Every Labor Day weekend, the skies over Colorado Springs turn colorful with rising hot air balloons. The Colorado Springs balloon festival is one of the biggest events in the Springs, and it’s famous across the country. Google the best balloon festivals in the U.S., and you’ll find the Labor Day Lift Off on all the lists.
The free Colorado Springs balloon festival has been a favorite local tradition for decades, and this year the event is celebrating 50 years. Of course, it also coincides with the on“Celebrating 50 years of Labor Day Lift Off is an incredible milestone for our community,” says Megan Leatham, CEO of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. “For generations, families have gathered at Memorial Park to watch the balloons rise over Colorado Springs. We are proud to help continue this tradition and create an experience that brings residents and visitors together.”
That tradition includes kids, families and people of all ages and walks of life waking up early to be inspired by the colorful balloons launching into the morning skies — or wandering among the glowing orbs at night during the balloon glows, drone shows and concerts. Every Springs local needs to do the Labor Day Lift Off at least once, and once you go, it will probably become a tradition.
Every year the Labor Day Lift Off offers new events, activities and ways to have fun. Here are highlights of what’s happening at this year’s balloon festival in Colorado Springs.
The Balloons + New Balloon Shapes
Of course those bright, colorful hot air balloons are the stars of the balloon festival show. You can expect around 70-80 balloons floating in the Colorado Springs sky this year for the largest balloon festival in Colorado. They are beautiful and inspiring in early morning liftoffs or illuminated during nightly balloon glows. Specialty shaped balloons, such as Master Yoda, Darth Vader, Claw’d the Crab and more, are always fun favorites. And new special balloon shapes flying this year include:
- Como Se Llama and No Prob Llama — No drama; just llamas. And this pair of pink and gray llamas are going to steal the show. Unless …
- Eva and Ivo — This pair of friendly looking monsters are going to be crowd favorites too.
- Bella and Buster — Who let these dogs out?
- Zozobra — Each year in Santa Fe, Zozobra, aka Old Man Gloom, is burned in effigy each year to destroy worries and negativity. This balloon version towers at 135 feet tall!
- La Ristra — This red bundle of chili peppers adds some Southwest flavor to the skies
- Ziggy and Zorro — this pair of raccoons (Ziggy has the bow in her hair) have flown over the Springs before, but this year the bandits appear together.
Daily morning balloon lift offs happen from 7 to 9 a.m. Sunset balloon glows start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
If there’s one thing better than seeing hot air balloons, it’s being up in the air among the balloons at the Labor Day Lift Off. You can take your own sunrise flight with Rainbow Ryders and soar with the colorful balloon fleet. Choose between shared or private rides, each approximately 45 minutes. There are even wheelchair-accessible flights. Rates begin at $395 per person. Just be sure to book your balloon flight early.
Drone Light Shows
The Labor Day Lift Off is even more than a hot air balloon festival. Drone light shows are a recent addition to the lineup with both sunrise and late-night shows. The skies will dance with illuminated, synchronized and choreographed groups of drones arranged in aerial formations. The drone shows are created by Grizzly Drones, a world-leading drone light show provider. Morning shows happen at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The drones light up the night sky at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Get a preview here.
Live Music and Concert Series
Dance to live music each afternoon and night of the festival. Here’s the lineup:
The Runners Band
Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3:30-5 p.m.
The local cover band will play favorites from pop, classic rock, alternative, country and blues.
Cody Cozz
Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6-7 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m.
The Nashville country star grew up in Pueblo.
Whiskey Sky
Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3:30-5 p.m.
The five-piece party rock band makes their Labor Day Lift Off debut.
Martini Shot
Sunday, Sept. 6, at 6-7 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m.
One of the Springs’ favorite bands, the Martini Shot is a vibrant six-piece, horn-infused party band that makes every show a good time.
4ID Mile High Rock Band
Monday, Sept. 7, at 8 a.m.
A wide range of pop, rock, country and jazz from the premier ensemble of Fort Carson’s 4th Infantry Division Band.
SkyFest Village
The SkyFest Village is Labor Day Lift Off’s newest festival destination, bringing together live entertainment, food, an expanded beer garden, family-friendly activities and interactive experiences. This is where you’ll find Sunrise Silent Yoga, Balloon Glow Silent Disco by Discreet Beats and music from DJ Max Kruse throughout the weekend. Take a run through the new Ninja Nation Obstacle Course. And don’t miss the morning IncrediBubble shows each morning by Professor Bubbles.
Scotty’s Skyview Lounge
Want the VIP experience? The debuting Scotty’s Skyview Lounge offers a ticketed viewing experience with elevated seating and clear views of the launch field, morning lift offs and evening balloon glows. Escape the crowds in a private tent and seating area with shaded. Enjoy light snacks and beverages, private restrooms and guaranteed parking. Find more details here.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Ever wanted to try stand-up paddleboarding? SUP Colorado Springs will be at Prospect Lake. You can rent SUPs with all the gear for morning paddling on Saturday and Sunday following the balloon launches. You can also register for guided evening sessions to paddle illuminated LED glow boards under the stars while watching the hot air balloons light up the night sky. Register in advance, and get more details here.
More Activities
There’s more you don’t want to miss at the Labor Day Lift Off, such as performances by the Wings of Blue U.S. Air Force Skydiving Team, aerial acrobatics by Aerial Aura, a balloon photography workshop and more.
Find more info and the full weekend schedule at coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com.
Read More About Colorado Springs Balloon Festival
Ever wonder what it’s like to fly one of those glowing hot air balloons? Read about our ride-along with longtime pilot Ray Bair in Balloons Bring Joy at Labor Day Lift Off.
