Exploring Utah's 13 Hot Air Balloon Festivals in 2025-26
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking hot air balloon festivals, offering a chance to witness vibrant balloons soaring against the backdrop of majestic mountains, scenic valleys, and stunning desert landscapes. Whether you’re a ballooning enthusiast or simply love the magic of watching these gentle giants float through the sky, Utah has a festival for you. Here’s a look at the best hot air balloon festivals happening in Utah in 2025.
June 6th - June 7th, 2025
Art City Elementary, 121 North 900 East, Springville, UT 84663
Springville Balloon Fest – A Must-See Art City Days Tradition!
Join the fun at the Springville Balloon Fest, a beloved Art City Days tradition happening Friday and Saturday morning, June 6-7, 2025! Arrive early at Art City Elementary (121 North 900 East) to watch 15 colorful hot air balloons lift off into the sky at sunrise.
What to Expect:
Tethered Balloon Rides – Sign up each morning for a free ride and experience the magic of floating above the ground!
Candy & Prizes – Catch goodies as balloons take off into the sky!
Free Face Painting & Family Activities – Fun for kids and adults alike!
Photo Opportunities – Bring your camera to capture breathtaking moments as balloons fill the sky.
Picnic-Style Viewing – Bring blankets and breakfast to enjoy a relaxing morning while watching the balloons ascend.
📍 Event Details:
📅 Dates: June 6-7, 2025
🎈 Established: 1994
🎈 Number of Balloons: 15
💰 Admission: FREE!
Nestled in Utah County, the Springville Balloon Fest is a hidden gem that offers a magical and interactive experience for all ages. With a carnival-like atmosphere, mass balloon launches, and family-friendly fun, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate summer. Don’t miss it!
✨ Gather your friends and family, and let’s soar! ✨
Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival
June 21st - June 23rd, 2025
135 North 100 West, Salina ,UT, 84654
Held in central Utah, this charming festival provides a small-town atmosphere with big views. Morning launches fill the sky, while visitors on the ground can enjoy tethered balloon rides, live music, food trucks, and a classic car show. The town of Salina comes alive during this event, making it a perfect weekend escape for balloon enthusiasts.
Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally
June 27th - June 29th , 2025
Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County, TX, 75482
The Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally is one of the oldest and most loved hot air balloon festivals in Utah. The high-altitude setting provides an ideal backdrop for balloon launches, while the small-town charm of Panguitch makes it a warm and welcoming event. Alongside the morning ascensions, visitors can enjoy a parade, live music, an arts-and-crafts fair, and evening balloon glows.
America's Freedom Festival
July 3rd - July 5th, 2025
Longview Convention Complex, 1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, TX 75606
A Fourth of July tradition, the Balloon Fest at America’s Freedom Festival is one of Utah’s most patriotic events. Each morning, more than 25 hot air balloons take flight, many of them themed with American symbols and flags. This event is a crowd favorite, drawing thousands of spectators before the city’s Independence Day parade, stadium performances, and fireworks. Get there early—balloon launches start at sunrise!
Sandy Balloon Festival
August 15th - August 16th, 2025
Lamar County Fairgrounds, 570 East Center St., Paris TX, 75460
The Sandy Balloon Festival is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Each year, colorful hot air balloons take to the skies in the early morning, creating a spectacular view against the Wasatch Mountains. The festival features two days of balloon launches, with the highlight being the evening balloon glow, where balloons are tethered to the ground and illuminated, creating a mesmerizing effect. Families can also enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for kids. The event is free to the public, making it a perfect late-summer outing.
DinahSorDays
August 21st - August 24th, 2025
Oak Point Park, 2801E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano TX 75074
DinahSorDays is Vernal’s signature festival celebrating its rich history, dinosaur heritage, and vibrant community. This multi-day event features hot air balloon launches that provide a unique opportunity to see the scenic Uinta Basin from above. The festival also includes a parade, rodeo events, a carnival, and live music, making it a must-visit for families. Kids will love the dinosaur-themed activities, which pay tribute to the area’s famous fossil discoveries.
Shop Fest
September 6th, 2025
Real Life Center, 16765 Lookout Rd., Selma, TX 78154
While ShopFest Utah is primarily a massive vendor fair featuring hundreds of local businesses, it also includes an early-morning hot air balloon launch. Visitors can enjoy the sight of balloons floating over the festival before diving into the shopping, food, and entertainment.
Roosevelt Balloon Festival
Utah Balloon Palooza
A newer event, Utah Balloon Palooza is growing in popularity. This family-friendly festival combines hot air balloons, amusement rides, carnival games, food vendors, and live entertainment. Keep an eye out for updates on its 2025 location.
Up & Away Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival
A blend of hot air balloons and live music, the Up & Away Festival in Cedar City is a must-visit for anyone looking for a lively atmosphere. The event kicks off with early morning balloon ascensions, followed by a day filled with concerts from local and national artists, food trucks, craft vendors, and children’s activities. The festival’s highlight is the balloon glow at sunset, where the balloons light up the night sky in sync with live music performances.
Bluff International Balloon Festival
The Bluff International Balloon Festival is one of the most scenic hot air balloon events in the country. Set against Monument Valley’s red rock formations, this festival provides stunning photo opportunities as the balloons rise over the dramatic desert landscape. The festival is a quieter, more intimate event, attracting balloon pilots and enthusiasts who love the serenity of the Utah desert. The crisp winter air and clear skies make for perfect flying conditions.
Set in Southern Utah’s stunning red rock landscape, the Sand Hollow Resort Sky Fest offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The festival features hot air balloon launches, aerial stunt performances, skydiving demonstrations, and even drone light shows. Adventure seekers can also take advantage of off-roading experiences, paddleboarding on Sand Hollow Reservoir, and golf tournaments during the event. This festival is perfect for those who want to combine thrilling outdoor activities with the magic of hot air balloons.
SkyFest, Sand Hollow Resort
February 7th - February 8th, 2026
5662 West Clubhouse Dr, Hurricane, UT
Soar, Explore, and Unwind in Southern Utah
Hurricane, UT | 📅 February 7–8, 2026
Number of Balloons: 10
Nestled in the heart of Southern Utah’s red rock country, Sand Hollow Resort is the perfect place to escape, explore, and unwind—and during SkyFest, it becomes even more magical. This boutique ballooning event brings together the serenity of nature with the thrill of hot air balloons rising against the dramatic desert backdrop.
Each morning during the event, a select group of 10 colorful hot air balloons take flight, creating a stunning spectacle over the resort’s wide-open skies. Whether you’re a guest staying on-site or just visiting for the event, the experience is unforgettable.
Beyond the balloon launches, the resort offers a range of activities to fill your weekend:
- Golf on championship courses
- Off-road adventures through the dunes
- Relaxing spa treatments and dining options
- Incredible stargazing under clear desert skies
Sand Hollow SkyFest is a smaller, more intimate balloon festival, perfect for those looking to enjoy the beauty of flight in a luxurious and peaceful setting.
✨ Discover the magic of the skies and the landscape at this unique Southern Utah getaway.
To find out more: https://hotairballoonfestivals.net/listing/skyfest-sand-hollow-resort/
Kanab Balloon & Tunes Roundup
February 20th - February 22th, 2026
755 Fairway Dr., Kanab, UT
A Winter Festival Full of Color, Music, and Magic
Kanab, UT | 📅 February 20–22, 2026
Number of Balloons: 40
If you’re looking for a hot air balloon experience in the heart of winter, the Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup is a can’t-miss event. Held in one of the most scenic regions of the state—the edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument—this festival combines the awe of colorful hot air balloons with the energy of live music and local culture.
Daily Balloon Launches
Each morning, around 40 hot air balloons lift off from the former Coral Cliffs Golf Course at 7:30 a.m. (weather permitting), filling the crisp Southern Utah sky with a rainbow of color. It’s a picture-perfect moment that attracts photographers, families, and balloon lovers from all over.
Festival Highlights
Vendor Fair – Kicking off Friday afternoon on W 100 North, the vendor fair features local artisans, food vendors, and specialty goods.
🎶 Live Music & Battle of the Bands – The festival showcases various musical talent. Don’t miss the exciting Battle of the Bands, where festivalgoers can vote for their favorite performers.
🏮 Lantern Festival – Friday evening concludes with a beautiful lantern release, adding a magical glow to the night sky.
🌟 Balloon Glow – On Saturday at 7 p.m., head to Center Street for the unforgettable Balloon Glow, where tethered balloons light up in sync with the music.
🎉 Evening Entertainment – After the Balloon Glow, the fun continues with live bands performing into the night.
A Weekend to Remember
The festival runs from Friday through Sunday, with one final balloon launch on Sunday morning—so be sure to stay for the whole weekend!
Whether you’re there for the dazzling balloons, the live performances, or the local flavor of Kanab, the Balloons & Tunes Roundup delivers an unforgettable winter experience.
✨ Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to enjoy one of Utah’s most unique and beautiful festivals! ✨
Find more details: https://hotairballoonfestivals.net/listing/balloons-tunes-roundup/
Plan Your 2025-26 Utah Balloon Adventures!
With so many hot air balloon festivals to choose from, Utah is the perfect destination for balloon lovers. Whether you want to experience the winter magic of Bluff, the patriotic spirit of Provo, or the red rock beauty of Kanab, there’s an event for everyone.
Which festival are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for hot air balloon festivals happening in your state? Check out our guide to find exciting events near you. Get ready to soar high and experience the thrill of these colorful celebrations in the sky. Visit https://hotairballoonfestivals.net
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