MUST-SEE EVENTS

NFL SUPERBOWL

The Super Bowl isn't just a football game. It is a week-long extravaganza that involves so many auxiliary events and components that even non-sports fans are drawn in by the hype. It is so big that even the commercials are worth watching. The planet's biggest sporting event takes place in a different city each year.

MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." Carnival season in New Orleans is a city-wide celebration and most of the parades take place in the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day.

LAS VEGAS SHOW

Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World and home to the most incredible shows in the world. Choose from jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil acrobatics, concerts by artists-in-residence, stand up comedy or magic shows. No matter which of the over 100 shows you decide on, you will be blown away.

NBA FINALS

The National Basketball Association's finals are a showdown of stars and teams for the ages. It takes four games to win, but at least 93 games to get there. And the teams that do bring a lot of glitter with them. Movie stars in front-row seats. Cheerleaders that resemble Las Vegas show girls in high-energy dance routines. The see-and-be-seen spectacle ringing the court is as intriguing as the game itself.

BALLOON FESTIVAL

Each fall, pilots, crews and spectators from all over the world come to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot air ballooning event. For nine days during the first full week of October, hundreds of colorful balloons float above the city each morning as dawn breaks over the Sandia Mountains. It's no wonder this visual feast is said to be the world's most photographed event.