ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – No big name country music artist will be performing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this year. For the first time in twelve years, the state’s biggest event is putting a pause on the annual Music Fiesta concert. It’s brought big names in the past, including Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Carly Pearce.
So what’s behind it? Organizers are only saying they’re looking to, “improve the guest experience” around Music Fiesta. They’re planning to bring it back in 2026. “More than a year and a half to really determine what that looks like, and Balloon Fiesta is going to test some different ideas during the 2025 event so that way the 2026 event can continue the success,” said Spokesperson Tom Garrity, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
AIBF also won’t say if it will continue with country music in 2026. This year’s Balloon Fiesta starts October 4.