Nearby Hot Air Balloon Festivals
If you’re in Denver and looking for a unique way to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful landscapes, hot air balloon festivals offer an unforgettable experience. From sunrise launches over the Rocky Mountains to vibrant events with food trucks and live music, these festivals are perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving adventure. Whether you want to take flight or simply enjoy the colorful spectacle from the ground, these nearby events offer something for everyone.
Top Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Colorado
1. Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this popular event transforms Colorado Springs into a sea of colorful balloons. Set against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, it’s a must-see for locals and visitors alike. The festival features morning balloon launches, paddleboarding, food vendors, and live entertainment. If you’re searching for Colorado hot air balloon rides, this event offers opportunities for tethered flights or full rides, weather permitting.
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the mass balloon launch
2. Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival
This family-friendly event is held in the small town of Erie, just a short drive from Denver. While the festival features a town fair with arts and crafts vendors, live music, and a parade, the hot air balloon launch is the highlight. Visitors flock to watch the colorful balloons ascend into the clear skies over Boulder County.
- Distance from Denver: 35 minutes
- When to Go: Late May during the Erie Town Fair
3. Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
Steamboat Springs offers a high-altitude twist on balloon festivals with its annual Balloon Rodeo. Set during the summer months, this event combines the beauty of the Yampa Valley with the fun of balloon launches and rodeo-style competitions, where pilots perform skillful maneuvers. Visitors can also explore the town’s summer activities, like hiking and tubing along the Yampa River.
- Distance from Denver: 3 hours
- Don’t Miss: Saturday’s sunrise balloon launch
4. Snowmass Balloon Festival
Located near Aspen, the Snowmass Balloon Festival is a perfect fall getaway. Held in September, the event features over 30 balloons that float above the colorful autumn foliage of the Rockies. This three-day festival offers morning balloon races, live entertainment, and gourmet food trucks. Whether you’re looking for a scenic ride or simply want to enjoy the view from below, the Snowmass Balloon Festival is an incredible way to experience the beauty of Colorado.
- Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
- When to Visit: September during peak fall foliage
5. Frederick in Flight Festival
Located just 30 miles north of Denver, the Frederick in Flight Festival has grown into a beloved local event that brings the community together each summer. Over a weekend in June, dozens of colorful hot air balloons lift off into the sky during the early mornings, providing a mesmerizing spectacle for attendees. The festival also features a town celebration with live music, food vendors, and activities for kids, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.
- Distance from Denver: 35 minutes
- When to Go: Mid to late June
A Short Trip for a World-Class Experience: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Though not in Colorado, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is worth the trip for any balloon enthusiast. Just a short drive or flight from Denver, this week-long event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with hundreds of balloons participating. Visitors can take part in balloon rides, night glow events, and balloon competitions, making this an unforgettable experience.
- Distance from Denver: 6.5 hours by car
- Best Time to Go: Early October
What to Expect at Colorado Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Whether you attend a local festival or make the trek to Albuquerque, hot air balloon events offer a variety of activities beyond the flights themselves. In addition to scenic balloon rides, many festivals include family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music. Some events even offer camping areas, making it easy to turn a quick visit into a full weekend getaway.
If you plan to take flight, be sure to book your ride in advance since Colorado hot air balloon rides fill up quickly. Most rides take off at sunrise, giving you breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, watching the mass balloon launch with a cup of coffee in hand is just as rewarding.
Planning Your Festival Adventure
When attending these festivals, it’s important to dress in layers since temperatures can vary dramatically between early morning and midday. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on exploring the grounds. For photography enthusiasts, balloon festivals are a dream come true, with endless opportunities to capture vibrant colors and scenic backdrops.
Festival Fun
From the Erie Town Fair to the Snowmass Balloon Festival, Colorado offers numerous opportunities to experience the magic of hot air balloons up close. Whether you’re looking for Colorado hot air balloon rides or just want to enjoy the sights from the ground, these festivals provide the perfect mix of adventure, entertainment, and scenic beauty. Plan your trip early, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to be captivated by the sight of balloons filling the Colorado skies.
With festivals scattered across the state—and even the chance to attend the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—there’s no shortage of nearby adventures. Make one of these events part of your next Colorado getaway for memories that will soar as high as the balloons themselves.
