The Balloon Fiesta began on April 8, 1972 with 13 balloons in a shopping-centre parking lot, to celebrate radio station KOB’s 50th birthday. It moved to early October in 1975 and is now the largest balloon festival in the world, held at Balloon Fiesta Park on the city’s northern edge. Highlights are the Dawn Patrol, the mass ascensions that start about 7 a.m., the Special Shape Rodeo and the evening balloon glows.
The 55th Fiesta is scheduled for October 2-10, 2027.