The Best Balloon Festivals Colorado to visit in 2024
There is something that brings you peace watching the mass ascensions of hot air balloons.
And Colorado has some of the best balloon festivals around.
There are always some big cities that host great balloon festivals.
But here, on this blog, we are going to uncover Colorado ‘s small towns that have great hot air balloon events!
How did Hot Air Ballooning Come About?
Hot air ballooning has been around since the late 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became a popular activity to do just for fun.
To be honest, not sure I would have trusted it in the 18th century. 😂 I would love to see what a picture of what one looked like in that time!
Colorado played a significant role in the development of hot air ballooning.
In 1960, Ed Yost, a pioneer in the field, developed the modern hot air balloon in Colorado Springs. Yost’s invention made hot air ballooning more accessible and safer. (Safety is always a good thing😏)
The first hot air balloon festival in Colorado was held in 1976 in Colorado Springs.
The festival featured a small number of balloons and attracted a few thousand spectators.
Since then, hot air balloon festivals have become an annual tradition in Colorado, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
Growth of Balloon Festivals in Colorado
Today, Colorado is home to some of the largest and most popular balloon festivals in the world.
The Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, held every Labor Day weekend, is one of the oldest and most well-known festivals in the state, but Colorado Springs is a big city.
The festival features over 100 hot air balloons and attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year.
That’s pretty peopley…luckily there are lots of smaller towns that have balloon festivals on a smaller scale, but just as beautiful!
Many of these festivals feature balloon launches, night glows, and other special events that showcase the beauty and excitement of hot air ballooning.
Balloon Festivals Colorado
If you are a hot air balloon enthusiast, Colorado is a great place to be.
The state is home to several major balloon festivals attracting thousands of visitors annually. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Snowmass Balloon Festival
Snowmass Village, Colorado | Population: 3,000 | Located: Western Colorado | May 31, 2024 – June 2, 2024
This iconic Snowmass balloon festival returns and attracts more than 30 hot air balloons from all over the country which is a long-standing rocky mountain tradition.
The festival usually features a variety of activities, including balloon rides and live music.
For an up-close view, head to the launch field at Snowmass Town Park, offering a unique perspective as pilots prepare and launch their balloons.
Telluride Balloon Festival
Telluride, Colorado | Population: 2,500 | Located: Southwest Colorado | May 31, 2024 – June 2, 2024
The town of Telluride may be small, but they provide lots of entertainment that makes Telluride a great place to visit!
Witness the beauty of hot air balloons as they take flight from Telluride Town Park, gracefully drifting over the Telluride Valley.
And mark your calendar for the awe-inspiring Balloon Glow on Main Street, set to illuminate the night on Saturday!
You can also catch the balloon flights on both Saturday and Sunday morning, with balloons taking off at 6 a.m.
Fuel up for this event with refreshments at the Town Park.
The enchanting Main Street Balloon Glow extravaganza is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, promising a mesmerizing display of colors and lights against the backdrop of Telluride’s charming streets.
Keep in mind, that the balloon launches are weather permitting.
Moffat County Balloon Festival
Craig, Colorado | Population: 9,000 | Located: Northwest Colorado | August 2, 2024 – August 4, 2024
Experience the magic of the Moffat County Balloon Festival against the breathtaking backdrop of Moffat County.
Catch hot air balloons taking flight on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting.
Join the community as everyone gathers at 6 a.m., creating an exciting atmosphere for this event.
Don’t miss the highlight of the festival—the Main Street Glow on Saturday night which is a stunning display of colors and lights.
The Moffat County Balloon Festival is a fantastic celebration of community spirit. Check out this schedule of events for this 3 day event!
4th of July Western Sky Balloon Festival
Delta, Colorado | Population: 10,000 | Located: Western Colorado | July 4, 2024 – July7, 2024
These three days are action-packed at the 2nd Annual 4th of July Western Sky Balloon Festival!
The Independence Day Parade will kick off this festival followed by an Evening Glow.
At dark is their spectacular fireworks show.
On Friday, July 5th, the excitement continues with an early morning balloon launches, hot air balloon tethering, a community pancake breakfast, mud volleyball, a beer garden, food trucks, a comedy and magic show, and another night glow.
Saturday afternoon offers a jam-packed day featuring more balloon ascensions, tethering, community pancake breakfast, craft fair, disc golf tournaments, cornhole tournament, kids and adult games, a climbing wall, paddleboards, live entertainment, and an Evening Glow.
The festivities continue on Sunday, July 7th, with a morning ascension, rounding off a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and the enchanting sight of 20 hot air balloons from across the country.
Check out the full schedule here. All balloon ascension is weather permitting.
Colorfest Balloon Rally
Pagosa Springs, Colorado | Population: 1,600 | Located: Southwestern Colorado | September 20 – 22, 2024
This action-packed Colorfest Weekend isn’t just a balloon rally, it is so much more!
This family-friendly extravaganza offers a variety of events to suit every taste.
The Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival kicks off the festivities on Friday evening, where guests aged 21 and over can indulge in live music, sample wines from around the world, and savor culinary delights from local restaurants.
5K Color Run/Walk Saturday morning, adding a burst of color to your weekend adventures.
On Saturday, the Bands & Brews Festival takes center stage from 4 PM to 8 PM, featuring breweries from Colorado and Northern New Mexico competing for coveted awards.
So where do the balloons come in?
Mass Balloon Ascension, with over 40 balloons filling the skies on both Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8 AM!
This all-ages event includes a Night Glow at dusk, complemented by live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities.
Witness the amazing sight of balloons ascending from downtown Pagosa Springs on Saturday and floating over the uptown area on Sunday.
Also, something unique that lets you get a little experience is hot air balloon rides with the Rocky Mountian Balloon Adventures. Here you will go on sightseeing tours in the Colorado skies and see just how beautiful Colorado really is.
Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival
Rocky Ford, Colorado | Population: 4,000 | Located: Southeastern Colorado | First of November
Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival is an annual event that takes place on the weekend with the first Friday of November.
Beginning in 1988, this longstanding tradition continues. In 2023 there were a couple of festive balloons that were hand-painted.
For more information and updates, be sure to check out their Facebook page.
Planning Your Visit to a Balloon Festival
Attending a balloon festival in Colorado can be an unforgettable experience.
However, to make the most of your visit, it’s important to plan ahead.
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to a balloon festival.
Best Time to Watch
The best time to attend a balloon festival is usually early in the morning, around sunrise.
This is when the balloons are most likely to take off, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
It’s also less crowded in the morning, so you’ll have a better chance of getting a good spot to view the balloons.
What to Bring
When attending a balloon festival, it’s important to bring a few essentials.
Firstly, make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Dressing in layers is also recommended, as the weather can change quickly.
It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash, as many festivals have vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Where to Watch
To get the best view of the balloons, it’s recommended to arrive early and find a spot near the launch area.
This will give you a great view of the balloons as they take off.
It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on, as you may be waiting for a while.
Weather conditions can also affect the festival, so it’s important to be prepared for any changes. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy a memorable experience at a Colorado balloon festival.
