The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally has truly been a Taos community event. Every year on the last full weekend in October, as the trees in the high country erupt into a painter’s canvas of oranges, reds, ambers and yellows, even more color is added to the vista as the Taos skies are filled with dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons lifting into the clear, cold dawn of a Taos Mountain sunrise.

Smaller than many such events, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is an invitational and typically hosts 35-50 balloons and crews each year. The rally – primarily because it is smaller and more intimate – has become a popular stop for balloonists, families and crews, Taoseños and visitors alike. Parents and kids get up-close and personal” with the balloonists every morning as the crews prepare for launch. The three‐day event includes mass ascensions at dawn, balloon glows in the evening, a parade and a grand ball.

• Morning mass ascensions Saturday & Sunday
• Meet the pilots
• Live music Saturday evening
• Food, coffee, arts & craft vendors Saturday & Sunday
• Trick or Treat balloon glow Saturday after dark
• Free tethered balloon rides for local school kids Friday morning

More information & Schedule.