Where the Horizon Meets Imagination
2026 Erie Balloon Festival: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Dates | July 10 – July 12, 2026 |
| Location | Weld County Road 5 & Colliers Pkwy (West of Soaring Heights K-8) |
| Main Event | Mass Ascension (Morning) & Balloon Glow (Saturday Night) |
| Start Time | Balloons inflate at 6:00 AM; Launch begins shortly after |
| Admission | FREE to the public |
| Parking | FREE at Erie High School & Soaring Heights K-8 lots |
| Pet Policy | No Pets Allowed on the launch field (Safety first!) |
| Weather | All flights are weather permitting (Wind/Rain dependent) |
Colorado's Most Colorful Weekend
Join us for a magical weekend in Erie, on July 10-12, 2026, as the skies fill with dozens of magnificent hot air balloons. Presented by the Erie Chamber of Commerce, the Erie Balloon Festival is a spectacular celebration of flight, family fun, and community. Experience the awe of the morning mass ascension, the beauty of the evening balloon glow, and a weekend packed with food, music, and memories.
Experience the Mass Ascension as pilots fire their burners and rise against the Colorado sunrise. A truly unforgettable sight. (Daily at 6:15 AM, weather permitting)
Don't miss the spectacular Saturday Night Glow! Balloons inflate and light up the night like giant, colorful lanterns. (Saturday at 8:00 PM)
Enjoy our walk-through balloons, tether rides, and delicious food from regional food trucks, all weekend long.
New Special Shape Balloons for 2026
This year’s Erie Balloon Festival is going BIG, and also tall, wide, wiggly, and wonderfully weird! Our fleet of special-shape balloons is floating in with characters, creatures, and colossal creations that will have you pointing up with a grin you can’t control. From giant animals to whimsical wonders, these sky-high stars are more than balloons, they’re experiences.
Bring your camera, bring your kids, bring your inner child, because when these shapes rise, so will your excitement!
Take Flight: Tethered Balloon Rides
Ready for a truly unforgettable perspective? Step into the basket for our signature tethered balloon experience!
Gaze down upon the patchwork of surrounding farmland, watch the festival bustle beneath you, and turn your eyes toward the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains stretching across the horizon.
This is the perfect, gentle introduction to the magic of flight for all ages!
Important Details:
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Duration: Enjoy this serene journey for several magical minutes.
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Payment: $20 per person. Cash only, please!
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Availability: Rides are first-come, first-served. Arrive early to guarantee your spot and rise up!
- Tether rides are weather permitting.
Don't just watch the horizon—ascend into it! We'll see you in the sky!
Be Part of the Magic
This beloved community event is made possible by people like you. Find out how you can join the fun as a volunteer, vendor, or sponsor.
