Your Guide to Labor Day Lift Off
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
Dates
Saturday, September 5 - Monday, September 7, 2026
Location
Memorial Park in Colorado Springs
1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave
Admission
General admission is FREE! But additional experiences and VIP access require ticket purchases, which are available online.
| Ticket Type | Adult Ticket, Per Session | Kid Ticket, Per Session |
| Scotty's Skyview Lounge | $50 | $35 |
| Lift Off Lounge | $150 | $75 |
| Sunrise Balloon Ride | $395 | $395 |
| Private Balloon Ride | $650 | $650 |
Schedule of Events
Saturday | September 5, 2026
Morning Session
5:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Park and Concessions
6:30 a.m. | Opening Ceremony
7 a.m. | Balloon Lift Off
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Beer & Mimosa Gardens
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Ninja Nation Obstacle Course
8:30 a.m. | Remote Control Balloon Display
9 a.m. | USAFA Wings of Blue Skydive Jumpers
10 a.m. | SUP Colorado Springs
Evening Session
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Park and Concessions
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Beer & Mimosa Gardens
3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Concert Series: The Runners Band
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | SUP Colorado Springs
3:30 p.m. | Remote Control Balloon Display
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Aerial Aura Acrobats
4:30 p.m. - 8:3- p.m. | Ninja Nation Obstacle Course
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. | DJ Max Kruse at Skyfest Village
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Concert Series: Cody Cozz
7 p.m. | Balloon Glow
8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Concert Series: Cody Cozz
9 p.m. | Drone Show
Sunday | September 6, 2026
Morning Session
5:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Park and Concessions
6 a.m. | Drone Show
6:30 a.m. | Opening Ceremony
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Beer & Mimosa Garden
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Ninja Nation Obstacle Course
7 a.m. | Balloon Lift Off
8:30 a.m. | Remote Control Balloon Display
9 a.m. | USAFA Wings of Blue Skydive Jumpers
10 a.m. | SUP Colorado Springs
Evening Session
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Park and Concessions
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Beer & Mimosa Garden
3:30 p.m. | Remote Control Balloon Display
3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Concert Series: Whiskey Sky
3:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. | SUP Colorado Springs
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Aerial Aura Acrobatics
4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Ninja Nation Obstacle Course
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. | DJ Max Kruse at Skyfest Village
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Concert Series: The Martini Shot
7 p.m. | Balloon Glow
8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Concert Series: The Martini Shot
9:30 p.m. | Drone Show
Monday | September 7, 2026
Morning Session
5:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Park and Concessions
6 a.m. | Drone Show
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Beer & Mimosa Garden
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Ninja Nation Obstacle Course
7 a.m. | Balloon Lift Off
8 a.m. | Concert Series: 4ID Mile High Rock Band
9 a.m. | Remote Control Balloon Display
View the full schedule of events for details.
Things to Know: Additional Resources
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.
Transportation Information
Please note that there will be road closures to accommodate the event. These road closures will last from 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. To learn more about these road closures, review the outline on the event's website.
PikeRide Bike Valet
Cycling your way to the event? PikeRide will be offering free valet services whether you're riding your personal bike or a PikeRide electric-assist bike. This service is thanks to Kangaroo Coffee's sponsorship. You'll find Kangaroo Coffee at the valet station with their own coffee stand. Pick up a coffee and a pastry before entering the event. Bring your own mug for 20% off!
The following are the valet hours:
- Saturday | 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sunday | 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Monday | 5:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Your bike must be picked up before closing.
Parking Information
There will be several parking lots available at the event for guests. Parking passes are required to park on-site and are available for pre-order as well as day-of. Labor Day Lift Off has a map of all parking lots, as well as directions to each lot, which you can review on their parking page.
There is also street parking, but this is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
Frequently Asked Quesitons
Is Labor Day Lift Off accessible?
While most of the event is held on grassy fields, there are handicap accommodations available. Need a handicap accessible balloon ride? Call ahead for the accommodation and see sky-high worry-free. Require handicap parking? The event has a handicap lot available!
How can I volunteer at Labor Day Lift Off?
The Pathfinders Volunteer Program sponsored by Bank of America is open for applications. Assist with one or more of the sessions all weekend long and receive a complimentary t-shirt, snack, and parking pass.
What items are prohibited/ allowed at the Labor Day Lift Off event?
The following items are prohibited from the event grounds:
- Personal drones
- Smoking
- Glass
- Bottles
The following are permitted at the event:
- Lawn chairs
- Picnic blankets
- Personal coolers
Is this event dog-firiendly?
No. This is not a pet-friendly event.
How much is a parking pass?
If pre-ordered, parking passes are only $15, except for East Lot ($5) and Aquatics/ VIP Lot ($20). These prices are subject to an increase if purchased day-of on-site.
What's included in a Lift Off VIP ticket?
- Access to the Labor Day Lift Off tent
- Food, water, beer, wine, mimosas, seltzers, and sodas included
- Catered breakfast/ dinner
- Private restrooms
- Preferred parking
VIP ticket holders will also automatically be entered into a giveaway to win a balloon ride for two hosted by Rainbow Ryders on a date of their choosing.
VIP tickets are available for purchase online.
Is there a rain date in case of bad weather?
No need, Labor Day Lift Off is a rain or shine event!
