Your Guide to Labor Day Lift Off

August 30 - September 1, 2025

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is the biggest hot air balloon festival in the state of Colorado – and it’s FREE and fun for attendees of all ages.

This three-day celebration of Labor Day Weekend is a bucket-list item, and if you’ll be in town, it’s a must. Whether you’ve attended before or this will be your first time, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. Check out our guide for everything you need to know to enjoy this family-friendly festival at Memorial Park.

More Information

Dates, Location, Admission
Schedule of Events
Things to Know
Event Map

Dates, Location, Admission

Dates

Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September 1, 2025

Location

Memorial Park in Colorado Springs
1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave

Admission

General admission to the Labor Day Lift Off is FREE. Limited parking passes are available for pre-purchase online. Tickets are available online for special events and experiences, such as the 5k Race, balloon rides and the VIP Lift Off Lounge.

Schedule of Events

View the full schedule of events for details.

Schedule Overview

Food trucks, merch vendors and more are available throughout each day.

  • Park and concessions open Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 5:15am
  • Park and concessions close Saturday and Sunday at 10pm and Monday at 10am
  • Beer & Mimosa Gardens open up Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 7am and Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm
Enjoy the majestic view of 70+ hot air balloons ascending into the sky.
  • Morning balloon lift-off sessions are Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 7am
After sunset, the hot air balloons are illuminated in an eye-catching display of light and color.
  • Evening balloon glow sessions are Saturday and Sunday at 7pm

Drone Shows

Grizzly Drones puts on a light show with synchronized, choreographed groups of drones that arrange themselves into various aerial formations.
  • Morning drone shows are Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 6am
  • Evening drone shows are Saturday and Sunday at 9:30pm
  • Wings of Blue USAF Skydiving Team
  • Aerial Aura Acrobats
  • RMSG Parkour Competition
  • Remote Controlled Balloons
  • Red Herring Productions
  • Live music performances

Things to Know

Once you have an idea for the main events you want to hit, then you’ll be ready to expand your horizons. Check out all of these options for making the most of your Labor Day Lift Off weekend.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Book a flight with Rainbow Ryders

See Colorado Springs from up above! About 45 minutes to an hour. Wheelchair accessible flights are also available.

Book a flight
Park Like a Pro

Check out paid lots or street parking

Parking lots range from $5-$20. Street parking is also available at a first come, first served basis.

Browse Parking Map
PikeRide Bike Valet

Free, daily bike valet

Avoid driving/parking! Bring your own bike or rent a PikeRide e-assist bike. 5am Sat - 10am Mon.

Learn More
Kangaroo Coffee Stand

Located at PikeRide booth

Coffee available for purchase, as well as fresh pastries from Gold Star Bakery so you can fuel up.

Learn More
Stand Up Paddle Board with UpaDowna

Enjoy the fest from the lake

UpaDowna is offering SUP instruction and rental on a first come, first served basis. Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

Learn More
Lift Off Lounge VIP Experience

Upgrade your attendance

Purchase a VIP ticket for access to private seating, restrooms, preferred parking, food/bev and more.

Learn More
OrangeTheory 5K

5K walk/​run

Starts at 9am on Sun., Aug. 31, but come early and watch over 70 balloons take to the sky.

Register Now
Pathfinders Volunteer Program

Sponsored by Bank of America

Volunteer for a single or multi-session and receive a T-shirt, meal and snacks plus parking pass.

Learn More
Mike’s Camera Photography Zone

Exclusive photography workshop

This workshop provides photographers of all levels with the tools to capture the magic of the hot air balloons.

View the layout before you go

Check out where to find all the important spots like the launch field, volunteer station, concessions and Lift Off Lounge.

View Event Map
Event by Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
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