Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 13 - 14, 2019
The Hot Air Balloon Festival offers guests a spectacle like no other with a sky full of color. Get to the launch grounds early to see the balloons inflate and enjoy this wonderful photography opportunity.
The competition portion of the event consists of fun contests like dipping into Bald Eagle Lake and since balloon pilots can be pretty competitive, you’re guaranteed a good show.
38th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival & 45th Annual Art in the Park
The Hot Air Balloon Festival and Art in the Park events offer artistry and color both on canvases and in the air making this weekend a staple of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the summertime.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
View the complete schedule here.
Make sure to arrive at the launch site early to watch the balloons inflate and take flight. Once the balloons are in the air, sip on coffee, grab breakfast and visit with our local vendors as you watch more balloons dot the Yampa Valley sky.
Art in the Park
Just minutes away, another colorful scene awaits at Art in the Park, where arts and crafts, performances and an interactive children’s area will fill your day. Art in the Park is free to the public and features nearly 160 artist vendors, live entertainment, food vendors, and an interactive children’s art area. For additional info including location, times, and contact info to get involved in the event, please click here.
Balloon Glow
On Saturday, the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Head downtown and take in the colors as the balloon glow lights up Howelsen Hill.
Spectators will have the opportunity to walk among the tethered balloons and take photos of this beautiful display. Enjoy live music, beer garden, vendors and kids' activities.
2019 Weekend Schedule
Saturday, July 13th
6:00 a.m. Launch field opens and transportation begins from the Meadows parking lot. No public parking at the event. No dogs are allowed due to balloon hazards. No smoking at launch field.
6:00 a.m. Balloon Inflation, Bald Eagle Lake
6:30 - 9:30 a.m. Balloon Festival, Bald Eagle Lake
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Art in the Park, West Lincoln Park
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Farmers Market, Downtown Steamboat
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Pro Rodeo Series, Brent Romick Arena
6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Balloon Glow, Howelsen Hill
8:50 p.m. Movies on the Mountain, Gondola Base Area
Sunday, July 14th
6:00 a.m. Launch field opens and transportation begins from the Meadows parking lot. No public parking at the event. No dogs are allowed due to balloon hazards. No smoking at launch field.
6:00 a.m. Balloon Inflation, Bald Eagle Lake
6:30 - 9:30 a.m. Balloon Festival, Bald Eagle Lake
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Art in the Park, West Lincoln Park
View the full calendar of events for Hot Air Balloon Festival weekend by clicking on the link below. Please continue to check back as more events will be added to the 2019 Weekend Schedule as they become available.
Launch Field Location
Approximately 9/10 of a mile south of Walton Creek Road on Highway 40. The physical address is: 35565 South Highway 40 and the property is better known as the Bald Eagle Lake.
Parking
Hot Air Balloon Festival: There is no public parking at the event. Free transportation is provided from the Meadows Parking lot on Pine Grove Road. Parking will also be free in the Meadows Parking lot. Transportation begins from the Meadows parking lot at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a suggested donation of $10 per car to help insure the longevity of the most colorful weekend in Steamboat Springs!
Due to the event's convenient location on the edge of town, we encourage spectators to walk, ride their bikes or take the shuttle from the hotel or lodge. Parking along Highway 40 is strictly prohibited. No dogs are allowed at event site due to balloon hazards.
Balloon Glow: Ample free parking is available at Howelsen Hill. Or take the free city bus!
Additional Information
For additional information on the event, sponsorships opportunities, and more, please contact Logan Molen, 970-871-4224.
