Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off 2026: Complete Guide to Dates, Times, Parking and Balloon Rides

Labor Day Lift Off is a free, three-day hot air balloon festival held every Labor Day weekend in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs. The 2026 festival runs Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026, and marks the event’s 50th anniversary — coinciding with Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary. Daily balloon lift-off is at 7:00 a.m., and the Balloon Glow happens at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Event Overview

What Is the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off?

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is an annual hot air balloon festival held at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado, every Labor Day weekend. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, and organizers are marking the year alongside two other milestones: Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary. The event is free to attend and features hot air balloons, live music, food and drink vendors, and family activities across three days.

When Is the 2026 Labor Day Lift Off?

The 2026 festival takes place over Labor Day weekend, from Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7, 2026. The first two days (Saturday and Sunday) run a full morning-to-night schedule, while the final day (Monday, Labor Day itself) is a shorter, morning-only session. Balloons launch daily at 7:00 a.m. Visitors should arrive by 6:30 a.m. to allow time to watch balloons inflate before the mass lift-off. Balloon activity is weather-dependent — high winds can prevent balloons from flying.

Daily Schedule Highlights

Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 (Morning Session)

• 5:15 a.m. — Park and concessions open
• 6:00 a.m. — Drone show
• 6:00–7:00 a.m. — Morning yoga
• 6:30 a.m. — Opening ceremony
• 7:00 a.m. — Balloon lift-off and Beer & Mimosa Gardens open
• 7:00–9:00 a.m. — Silent disco
• 9:00 a.m. — USAFA Wings of Blue skydive jumpers
• 10:00 a.m. — Stand-up paddle boarding

Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 (Evening Session)

• 3:30 p.m. — Park reopens, concessions and Beer & Mimosa Gardens open
• 3:30–9:30 p.m. — Concert series
• 7:00 p.m. — Balloon Glow
• 7:45-945 p.m. — Glow paddle boarding
• 9:30 p.m. — Drone show
• 9:45 p.m. — Fireworks (Saturday)
• 10:00 p.m. — Park and concessions close

Monday, September 7 (Labor Day — Morning Only)

• 5:15 a.m. — Park and concessions open
• 6:00 a.m. — Drone show
• 6:30 a.m. — Opening ceremony
• 7:00 a.m. — Balloon lift-off and Beer & Mimosa Gardens open
• 8:00 a.m. — Live music & activities
• 10:00 a.m. — Park and concessions close

Schedules and set times are subject to change; check coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/schedule for the current lineup.

Balloon Glow: What Is It and When Does It Happen?

The Balloon Glow takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Balloons inflate and their pilots ignite their burners in place, creating a glowing display against the night sky, paired with live music and vendors. If wind prevents the balloons from inflating, pilots will still light their burners for a similar glow effect, and the evening’s music and vendors continue as scheduled.

Parking and Getting to Memorial Park

Parking at Memorial Park is not free during Labor Day Lift Off weekend — parking passes range from $5 – $20 if purchased online in advance and a prepaid parking pass is required to guarantee a spot. Children’s Hospital Colorado sponsors parking. Designated lots include the Aquatic/VIP Lot, Rose Bowl Lot, Beach House Lot, South Lake Lot, Port Lot, Union Lot, Peak Lot, Corner Lot, Basket Lot, Vista Lot, East Lot, and a Handicap/Tour Bus Lot, each with its own driving directions from I-25.

Free alternative — bike valet: PikeRide offers a free, secure bike valet at the festival from Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026. Valet hours are 5:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 5:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. on Monday. Riders can bring their own bike or use a PikeRide electric-assist bike.

Road Closures

Traffic around Memorial Park is affected by temporary road closures from 5:00–9:30 a.m. daily and 3:00–11:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, including sections of E. Pikes Peak Ave., N. Union Blvd., and several interior park roads. Drivers should expect detours and are encouraged to allow extra time.

Entertainment, Food, and Activities

Beyond the balloons, the 2026 festival includes:

• Live concerts each day (Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, Monday morning)
• Nightly drone shows and Saturday night fireworks
• Aerial acrobats and a Ninja Nation obstacle course
• USAFA Wings of Blue skydiving demonstrations
• Stand-up paddle boarding and glow paddle boarding on the lake
• Morning yoga and a silent disco
• Beer & Mimosa Gardens
• The new SkyFest Village and Scotty’s Skyview Lounge
• Remote control balloon displays

The event is free to enter, re-entry is allowed the same day, and all musical entertainment is included at no extra cost.

Rules and What to Bring

• Free to attend, but a parking pass is required to park at Memorial Park
• No personal drones are allowed, for safety reasons
• No smoking anywhere in the park (balloons use flammable liquid propane)
• No pets allowed
• Coolers are allowed; no glass or bottles
• Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome for watching launches and concerts
• No tailgating or full-size tents; small umbrellas are permitted
• Dress in layers — early mornings are chilly and afternoons can turn warm

Can You Ride in a Hot Air Balloon at the Festival?

Yes. Rainbow Ryders is the official hot air balloon ride operator for the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off. Balloon rides run each morning of the festival (weather permitting) and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Reservations are required in advance and can be made at rainbowryders.com or at the Rainbow Ryders tent on the festival field. Rainbow Ryders also offers a wheelchair-accessible balloon basket with a professionally installed 4-point harness, accommodating one wheelchair plus 2–3 guests depending on weight. Because pricing and availability can change year to year, check the Rainbow Ryders booking page directly for current rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off take place?

Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.

Is the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off free?

Yes, admission to the festival is free. Parking is not free during the event and requires a prepaid pass.

What time do the balloons launch?

Daily balloon lift-off is at 7:00 a.m.

What time is the Balloon Glow?

7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

How many days is the festival?

Three days, Saturday through Labor Day Monday (September 5–7, 2026).

What makes the 2026 Labor Day Lift Off Festival special?

The festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary, alongside Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary.

Who is the official hot air balloon ride operator?

Rainbow Ryders, which also offers a wheelchair-accessible balloon basket.

This guide is based on information published on the official festival website, coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com, and is current as of September 2026. Schedules, pricing, and activities are subject to change — always confirm details on the official site before attending.