Colorado Balloon Classic

There’s lots of things to do in Colorado Springs on Labor Day weekend, but the biggest event by far is the Colorado Balloon Classic.  Nearly 100 hot air balloons descend on Memorial Park for a colorful three-day weekend.  Get up early to watch the hot air balloons lift off at 7 AM, and come back in the evening for the “Balloon Glo”, when all the ballons are inflated (but not launched) and their bright colors glow against the beautiful Colorado sky!

Here’s the schedule of events for the weekend:

Saturday, September 5, 2009
American Medical Response Honor Guard – Showmobile 6:00 AM
National Anthem: Andy Hackbarth -Announcer’s Stage 6:00 AM
Red Herring Productions – Launch Field 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Enroute Music – Kid’s Fun Zone 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Pilot & Crew Briefing (Public is invited) – Announcer’s Stage 6:10 AM
Inflate Pathfinder Balloon 6:40 AM
Mass Ascension of Hot Air Balloons 7:00 AM
Concert: Andy Hackbarth – Showmobile 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders Club Flight – Rose Bowl 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Remote Control Hot Air Balloon Display – Launch Field 8:00 AM – 10:00 a.m
Wings of Blue Parachute Demonstration Team – Rose Bowl 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Faith Martial Arts – Kid’z Fun Zone 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Pikes Peak Volkswagen Club – Launch Field 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Red Herring Productions – Launch Field 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Remote Control Hot Air Balloon Display – Launch Field 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Faith Martial Arts – Kid’s Fun Zone 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Concert: The Legend Band – Showmobile 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders Club Flight – Rose Bowl 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Pilot & Crew Briefing (Public is invited)Announcer’s Stage 7:05 PM
Lay out Balloons for Balloon Glo® 7:30 PM
Inflate Balloons for Balloon Glo® 8:00 PM

Sunday, September 6, 2009
American Medical Response Honor Guard and – Showmobile 6:00 AM
National Anthem: Frank Kafka – Announcer’s Stage 6:00 AM
Enroute Music – Kid’s Fun Zone 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Red Herring Productions – Launch Field 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Pilot & Crew Briefing (Public is invited) -Announcer’s Stage 6:10 AM
Inflate Pathfinder Balloon – 6:40 AM
Mass Ascension of Hot Air Balloons-7:00 AM
Concert: One Way – Showmobile 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders Club Flight – Rose Bowl 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Remote Control Hot Air Balloon Display – Launch Field 8:00 AM -10:00 AM
Faith Martial Arts – Kid’s Fun Zone 8:30 am. – 9:00 AM

Red Herring Productions – Launch Field 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Remote Control Hot Air Balloon Display -Launch Field 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Concert: The Chris Como Band – Showmobile 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Faith Martial Arts – Kid’s Fun Zone 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders Club Flight – Rose Bowl 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Lay out Balloons for Balloon Glo® – 7:30 PM
Inflate Balloons for Balloon Glo® – 8:00 PM

Monday, September 7, 2009
American Medical Response Honor Guard – Showmobile 6:00 AM
National Anthem: Colorado Springs Conservatory -Announcer’s Stage 6:00 AM
Red Herring Productions – Launch Field 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Enroute Music – Kid’s Fun Zone 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Pilot & Crew Briefing (Public is invited) -Announcer’s Stage 6:10 AM
Inflate Pathfinder Balloon – 6:40 AM
Mass Ascension of Hot Air Balloons – 7:00 AM
Concert: Colorado Springs Conservatory – Showmobile 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders Club Flight – Rose Bowl 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Faith Martial Arts -Kid’s Fun Zone 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Here’s more information you might find helpful:

Parking for the Colorado Balloon Classic

There is no public parking inside Memorial Park for the Balloon Classic (with the exception of handicap parking, which is located at Setich Ice Center and accessible off Union Blvd). You’ll need to park on the streets and parking lots around Memorial Park – pay careful attention to no parking signs and lots that charge fees, and of course don’t park in front of driveways.

Where to watch the hot air balloons

The balloon launch area is in the middle of the park, to the north of Prospect Lake. Many events are held at the Rose Bowl, which is on the south side of the park, off Hancock. The Balloon Classic website has a map of the park with notes on where major events are held.  (Note that their map has north to the left, not at the top as is standard!)

Other important info

City ordinance prohibits pets from attending the Balloon Classic. Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed.  Smoking is not allowed on the launch field.

Organizers suggest bringing a flashlight if you attend any of the evening events.

You can view a list of the participating balloons and pilots, and read more about the event on the official site.  We’ll see you there!

If you want something to do this weekend and hot air balloons aren’t your thing, here’s more things to do in Colorado Springs.