Erie Balloon Festival is this weekend!

Erie Balloon Festival 2025: Colorado’s Must-See Free Hot Air Balloon Event This Weekend

Catch breathtaking balloon launches just after sunrise in Erie, Colorado—perfect for photos, families, and summer fun.

The Erie Balloon Festival 2025 is ready to take off this weekend, and if you’re near Boulder or anywhere along Colorado’s Front Range, this free hot air balloon festival is a can’t-miss summer event. With dozens of colorful hot air balloons ascending into the morning sky, it’s one of the most photogenic and relaxing ways to kick off a July weekend.

The Colorado Balloon Should Be At The Festival

This festival offers visitors the rare chance to get up close to hot air balloons during inflation and lift-off. It’s not only a visual spectacle but also one of the most family-friendly and budget-friendly events in Colorado.

LOCATION: The Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival in Colorado is located at County Road 5 & Colliers Parkway, directly west of Soaring Heights Pre K-8 School and Erie High School. Specifically, it’s the open space area on County Road 5 and Colliers Parkway. Free parking is available at both Soaring Heights and Erie High School parking lots

Balloons launched from Erie, landing in Lafayette just across the street from home. Photo Credit Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Why the Erie Balloon Festival Should Be On Your Weekend List

• Free admission

• Ideal photo opportunities with vibrant balloons and mountain views

• Cool morning temperatures perfect for outdoor comfort

• Great for families, photographers, and early risers

• Only 30 minutes from Boulder and Denver

Hot air balloon launches typically begin shortly after sunrise—around 6:00 to 6:30 AM—taking advantage of the calm winds and golden light. The field begins filling with balloons at dawn, and the color and size of these aircrafts up close is something to behold.

Whether you’re into Colorado summer festivals, love aviation, or are just looking for a peaceful and beautiful morning outing, this is a standout experience that’s hard to match.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Event: Erie Balloon Festival 2025
Location: The Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival in Colorado is located at County Road 5 & Colliers Parkway, directly west of Soaring Heights Pre K-8 School and Erie High School. Specifically, it’s the open space area on County Road 5 and Colliers Parkway. Free parking is available at both Soaring Heights and Erie High School parking lots
Dates: This weekend (check weather updates the night before)
Admission: Free

Tips for a great visit:

• Arrive early: Parking is free but limited, and the best views happen just after dawn.

• Bring a camera: Whether it’s a DSLR or a smartphone, you’ll want to capture the colors.

• Dress in layers: Early mornings in Colorado can be chilly, even in July.

• Pack light snacks or enjoy food from local vendors on site.

• Check launch updates: Balloon launches are weather-dependent—watch social media or the event site for changes.

  

  Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival

Perfect for Locals and Visitors Alike

The Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival draws families, couples, travelers, and photographers year after year. Its accessibility, affordability, and sheer beauty make it one of the best hot air balloon festivals in Colorado—without the crowds or ticket prices of larger events.

Looking for something fun to do near Boulder or Denver this weekend? Make the Erie Balloon Festival your early morning destination!

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com