Balloon Fiesta is just around the corner, from Oct. 6 to Oct. 14. It’ll be hosted at the Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. Expect to see balloons, the balloon glow, laser light shows, firework shows, and more.

People from all around the world attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. What started in 1973 with thirteen balloons launching from a mall is now the biggest ballooning event of the world, according to the Balloon Fiesta website.

General admission is $10. (Children 12 and under get in free.) The park opens at 4:30 a.m. all nine days for morning sessions. There will also be five evening sessions, with the park opening at 3:30 p.m. There are also several double-session days. (Check the website for details.)

General parking is $10 per car or motorcycle; tickets can only be purchased in the parking lot. People can also park at the Cottonwood Mall, Intel, Coronado Center, and Hoffmantown Church. Buses will carry passengers to and from these remote parking lots.

Many students were eager to share their experience of attending Balloon Fiesta.

“Leave in enough time for parking,” said Alex Rigales. “The closer you are to the park the better,” he added. Many recommend leaving Santa Fe at 4:30 a.m. to get there on time for the morning events. (Traffic can be really bad on the Interstate.)

“I like how different cultures come together in the form of balloons,” Daphne Garcia said, adding that she likes seeing how people from all around the world come together for one big event.

Faith Bransford likes to see “balloons rising into the morning air.”

Many students like the food. Cruz Martinez suggested the funnel cake.

David Lopez likes the wood carvings and thinks Balloon Fiesta is “sick.”

The weather is forecast to be as low as 50 degrees. Check the weather before you head to the Balloon Fiesta Park, says Trinity Batista. Dominique Sena suggested to take a sweater because it gets cold.

People on Trip Advisor suggest to bring hats, scarves, gloves and winter jackets. “Some folks were huddled in blankets they purchased there. Glass was frozen over…so waterproof shoes are a good idea, or bring extra socks to change” one person said. Of course, those extra clothes will all come off when the sun comes up, so it’s a good idea to also bring a backpack.

But not everyone likes the event. Darwin Ruano said he thinks it’s boring and didn’t like that he had to wait so long for it to get started in the morning.

For more information, visit http://www.balloonfiesta.com/