Home » Things to Do » Balloon Fiesta Splash and Dash
If you’re looking for something that sets the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta apart from any other hot air balloon event in the world, the Splash and Dash is it. This thrilling spectacle happens when pilots guide their balloons down to gently dip the basket into the Rio Grande before floating back up into the sky. For locals, it’s a proud reminder of how special ballooning is here at home. For visitors, it’s an unforgettable sight you can only catch in Albuquerque.
The best way to take in a Splash and Dash is from the riverbanks of the Rio Grande. Early in the morning, when the air is calm and cool, balloons drift down toward the water.
Suddenly, the reflection of bright colors shimmers on the surface, and the crowd watches in anticipation as the basket touches the river before lifting back into the air. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are experiencing this for the first time, it’s a moment that feels alive and electric.
Part of what makes the Splash and Dash so fascinating is the skill required to pull it off. Pilots must read the air currents perfectly, controlling their descent just enough to make contact with the water without lingering too long. It’s a test of precision, balance, and timing, and seeing it happen in person gives you a new appreciation for the art of ballooning.
The Splash and Dash isn’t just another Fiesta highlight, it’s one of those experiences you’ll talk about long after the balloons have landed. Locals come back year after year to relive the excitement, while tourists leave with stories that stay with them. If you’re planning your Balloon Fiesta adventure, make time to catch this breathtaking event along the Rio Grande. It’s a reminder of why Albuquerque is the ballooning capital of the world.
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