45th RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY
December 4th-6th, 2026
Get ready for the 45th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally, happening December 4-6, 2026! What started as a passionate initiative by four enthusiasts to showcase the thrilling flying conditions amid the stunning red rock formations east of Gallup, New Mexico, has now evolved into one of the nation’s largest balloon events. Join us and experience the awe-inspiring sight of over 150 balloons taking to the skies!
The Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, established in 1981, has been a pillar of support for the Gallup community. Through collaborations with numerous non-profit organizations, the Association has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to fundraising efforts. Operated entirely by a dedicated volunteer committee without any paid staff, the Association’s commitment to community service is truly remarkable.
Interested in being on a crew? Sign up here!
ADMISSION IS FREE TO ALL EVENTS!
(with only a small $10.00 parking fee at events at Red Rock Park)
Presented by
RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY EVENTS
The Balloon Rally schedule of events includes mass ascensions, balloon glows and competition with beautiful, hand crafted Native American arts and crafts.
Thursday, December 3, 2026
- 6:00pm Haven Living & Storage Pilot Registration – Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille
Friday, December 4, 2026 – Pinnacle Bank Day
- 7:30am Four Corners Welding & Gas Supply – Mass Ascension – Fox Run Golf Course & Red Rock Park
- 7:30am Equipment Share Mass Ascension – Fox Run Golf Course
- 6:30pm Cedar & Ivy Real Estate Glow in the Rocks – Red Rock Park
- 6:30pm Rocket Cafe Liquors Lounge Indian Dances – Red Rock Park
Murphy Builders Platinum Sponsor
Perry Null Platinum Sponsor
iHeart Radio Platinum Sponsor
Saturday, December 5, 2026 – Rico Auto Complex Day
- 7:30am Castle Furniture Mass Ascension – Red Rock State Park
- 8:30am McKinley County Pyramid Rock Run – Red Rock State Park
- 6:30pm Rio West Mall Balloominaria – Rio West Mall
Supersmith, Inc. Platinum Sponsor
Big Mikes Equipment Rental Platinum Sponsor
Sunday, December 6, 2026 – Sonic Drive-In Day
- 7:30am Gallup Pumping Service Mass Ascension – Red Rock Park
- 10:00am Amigo Automotive Group Awards Brunch & Auction – Red Rock Park
Red Rock Security Pilot Appreciation Sponsor
First Financial Credit Union Pilot Pack Sponsor
For information and to book your hot air balloon ride visit Pagosa Adventure
BALLOONING IN GALLUP VIDEO
Host of “New Mexico True Television,” Michael Newman, takes his first hot air balloon ride. And he couldn’t have picked a more gorgeous setting than Red Rock Park outside of Gallup. Each December the park hosts the second largest balloon rally in North America, surpassed only by Albuquerque’s October Balloon Fiesta. The flight and the scenery are breathtaking.
POWERED BY GALLUP PROPANE
