Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area
$8-$12, kids 12 and under are free
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM, every day through Oct 26, 2025.
The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) is proud to present the 2025 Río Grande Sky Fiesta, returning October 25–26, 2025 to the historic Los Luceros site in Alcalde, New Mexico. This two-day celebration will once again fill the skies with vibrant hot air balloons and welcome guests with food, culture, and family-friendly fun along the Río Grande.
Following a successful inaugural year, the 2025 event will feature morning balloon ascensions on both Saturday and Sunday at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. (weather permitting), and the return of the beloved Zozobra balloon. The Saturday evening Balloon Glow will light up the Española Valley from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., offering a breathtaking spectacle as balloons glow against the autumn night.
This year also introduces several new additions:
The public debut of the Heritage Kitchen at Los Luceros, offering seasonal dishes and hosting local food trucks
A Halloween-themed “Trick-or-Treat Through Los Luceros Historic” passport adventure with lowrider trunk-or-treat displays, hosted by partners like Celebrate Planet Earth, the Museum of International Folk Art, and local fire departments
A Sky Fiesta coloring and stamp booklet that encourages children to explore 'Creatures & Phenomena of the Skies'
“Our mission is to spark curiosity about the natural world,” said Eric Vasquez, executive director of NRGNHA. “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 is 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 $12 for Saturday and $8 for Sunday’s morning launch, kids 12 and under are free. Admission includes access to Los Luceros Historic Site and all event activities. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://riograndeskyfiesta.com.
Community members, volunteers, schools, and cultural organizations are invited to take part in the festivities. Local groups can apply to host passport stations or educational booths to help showcase Northern New Mexico’s diverse traditions.