Labor Day Lift Off 2025 Colorado Springs Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Labor Day Lift Off 2025 returns to Memorial Park in Colorado Springs from to . Expect a sky full of colorful hot air balloons, free family-friendly activities, morning launches, evening balloon glows, drone light shows , live music, and plenty of local food vendors.
Quick Facts
- Location: Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
- Dates: Sat – Mon , 2025
- Admission: Free entry; optional paid balloon rides
- Main Highlights: Morning balloon launches, evening balloon glows, drone shows , live music, vendors
- Good to Know: Large crowds expected—arrive early and consider parking and transportation tips .
Highlights & Schedule
Pick a day below to see the exact times and activities for the 2025 festival at Memorial Park.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:15 a.m. | Park & concessions open |
| 6:00 a.m. | Drone show |
| 6:30 a.m. | Opening ceremony |
| 7:00 a.m. | Mass balloon lift-off & Beer/Mimosa Gardens open |
| 8:30 a.m. | Remote-controlled (scale) balloon display |
| 9:00 a.m. | USAFA Wings of Blue skydive jumpers & Rocky Mtn State Games Parkour competition |
| 10:00 a.m. | Prospect Lake activities |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:30 p.m. | Park & concessions reopen; Beer/Mimosa Gardens; RC balloon display |
| 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Hat Trick (concert) |
| 4:00–8:00 p.m. | Aerial Aura acrobatics |
| 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Cody Cozz (concert) |
| 7:00 p.m. | Balloon Glow |
| 8:30–9:30 p.m. | Cody Cozz (encore set) |
| 9:30 p.m. | Drone show |
| 10:00 p.m. | Park closes |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:15 a.m. | Park & concessions open |
| 6:00 a.m. | Drone show |
| 6:30 a.m. | Opening ceremony |
| 7:00 a.m. | Mass balloon lift-off & Beer/Mimosa Gardens open |
| 8:30 a.m. | Remote-controlled (scale) balloon display |
| 9:00 a.m. | Orangetheory 5K & Wings of Blue skydive jumpers |
| 10:00 a.m. | Prospect Lake activities |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:30 p.m. | Park & concessions reopen; Beer/Mimosa Gardens; RC balloon display |
| 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Bobbi Kerr (concert) |
| 4:00–8:00 p.m. | Aerial Aura acrobatics |
| 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Sofakillers (concert) |
| 7:00 p.m. | Balloon Glow |
| 8:30–9:30 p.m. | Sofakillers (encore set) |
| 9:30 p.m. | Drone show |
| 10:00 p.m. | Park closes |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:15 a.m. | Park & concessions open |
| 6:00 a.m. | Drone show |
| 6:30 a.m. | Opening ceremony |
| 7:00 a.m. | Mass balloon lift-off & Beer/Mimosa Gardens open |
| 8:00 a.m. | 4ID Mile High Rock Band (concert) |
| 9:00 a.m. | Remote-controlled (scale) balloon display |
| 10:00 a.m. | Park & concessions close |
Balloon Glow
The Balloon Glow is the festival’s signature evening spectacle: at dusk, tethered balloons light up Memorial Park in waves of color. It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and capped with live music and a drone light show.
When It Happens
- 3:30 p.m. – Park & concessions reopen; Beer & Mimosa Gardens open
- 4:00–8:00 p.m. – Aerial Aura acrobatics and vendor activities
- 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Evening concerts (Sat: Cody Cozz, Sun: Sofakillers)
- 7:00 p.m. – 🎈 Balloon Glow begins (Sat & Sun)
- 8:30–9:30 p.m. – Concerts continue (Sat: Cody Cozz, Sun: Sofakillers)
- 9:30 p.m. – ✨ Drone Show finale
- 10:00 p.m. – Park closes
What to Expect
- Dozens of balloons tethered around Prospect Lake, glowing in sync.
- Evening concerts and food vendors creating a festive atmosphere.
- After the Glow, the 9:30 p.m. drone show lights up the sky.
Best Viewing Spots
- Prospect Lake shoreline for reflection shots.
- Open lawns near the launch field for close-up burner flashes.
- Arrive before 6:00 p.m. for parking and space to set up.
Quick Tips
- Bring layers: evenings cool off quickly.
- Low chairs or blankets: keep views clear.
- Parking fills fast: consider rideshare or arrive early.
- Weather dependent: winds can cancel glows—check updates.
Be Prepared
Colorado Springs weather can swing quickly—mornings are cool, afternoons warm, and winds can affect balloon ops. Pack smart, respect festival rules, and check day-of forecasts before you go.
Clothing & Weather
- Layers: Hoodie/light jacket for sunrise; t-shirt for midday. Evenings cool fast during the Balloon Glow.
- Rain gear: Bring a poncho or small umbrella (tents not allowed).
- Footwear: Sturdy sneakers for grass and paved paths around Prospect Lake.
- Sun & hydration: Hat, SPF, refillable bottle. Coolers allowed (no glass).
What’s Allowed (and Not)
- Allowed: Lawn chairs, blankets, small umbrellas, soft-sided coolers.
- Not allowed: Pets (service animals only), personal drones, smoking, large tents/pop-ups.
- Weather rules: Balloon launches/glows are wind-dependent — check the official schedule for updates.
Parking & Getting There
- Pre-purchase parking: Buy parking passes here (lots fill early).
- Bike valet (free): Provided by PikeRide.
- Neighborhood etiquette: Don’t block driveways; pack out trash.
Where It Is & Accessibility
- Location: Memorial Park, 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave.
- ADA: Designated ADA parking via Union Blvd; paved lake loop suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
📍 Colorado Springs (Memorial Park) 4-Day Weather Forecast
Live data: NOAA / NWS – Memorial Park area
🚗 Drive Times & Quick Maps
One-tap directions to Memorial Park, Colorado Springs. Times are typical no-traffic estimates. Google Maps shows live ETAs. Expect heavy congestion on I-25 and near Memorial Park during morning lift-offs and evening glows.
🧭 Getting There: Traffic, Closures & Options
Traffic Windows & Tips
- Busy 5–9:30 a.m. and 3–11 p.m. Sat–Sun. Arrive before 5:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. to beat rush.
- Expect I-25 delays and congestion on park arterials.
- Live ETAs Set destination: “Memorial Park, 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave.”
Street Closures (Aug 30–Sep 1, 2025)
- E Pikes Peak Ave, N Union Blvd, and surrounding side streets — closed during morning/evening event windows.
- Interior park roads (Farragut, Sports, Memorial Dr) — closed 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Parking
- Limited paid lots (pre-purchase recommended). Parking info
- ADA & Bus: enter via Uintah → Union → Pikes Peak, follow CSPD staff.
- Check the Event Map for lot layout.
Rideshare, Bike & Walk
- Rideshare: Drop-off/pickup outside closure lines, especially west/southwest edges.
- Bike: Free PikeRide Bike Valet; e-bikes available.
- Walk: 10–25 minutes from nearby neighborhoods (0.5–1.2 miles).
Community Overflow
- Nearby churches and schools sometimes open lots (0.5–1.0 miles). Availability varies; check signage day-of.
- Downtown garages + scooter or rideshare are backup options.
Vendors & Food
Come hungry. The festival brings a rotating mix of food trucks, sweet treats, local coffee, and craft merch—plus the on-site Beer & Mimosa Gardens during morning launches and evening Balloon Glow sessions.
What You’ll Find
- Food & Drink: Breakfast burritos, coffee/espresso, lemonade, barbecue, burgers, pizza, tacos, kettle corn, ice cream, and more.
- Dietary options: Most festival lineups include at least a few vegetarian and gluten-friendly items. Ask vendors directly about ingredients and prep.
- Beer & Mimosa Gardens: Open during the 7:00 a.m. launch window and evening sessions leading into the 7:00 p.m. Balloon Glow (21+ with valid ID).
- Merch & Makers: Local apparel, art, jewelry, and Colorado-themed gifts near the main walkways around Prospect Lake.
Hours & Locations
- Morning: Concessions begin when gates open (~5:15 a.m.) and run through the launch window.
- Evening: Concessions reopen mid-afternoon (~3:30 p.m.) and run through the Glow and drone show.
- Vendor pods are placed along paved paths around Memorial Park and near the main launch field.
- Exact vendor lists and placements vary year to year—check day-of updates on the festival’s official schedule.
Payments & IDs
- Cards & cash: Most vendors accept cards; a few are cash-only—bring a small backup stash.
- Alcohol purchases: 21+ with physical government-issued ID (Beer & Mimosa Gardens).
- Receipts & tipping: Many trucks support tap-to-pay and digital tipping.
Quick Tips
- Hit popular food trucks before the 7:00 a.m. launch or before 6:30 p.m. to avoid the longest lines.
- Carry a refillable water bottle; coolers are generally allowed (no glass)—confirm on the Official FAQ.
- Keep walkways clear and dispose of trash/recycling at station clusters around the lake.
Concerts & Entertainment
Live performances take place on the festival stage inside Memorial Park, near the main launch field and Balloon Glow viewing areas. Evening concerts run alongside food vendors and the Beer & Mimosa Gardens, building into the 7:00 p.m. Balloon Glow and the 9:30 p.m. Drone Show.
Saturday, Aug 30 (Evening, Memorial Park Stage)
- 3:30–5:00 p.m. — Hat Trick (live music)
- 4:00–8:00 p.m. — Aerial Aura acrobatics (roaming sets around Prospect Lake)
- 6:00–7:00 p.m. — Cody Cozz (main stage)
- 7:00 p.m. — Balloon Glow
- 8:30–9:30 p.m. — Cody Cozz (encore)
- 9:30 p.m. — Drone Show
Sunday, Aug 31 (Evening, Memorial Park Stage)
- 3:30–5:00 p.m. — Bobbi Kerr (live music)
- 4:00–8:00 p.m. — Aerial Aura acrobatics
- 6:00–7:00 p.m. — The Sofakillers (main stage)
- 7:00 p.m. — Balloon Glow
- 8:30–9:30 p.m. — The Sofakillers (encore)
- 9:30 p.m. — Drone Show
Monday, Sep 1 (Morning, Memorial Park Stage)
- 8:00 a.m. — 4ID Mile High Rock Band (U.S. Army, Fort Carson)
All listed concerts are part of the official Labor Day Lift Off program and take place inside Memorial Park. Note: Other Labor Day weekend concerts downtown and around Colorado Springs are separate events and not affiliated with the Lift Off.
FAQs & Good to Know
First time at the Lift Off? Here are answers to the most common questions so you can relax and enjoy the festival.
Seating
- Bring your own: Lawn chairs, blankets, and small umbrellas are welcome.
- Not allowed: Large tents, shade canopies, and full-size pop-ups (they block sightlines).
Pets
- Service animals only: No pets allowed inside Memorial Park during the festival.
Drones & Photography
- No personal drones: FAA regulations prohibit drones at the event.
- Photography encouraged: Bring your camera or phone—balloon glows and dawn lift-offs are spectacular.
Payments
- Vendors: Most take cards; some are cash-only—bring a backup stash.
- Beer & Mimosa Gardens: 21+ with valid government ID required.
Accessibility
- ADA Parking: Enter via Union Blvd, staff will direct you to designated spaces.
- Paths: Memorial Park has paved, wheelchair-accessible walkways around Prospect Lake.
Lost & Found
- On-site: Check with the festival information booth inside Memorial Park.
- After the event: Contact event organizers through the official contact page.
Event Admission
- Free to attend: No general admission ticket required for balloon viewing, concerts, or Balloon Glow.
- Paid extras: Parking passes, VIP seating areas, and some sponsor activities may require purchase.
Rules and details are updated annually — always check the official FAQ for the latest information before heading to the park.
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