If there’s one Colorado Springs tradition that feels like the unofficial grand finale of summer, it’s the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off.

The 2026 Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off takes place September 5–7 at Memorial Park, with morning hot air balloon launches, evening balloon glows, entertainment, and special 50th-anniversary events throughout the weekend.

I have been going since I was a kid, and it is a true joy to now watch my own children experience the magic of Lift Off, just like I did at their age. My 8-year-old has even decided that it is a specific event held just for her, since her birthday always falls a week or two before Labor Day.

And the best part? You are allowed ON THE FIELD during lift off. Yes, on the field, right in the action, with the heat of the burners on your skin. It is truly an experience to behold.

After going to Lift Off for years, I’ve learned a few things that can make the morning even better, especially if you’re bringing kids. So before I get into all the official event details, here are my 10 hot tips from someone who has done this A LOT.

10 Tips to Ensure Your Morning “Lifts-Off”

1. Don’t be late!
This needs to be first because everything else depends on getting there early. The official recommendation is to arrive by 6:30 a.m. for the 7 a.m. lift off. We usually leave our house by 5:45, hit up Starbucks, and then make our way over towards the field to search for parking.

2. Dress warm, but wear layers.
You’re arriving in the dark when it can be chilly, but once the sun comes up and the burners start firing, you’ll warm up quickly. Welcome to Colorado. This is advice for life, just always wear layers.

3. Don’t settle for the first parking lot you see.
There are tons of off-site lots, and prices can vary dramatically from block to block and lot to lot. Drive around and compare before pulling in, unless you’re running late, in which case just pick something and hoof it!

4. Skip the chair and get in the action.
This is where I’d emphasize your biggest insider tip: the best part is being ON the field. Walk among the inflating balloons, feel the heat from the burners and experience everything up close. If you have to haul your chairs around or you camp somewhere with blankets, you don’t get into the action as much. The official event specifically encourages families to walk among the balloons as they inflate and launch.

5. Talk to the pilots!
Once you’re on the field, this naturally follows. Ask questions, let your kids ask questions, and experience the pilots’ genuine passion for their craft.

6. Make it a balloon trading card hunt.
Now you’ve got the kids engaged in the experience. Have them collect trading cards from the different balloons and see how many they can find. My kids love this and spend weeks comparing their favorite balloons with each other.

7. Take ALL the pictures.
Once you’re surrounded by balloons, this is the perfect place to talk about the views. Every time you look around, the view changes and with the backdrop of Pikes Peak, you really can’t take a bad photo.

8. Pee beforehand!
This is a very practical mom tip. If you’re okay with a port-a-potty, you’re fine, but otherwise, go before you arrive.

9. Grab coffee on the way and save brunch for afterward.
The vendors are fun, but those lines can be LONG. Get your caffeine beforehand and indulge in brunch after you’ve finished your morning at Lift Off.

10. If you really want to see the balloons lift off, go Saturday.
Weather can cancel a launch, so if seeing the actual lift off is your priority, Saturday gives you the most flexibility. If weather prevents the balloons from launching Saturday, you still have Sunday and Monday to try again.

When is the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off?

The 2026 Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off takes place Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026, at Memorial Park.

The event is located at 1605 E. Pikes Peak Avenue and runs throughout the Labor Day weekend with morning balloon launches, entertainment, food, activities, and evening events.

The festival is celebrating its 50th annual event in 2026, making this year’s Lift Off an especially fun one to add to your Labor Day weekend plans.

The Main Event: Morning Balloon Lift Off

If you’ve never experienced the morning balloon launch, this is the part you won’t want to miss… and also not be late for.

Each morning, approximately 70 hot air balloons gather at Memorial Park. Watching the balloons inflate is part of the experience itself. The massive balloons slowly come to life across the field before taking off into the Colorado Springs sky.

The lift off begins around 7:00 a.m., with balloons launching throughout the morning. They are launched in different waves, so there is always action happening.

Don’t Miss the Evening Glow

While the morning launches are the signature event, the evening balloon glow is another can’t-miss experience.

As the sun goes down, the balloons illuminate against the evening sky, creating a completely different atmosphere from the morning launch.

If you have little kids who aren’t exactly thrilled about a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call, the evening festivities can be a great alternative. Or get a babysitter and enjoy a little date night. There’s something cozy about dark skies and just the glow of balloons.

2026 Labor Day Lift Off Fireworks

For 2026, the evening events include drone shows on both Saturday and Sunday nights, plus a special fireworks show Saturday night. I kind of wonder if maybe it’s all the fireworks the city didn’t get to light on 4th of July!

More Than Just Balloons

The Labor Day Lift Off has grown into a full Labor Day weekend festival, so there is plenty to do once you’ve watched the balloons take off.

The 2026 event includes:

• Live music and entertainment
• Drone shows
• Skydiving demonstrations
• Remote-control balloon displays
• Food and beverage vendors
• Kids’ activities
• The Ninja Nation obstacle course
• SUP activities on Prospect Lake
• The new SkyFest Village
• The Lift Off Lounge and other premium viewing experiences

There’s no need to make the Lift Off a quick “show up, watch the balloons, and leave” event. You can easily spend the morning at Memorial Park enjoying everything happening around the launch.

What to Know Before You Go

Where: Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs

When: September 5–7, 2026

Admission: General admission is free

Morning lift off: Approximately 7:00 a.m. each morning

Best arrival time: Around 6:30 a.m. for the morning launch

Parking: Plan ahead and expect crowds, especially around the morning launch.

Weather: Balloon launches are weather dependent, so schedules can change based on conditions.

For the most current schedule, parking information, activities, and event updates, check the official Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off website before heading out.

A Colorado Springs Tradition Worth Waking Up For

There are plenty of ways to spend Labor Day weekend in Colorado Springs, but the Labor Day Lift Off is one of those experiences that feels uniquely ours. And unlike Albuquerque, our event actually allows you to get up close and personal. Who needs New Mexico for hot air balloons? NOT US!

So, set your alarm, grab the coffee and head to Memorial Park this weekend for a fabulous experience.

See you there,

Kim