Santa Fe families and children are invited to experience moments toremember for a lifetime on Friday, October 3, when Kiwanis unveil the FREE “Zozobra Balloon Glow” at Villa Linda Park (next to Santa Fe Place Mall and we’d love every one of you to share in the magic.

Not every family can make the pre-dawn trek to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. By bringing a 135-foot, fully illuminated Zozobra hot-air balloon to the heart of Santa Fe, we’re giving local kids their very first up-close look at ballooning—no travel, no cost, just pure wonder. “We wanted every child to look up, see Zozobra glowing overhead, and say, ‘Wow—that’s for me!’” says Executive Director Ray Sandoval.

• WHAT: Zozobra Balloon Glow—FREE community night for families
• WHEN: Friday, October 3, 2025
‑ Activities kick off at 6:00 p.m.
‑ Balloon inflates and glows ~7:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Villa Linda Park (next to Santa Fe Place Mall, 4250 Cerrillos Rd.)
• COST: Admission & parking are absolutely FREE

Family-Friendly Highlights
• Giant 135-foot Zozobra Balloon—watch crews unpack, inflate, and light it up.
• MANKO Native American Fusion Food Truck—kid portions + veggie / GF options.
• Lawn games, DJ Sin, and wide-open space for children to explore safely.
• Limited-edition Zozobra balloon bobbleheads—sales fund future youth programs.

Access & Amenities
• Free parking in Mall Lots A & B; overflow at AMC lot.
• ADA drop-off at park gate with golf-cart assistance.
• Restrooms, hand-wash stations, first-aid, and security on site.
• Weather back-up date: Friday, October 10 (same time).

We can’t wait to stand beside you under the glow of Zozobra and listen to the collective gasps of awe from Santa Fe’s youngest residents.