Erie Balloon Festival/Balloon Glow - 2025

Annual Erie Hot Air Balloon Launch - July 11th, 12th and 13th
Balloon Glow - Saturday July 12th


 

Annual Erie Hot Air Balloon Launch
The Rocky Mountains are clearly visible in the distance as the sky comes alive with all the colors of the rainbow. Join us for the magic of the Erie Balloon Festival!  Come early and watch the balloons inflate and take flight. The balloons launch anytime between 6:00am - 7:00am each morning, weather permitting.

When: July 11th, 12^th, and 13th, 2025

Time:  6:00 - 7:30am - Estimated Time - weather permitting

Where: Launch Site: County Road 5 & Colliers Pkwy Directly West of Soaring
         Heights Pre K - 8 School, and Erie High School

Parking: Free Parking at Soaring Heights Pre K - 8 School, 3280 Co Rd 5,
         and Erie High School parking lots - Both Soaring Heights and Erie High
         School parking lots are open for those coming to watch the event.

Food and Coffee Trucks:  Will be on the grounds

Special Tailgate, Saturday, post flight: It is tradition for pilots and crew to return to the field and have a tailgate picnic. We encourage you to do the same. Some of the most fun moments are the parties after the flight.


Balloon Glow – Saturday, July 12^th

New This Year: The balloon glow is scheduled to take place at the same field as our morning launch. From 7:30pm - 9:00pm, we will set up several balloons for a static display on the ground. Balloons will “glow” in synchronized patterns: all glow, twinkle glow, and light up the night sky for your viewing pleasure.  
When:  July 12th, 2025

Time:  7:30 - 9:30pm

Where:  Glow Site, same as morning launch this year:
County Road 5 & Colliers Pkwy Directly West of Soaring Heights Pre K - 8 School

Parking: Free Parking at Soaring Heights Pre K - 8 School, 3280 Co Rd 5,
         and Erie High School parking lots - Both Soaring Heights and Erie High 
         School parking lots are open for those coming to watch the event.

Food and Coffee Trucks:  Will be on the grounds

Cancellations:
Balloon launches are very dependent upon weather to make them safe for the pilots, crew, and spectators. Winds over 10mph will ground the balloons, as will rain, fog, high-level winds, and thunderstorms (within a 20-mile radius) of the event. As always, our pilot and crowd safety is of the upmost importance.

A Red Flag on the field, means no flights.
A Yellow Flag means we are on a weather hold, and conditions may improve enough to fly.
A Green flag means that we are flying.

During our Balloon Launch and Balloon Glow - No drones, dogs and smoking are allowed in the launch area. They pose a safety concern to the pilots, their balloons, and passengers. We appreciate you keeping it safe for the Pilots.
Please check our website and Facebook page for information on daily updates for the Balloon Launch/Glow weather. Launches can be cancelled right up to launch time for the safety of our pilots, their crew and all spectators.

What to Bring:

• Blankets: Bring blanket or chairs to sit in to watch the launch. Be aware that our pilots and crew may need to move you if you are in the path of a balloon being set up.
• Snacks: Snacks and drinks in a cooler – please take trash with you.
• Smiles: Visit with our pilots and crews as they layout and launch balloons. Please follow guidance from pilots and crews as they prepare balloons for flight.

• Drones: Drones are strictly prohibited in the launch area.
• Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in the launch area.
• Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in the launch area.

Why: These items pose a safety hazard to pilots, balloons, and passengers.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

Can you purchase rides?
We do not sell rides for the event. If you would like to book a hot air balloon flight, we suggest you contact Fair Winds Hot Air Balloons or call 303-939-9323.

Volunteers:  
Are you available to volunteer at the launches July 11th, 12th and 13^th?

Check-in Crew: We are seeking volunteers for this year's festival. There are a few positions available to help with check-in of pilots and crew, and to keep the launch field safe. Times generally from 5:30am – 8:00am.

Balloon Crew: Out of town pilots may need local crew. This would entail being in good physical condition and being available from 5:30am – 10:00am. Under the guidance of the crew chief or pilot, volunteers would help set up and launch the balloon, then ride in the chase vehicle while the pilot is flying. Once landed, the crew would work together to deflate and pack up the balloon and head back to the launch site. Times generally from 5:30am – 10:00am.
We are so thankful for all the volunteer support that makes this great family-friendly community event a success!
For more information call 303-828-3440.