This segment of “The American Dream TV,” hosted by Monica Breckenridge of Pink Realty, takes viewers on a sky-high journey through one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic annual events: Labor Day Lift Off. Each year over Labor Day weekend, the city’s skyline transforms into a sea of color as hot air balloons rise in a breathtaking display of artistry, altitude, and community spirit.
If you’re searching for something truly memorable to experience over Labor Day weekend, look no further. Now in its 49th year, this iconic festival brings together balloon enthusiasts, travelers, locals, and photographers alike for a vibrant and uplifting experience — quite literally. Each year, around 70 hot air balloons take to the sky above Memorial Park, creating a panorama of color against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’re an early riser who wants to catch the sunrise launches or someone who prefers the glowing magic of balloons at dusk, Labor Day Lift Off is a can’t-miss weekend celebration. You’ll find great food, live tunes, endless entertainment, and awe-inspiring sights that make this one of the most notable late-summer traditions in the region.
A Celebration Nearly Half a Century in the Making
The Labor Day Lift Off event has deep roots in Colorado Springs. Originally launched in 1977, the event was born out of a shared desire to create a high-flying community gathering that honored the spirit of adventure. Over the years, what began as a small local ballooning event has grown into one of the most well-known hot air balloon festivals in the United States.
With nearly five decades of history, the festival blends tradition with innovation. While the appeal of ballooning remains at its core, the event has added exciting new elements over the years, from drone shows and skydiving jumpers to stand-up paddleboarding instruction. It’s not just a visual spectacle. It’s a full-bodied experience that invites you to stay awhile and soak in the Colorado spirit.
With nearly five decades of history, the festival blends tradition with innovation. While the appeal of ballooning remains at its core, the event has added exciting new elements over the years, from drone shows and skydiving jumpers to stand-up paddleboarding instruction. It’s not just a visual spectacle. It’s a full-bodied experience that invites you to stay awhile and soak in the Colorado spirit.
The Main Event: Hot Air Balloons Take to the Skies
At the heart of Labor Day Lift Off are the hot air balloons that rise with the sun and return for evening glow displays. Around 70 colorful, uniquely shaped balloons launch each morning from Memorial Park, weather permitting. These launches typically begin around 7 a.m., drawing crowds who are willing to get up early for the unforgettable experience of watching the sky fill with floating works of art.
You’ll see traditional rainbow-patterned balloons soaring alongside whimsical shapes like animals, characters, and branded inflatables. Many visitors come prepared with cameras, picnic blankets, and coffee in hand to witness the quiet awe of the sunrise ascent. The beauty of balloons taking flight in near silence, framed by Pikes Peak and the Front Range, is one of those moments you’ll carry with you long after the weekend ends.
You’ll see traditional rainbow-patterned balloons soaring alongside whimsical shapes like animals, characters, and branded inflatables. Many visitors come prepared with cameras, picnic blankets, and coffee in hand to witness the quiet awe of the sunrise ascent. The beauty of balloons taking flight in near silence, framed by Pikes Peak and the Front Range, is one of those moments you’ll carry with you long after the weekend ends.
Don’t Miss the Evening Balloon Glows
If mornings aren’t your thing, or if you simply want to double the experience, the evening Balloon Glows offer a magical counterpart to the sunrise launches. As the sun dips behind the mountains, balloon pilots fire up their burners, illuminating the inflated balloons from within. The entire field glows in a warm, colorful light, casting a soft brilliance across the landscape.
It’s a perfect way to cap off your day. Many attendees bring lawn chairs or find a spot in the grass to watch the spectacle.
It’s a perfect way to cap off your day. Many attendees bring lawn chairs or find a spot in the grass to watch the spectacle.
Entertainment Beyond the Balloons
While the hot air balloons are undoubtedly the stars of the weekend, Labor Day Lift Off has far more to offer than these aerial wonders. You’ll find a wide variety of food vendors serving everything from classic fair treats to gourmet bites, as well as local stops offering handmade goods, crafts, and gifts.
Live music keeps the atmosphere festive throughout the day. Regional bands, acoustic acts, and local performers take to the stage, providing the perfect soundtrack to the weekend. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, games, and interactive exhibits, while adults can explore sponsor booths, grab a drink, or participate in fitness events like yoga in the park or the 5K at Labor Day.
Live music keeps the atmosphere festive throughout the day. Regional bands, acoustic acts, and local performers take to the stage, providing the perfect soundtrack to the weekend. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, games, and interactive exhibits, while adults can explore sponsor booths, grab a drink, or participate in fitness events like yoga in the park or the 5K at Labor Day.
High-Energy Performances in the Sky and on the Ground
Beyond the colorful balloons and glowing displays, Labor Day Lift Off delivers high-octane excitement with a lineup of thrilling performances and athletic showcases that energize the crowd all weekend long. From jaw-dropping aerial stunts to gravity-defying feats on the ground, the festival keeps your eyes darting from the skies to the stage.
One of the most crowd-pleasing highlights is the drone light show, which turns the night sky into a dynamic canvas of movement, patterns, and light. Hundreds of drones move in synchronized sequences, forming dazzling shapes, words, and animations that seem to float and shimmer above Memorial Park. It’s a modern twist on traditional fireworks, offering a more immersive and artistic spectacle without the loud explosions.
Don’t miss the aerial acrobatics and skydiving exhibitions. Talented pilots perform precision maneuvers in high-performance aircraft, looping and twisting through the sky in tight, choreographed routines. These stunts add a rush of adrenaline to the event.
Skydivers drop in from high above, sometimes carrying giant flags or creating colorful smoke trails as they descend. These landings are timed perfectly to draw cheers from the crowd, especially when performers land with pinpoint accuracy right in the heart of the action. It's a thrilling demonstration of skill, timing, and pure courage.
On the ground, athleticism takes center stage during the parkour competition, where elite athletes leap, vault, climb, and flip across custom-built obstacle courses. It’s a kinetic and high-energy part of the weekend.
Catch the Magic
There are few events that capture the spirit of Colorado Springs quite like Labor Day Lift Off. As balloons dot the sky and thousands gather to celebrate, the weekend becomes more than just a farewell to summer; it is a vibrant reminder of what it means to come together and dream big. Whether you’re admiring the colors from the ground or paddling beneath their shadows on the lake, this tradition delivers unforgettable memories every time. Don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself.
If you’re ready to learn more about what life in Colorado Springs has to offer, reach out to Pink Realty for local insight. And, check out the feature on “The American Dream TV” here!
