SANTA FE, NM – In partnership with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company, the New Mexico Tourism Department is deploying a brand-new hot air balloon at the 2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to commemorate the Route 66 centennial set for 2026.
The balloon will take its maiden voyage during the first Mass Ascension of Balloon Fiesta on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
To further commemorate the Route 66 Centennial and the inaugural liftoff of the Route 66 Centennial balloon, NMTD will be distributing limited-edition collectable pins at Balloon Fiesta Park beginning the morning of October 4. Guests who complete a brief visitor experience survey at the New Mexico True booth on Main Street may retrieve a pin while supplies last.
“As home to both the world’s largest hot air balloon rally and one of the country’s richest histories of Route 66, Albuquerque is the ideal location to celebrate and amplify our profile as a premier region for the Route 66 experience,” said Acting Secretary Lancing Adams. “The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the biggest stage we have, so let’s show everyone that New Mexico is ready to welcome the world on our stretch of the Mother Road in 2026 and beyond.”
"We’re so excited to team up with the New Mexico Tourism Department to help bring the Route 66 Centennial celebration to life in the skies," said Heather Appelman, President of Rainbow Ryders. "As the official ride operator of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, we know how special this event is, so launching the Route 66 Centennial balloon here is the perfect way to honor the history of this famous highway and encourage others to celebrate the spirit of exploration that Route 66 has always represented.”
NMTD will serve as the licensor of the state’s official Route 66 Centennial logo and Rainbow Ryders will serve as the operator of the balloon. Rainbow Ryders has agreed to operate the Route 66 Centennial balloon at a minimum of nine hot air balloon rallies and festivals, two of which must be the 2025 and 2026 Balloon Fiesta. The 90,000 cubic feet balloon was manufactured by Lindstrand Balloons USA.