Last September, my husband and I escaped to Snowmass for a weekend timed with the town’s annual balloon festival.
We woke up early and joined the crowd for the Grand Ascension, watching dozens of hot air balloons lift off against a backdrop of mountain peaks brushed with the season’s first hints of autumn. As the balloons drifted overhead, their bright colors echoed the patchwork of changing leaves below, creating one of those quintessential Colorado moments that makes the transition between seasons feel especially memorable.
The rest of the weekend was filled with dog-friendly hikes with our Boston Terrier Jax, scenic strolls through the village, and rides on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which twists and dips through the forest at, Snowmass’ mountaintop adventure hub.
Whether you’re looking for an excuse to explore a mountain town, plan a weekend road trip or simply witness one of Colorado’s most colorful spectacles, these balloon festivals—listed in order of date—are well worth adding to your calendar.
Best Small Town Festival: Frederick in Flight
Dates: June 26-28, 2026
Location: Centennial Park, 630 Eighth Street in Frederick
Can’t-miss event: Set your alarms early. Each day of the festival at 5:55 a.m. you can witness skydivers descend while the National Anthem plays just before the 6 a.m. balloon lift.
More information: frederickco.gov/239/Frederick-in-Flight
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Frederick In Flight pairs early-morning colorful hot air balloon ascensions with a full weekend of family-friendly fun. Visitors can also partake in free tethered balloon rides on a first-come, first-serve basis at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.
While the sunrise launches are the main attraction, the festival culminates with the Balloon Bash in Centennial Park (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 27), featuring live music, food trucks, a beer and cider garden, a vendor market, kids’ activities and, weather permitting, glowing hot air balloons after sunset. Skydiving demonstrations and performances by The Jack Hadley Band and Hazel Miller & The Collective round out the festivities.
Best for Special Shapes: Erie Balloon Festival
Dates: July 10-12, 2026
Location: Weld County Road 5 and Colliers Parkway in Erie
Can’t-miss event: The Saturday Night Glow at 8 p.m. on July 11, when balloons inflate at night light gorgeous, colorful lanterns.
More information: erieballoonfestival.com
The Erie Balloon Festival brings dozens of hot air balloons to Colorado’s Front Range for a colorful weekend of flight demonstrations and family activities. Morning mass ascensions fill the skies above Erie, while tethered balloon rides offer visitors a chance to experience the magic of ballooning firsthand for $20 per person.
New for 2026: Special-shaped balloons will join the fleet, so spectators will be able to see everything from animal-shaped balloons and other characters fill the sky.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also watch aerial paramotor performances that perform tricks and enjoy food truck fare.
Best for Aviation Enthusiasts: Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
Dates: Sept. 5-7, 2026
Location: Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. in Colorado Springs
Can’t miss event: Watch the elite U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue Demonstration Team take to the skies, performing precision parachute maneuvers, formation flying and crowd-favorite stunts The performances are at 9 a.m. Sept. 5 and Sept. 6.
More information: coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com
The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off turns 50 this year, and the long-running festival knows how to put on a show. Early risers can watch dozens of balloons take to the skies, while night owls are rewarded with illuminated balloon glows.
The festival also includes everything from Air Force Academy skydivers and aerial acrobats to live music, drone shows, a Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, remote-controlled hot air balloon demonstrations and more.
Best for Culinary Lovers: Balloon Fest at the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
Dates: Sept. 18-20, 2026
Locations: Balloons launch from the soccer fields at Langoni Park, and a few balloons will inflate and glow on the Pueblo Riverwalk during the evenings.
Can’t-miss event: The jalapeno eating contest at 4 p.m. Sept. 20.
More information: pueblochilefestival.com
Pueblo’s signature chile takes center stage during the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, a weekend packed with food vendors, cooking competitions, live entertainment, and plenty of roasted chiles scenting the air.
But between bites, look up: The festival also brings 25 hot air balloons to town. Early risers can watch the balloons inflate and launch from the Langoni Park soccer fields, while evenings bring a smaller balloon glow to the Pueblo Riverwalk.
Best Mountain Adventure: Snowmass Balloon Festival
Dates: Sept. 25-27, 2026
Can’t-miss event: Friday night’s Night Glow offers a chance to see the balloons from a different perspective. As dusk settles over Snowmass, tethered balloons illuminate the field in a rainbow of colors. It’s also one of the best opportunities to chat with pilots and get a closer look at the balloons before they take to the skies the following morning.
More information: gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-balloon-festival
Set against a backdrop of mountain peaks, the Snowmass Balloon Festival is one of Colorado’s most scenic balloon events. More than 30 hot air balloons launch from Snowmass Town Park during the weekend festival.
Arrive early for the morning ascensions, when the balloons inflate before lifting off at sunrise. Afterward, make a weekend of it by exploring Snowmass Village’s hiking and mountain biking trails, riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and dining in Snowmass Village.
The combination of early fall colors, crisp mountain air and dozens of balloons overhead makes this festival well worth planning a getaway around.
Road Trip-Worthy Festival: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Dates: Oct. 3-11, 2026
Location: Balloon Fiesta Park, which is located north of Alameda Boulevard, one mile west of I-25 in Albuquerque.
Can’t-miss event: The Special Shape Rodeo happens over two days (Oct. 7 and Oct. 8; launches at 7 a.m. both days) and includes dozens of fun balloons resembling everything from Elvis to a piggybank to “Star Wars” characters.
More information: balloonfiesta.com
The world’s largest balloon festival is a road trip away. For nine days in October, more than 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park, creating quite the spectacle in the sky. The festival also includes drone shows, fireworks, chainsaw carving exhibitions and live music.
