Balloon Fiesta is here and so are all the goodies that come with it. From Albuquerque Aloft to fiesta watch parties, the number of events going on around the city are plentiful, and many of them are happening in the far Northeast Heights. Check out what’s going on in and around your neighborhood this weekend:
- Albuquerque Aloft starts between 6:15-6:45 a.m. at North Star, Double Eagle and Dennis Chavez Elementary Schools on Friday, Sept. 30. Learn how a hot air balloon works up close without having to battle the crowds at Balloon Fiesta Park as pilots launch their balloons from the elementary schools. Several schools are offering coffee, hot chocolate and donuts for a buck each. Wake the kids up early and enjoy the crisp cool air as the first official flights of this year’s Balloon Fiesta take off from an elementary school near you.
- The La Cueva Bears take on the Eldorado Golden Eagles in a much-anticipated rivalry varsity football game at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. The game will be at Wilson Stadium, located at 12200 Lomas Blvd. NE.
- The first day of the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta starts with a top-secret aerial show at 5:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Balloon Fiesta Park. Dawn patrol starts at 6 a.m., followed by the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow at 6:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 6:45 a.m. At 7 a.m., hundreds of balloons will launch from the park during mass ascension. Events continue throughout Saturday and the next eight days at Balloon Fiesta Park. For the full schedule of events, visit balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule. Additionally, we’d love to see your photos. Share them at https://www.neighborhoodjournal.com/submit-a-photo/
- Learn to ice skate at the Outpost Ice Arena Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn to Skate Saturdays runs through Oct. 28 on both the south and west T & C rinks. For more information on events at the Outpost, visit outposticearena.com.
- Head over to the Cherry Hills Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, to 12:30 p.m. to learn how to produce delicious homegrown tomatoes with master gardener and composter Mary Green. Registration is required with 12 seats available. Visit org/cherryhills for more info.
Citywide events
6. Get a peek at the new Route 66 Visitor Center with a preview celebration and ribbon cutting Friday. City Councilor Klarissa Peña, Bernalillo County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada and the West Central Development Group will be on hand for the event, which runs from 3-9 p.m. at 12300 Central Ave. SW. There will also be live music, food trucks, vendors and “breathtaking views,” according to city officials. There will be no on-site parking at the event, but park and ride services will be offered at Herrera Coaches, 10605 Central Ave. NW, and the Unser Blvd. Transit Park & Ride lot.
7. A new live music series is hitting downtown Albuquerque. In conjunction with the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Burque Live is focused on invigorating the downtown area and will initially feature more than 60 performances over the next two weekends. Dozens of local artists will perform at a variety of venues, including family-friendly options, in the downtown area and will be free and open to the public. For a schedule of performances and information about the artists, visit burquelive.com.
8. Netflix in Your Neighborhood launches Friday at Skate-O-Mania’s Stranger Things Night. Spin through the Upside Down to retro anthems from the hit show in ‘80s looks inspired by Eleven and her pals. The night will include photo ops and chances to win Netflix prize packs. Sessions run from 4-6 p.m., 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Visit NetflixNM.com for more information.
