Fiesta of Wheels

This year's Fiesta of Wheels will continue a long-standing tradition at Albuquerque International Balloon. The Rainbow Roadrunners Car Club of New Mexico is equally excited to continue the Fiesta of Wheels event!  

To help gather a headcount for the event, we sincerely appreciate those of you who have registered for the event at Fiesta of Wheels Registration.  This has helped us prepare and work with Balloon Fiesta staff. Registering will also help us secure the commemorative materials in time for the event. 

Staging for this year's event will once again be at the Rail Runner station at Los Ranchos/ Journal Center located at 101 El Pueblo Rd. NE, at 8:00 AM, MDT, October 8, 2023.  All staging information is available within our mobile-friendly Staging section for more details.  This is a public location, without restrooms; please plan accordingly.  Because of the limited space at the staging location, we ask that clubs do not save spaces for club members at staging.  Rather, we highly recommend and encourage each club to plan an individual group staging before moving to the staging location, so each club can be grouped together if they choose.

Lastly, this year's event will continue the People's Choice Award.  To accommodate the voting, pre-registration link will be available at the top of this page while active.  In person registration will be at our registration table, beginning at 8:00 AM, before the event.  Each vehicle will be provided a placard at registration with a number.  Patrons can vote by visiting the website on the placard or scanning the QR Code.  After the event, votes will be tallied systematically, and the winning vehicle(s) will be crowned the Fiesta of Wheels People's Choice winner.  

Thanks again for joining the Fiesta of Wheels, and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Whimsical special shapes and Balloon Glows create a magical landscape for spectators to wander. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will leave you awestruck and wanting more.

The first Sunday of the event is special for automotive admirers, hobbyists, enthusiasts. The Rainbow Roadrunners Car Club will host a car display on the field after the balloons lift off. Hundreds of classic, vintage and special interest vehicles will parade from the West onto the field. Vehicles are from all over the state and country. All vehicles that fit into the categories will be accepted.  It is not necessary to register for this free event, however if large clubs are planning on attending together please Contact Us. 

As the COVID-19 situation continues to improve, the requirement for masking and distancing is constantly changing. Please check with the New Mexico Department of Health at www.nmhealth.org or go to the New Mexico state website at www.newmexico.org for all the most recent updates and changes to COVID policies for the state. 

Staging for this year's event will be at the Rail Runner station at Los Ranchos/ Journal Center at 8:00 AM, MDT, October 2, 2022.  Full staging details are available here.

Please:

•  Do not block traffic;

• Obey all traffic laws;

• Give right of way to busses, trains, and local traffic. 

Restrooms are not available at the staging location.  Officials will alert us when the field is open and ready for us.  Although we anticipate this to be around 9:00 AM, the time is based on multiple factors and is ultimately out of our control. 

As the field opens and we are given clearance to enter the field, we will collectively head toward the crew entrance.  For security, vehicles entering park will be subject to search.  While we make every effort to remain in one group, local traffic can cause breaks in the migration to Balloon Fiesta park.  If you are separated form the group, please continue towards the crew-members entrance gate to rejoin the group.  As we enter the park, you will be directed to parking areas.  Please follow traffic and instructions by all Balloon Fiesta personnel. 

Most importantly, Have fun!

• September 12, 2021:

  • Guest Guide added to clickable options.  Please reference for any Balloon Fiesta related questions. 

• September 7, 2021:

  • Fiesta of Wheels is scheduled to continue as planned.