft beer and painting a Balloon Fiesta theme.

Kellen Erskine Live Comedy Show

5-11 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up by Kellen Erskine.

Leonid & Friends Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant tribute to Chicago with Leonid & Friends' powerhouse performance.

Costaki Economopoulos Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket price varies — Enjoy an evening with Costaki Economopoulos, the football joke guy known for his performance in all 50 states.