Rio Grande Classic 2025 in Albuquerque, NM

The Rio Grande Classic is a three-day hot-air balloon competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s a spectacular and sought-after event held on Memorial Day weekend. Albuquerque is called the hot-air balloon capital of the World because it holds multiple ballooning events for pilots and viewers.

Schedule of the competitions

Pilots from across the United States will converge on the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Metro Areas to participate in the competition. The Rio Grande Classic includes the Southwest Regional Championship and the New Mexico State Championship. This year’s event will be limited to 50 Pilots. Generally, the Rio Grande Classic starts at 4 pm with a registration party at Brew Lab 101. Flights are scheduled daily, and there will be an award ceremony at Elk’s Lodge on Memorial Day.

History of the festival

Top Gun, a non-profit competition balloon club in New Mexico, has been organizing the Rio Grande Classic Competition Event for over three decades during Memorial Day weekend. The club was originally organized to help the balloon pilots improve their skills. It hosts different educational workshops, schools, and competitive balloon flights.