Events Inside Balloon Fiesta Park

Following is a listing of Events Inside Balloon Fiesta Park during Balloon Fiesta 2025:

Daily Events

  • Pilot Briefing (October 4–12, every morning at 6:00 a.m.)
    Overview of flying activities, weather updates, and safety briefings. Open to the public near West Wind & Key Grab roads.

  • Dawn Patrol (October 4–12, every morning at 6:00 a.m.)
    Early morning pre-sunrise flights where pilots test wind conditions and light up the sky.

  • Krispy Kreme Morning Glow (October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12 at 6:30 a.m.)
    “Baker’s dozen” balloons glow on the field just before sunrise, followed by launch with the Mass Ascension.

  • Mass Ascensions (October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12 at 7:00 a.m.)
    Hundreds of balloons lift off in waves — the most iconic sight of Balloon Fiesta.

Special Features & Performances

  • Special Shape Rodeo™ & Glowdeo™ (October 9–10, 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.)
    Beloved whimsical event featuring creative balloons shaped like animals, characters, and objects — flying by day, glowing by night.

  • Flight of Nations (October 8 at 7:00 a.m.)
    Balloons representing each participating country fly with their national flags in a display of global unity.

  • Balloon Glow Events

    • Twilight Twinkle Glow™ – October 4

    • Balloon Glow – October 5

    • Night Magic Glow™ – October 11
      Evening displays where tethered balloons illuminate the field in sync, followed by fireworks.

  • AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show (October 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 at 8:00 p.m.)
    Spectacular fireworks displays after balloon glows, concluding the evening sessions.

  • Drone Light Show (Every morning at 5:45 a.m.; evenings October 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 at 7:45 p.m.)
    Over 500 synchronized drones create animated light formations choreographed to music.

  • Fiesta de Los Globitos

    • Morning RC Balloon Rallies: October 5, 8, 10 (7:30–11 a.m.)

    • Evening Glow: October 11 (6:30 p.m.)
      A remote-control balloon exhibition featuring ¼-scale tethered mini-balloons about 30 feet tall.

Competitions & Demonstrations

  • Balloon Competitions
    Includes tasks such as Judge Declared Goal, Hesitation Waltz, Double Drop, Sid Cutter Memorial, and Ring Toss — where pilots aim markers or rings at field targets for scoring and prizes.

  • Chainsaw Carving Exhibition & Auction (Various dates, mornings and afternoons)
    Live chainsaw wood carving by artisans; auction sessions open to the public.

  • Team Fastrax™ Skydiving Shows (Sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.)
    High-energy skydiving performances before glows and ascensions.

  • Fiesta of Wheels Car Show (October 5, North end of Launch Field)
    A large display of classic cars and automotive exhibits.

  • Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Select days at Group Tour Tent, North end of Main Street)
    Collectors’ event for trading official Fiesta pins — part of Balloon Fiesta’s long-standing collectibles tradition.