Colorfest Hot Air Balloon Rally – Pagosa Springs, CO

Every vernal equinox Pagosa Springs hosts a trifecta of festivals to cap off the summer and welcome in fall. They’ll all be organized around the vivid Colorfest Balloon Rally, which returns for its 37th year.

This year’s hot air balloon festival floats off from Friday to Sunday, September 20th to 22nd, 2024. Held annually since 1986, it’s sponsored by the Pagosa Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s an easy reason to plan a September trip to Archuleta County.

Festival Events

Colorfest Balloon Rally Bands and Brews Festival Pagosa Springs Guests — Guests at Bands & Brews Festival. Photo by: pagosachamber.com

The Colorfest Balloon Rally combines a wine festival, beer festival, and hot air balloon show all in one wild west Pagosa weekend. The Passport to Pagosa and Bands & Brews festivals are known to sell out, so book early. There is also a 5k run hosted on Saturday during the morning ascension.

Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival – Hosted Friday evening, this event allows you to taste international wine while enjoying delicious local food. Area restaurants battle for the Golden Whisk Awards, as voted by the guests. It’s open to those 21 and over.

Bands & Brews Festival – Kick off your Saturday evening with music and craft beer. Both attendees and brewers vote for their top breweries from around Colorado and Northern New Mexico. The event is held in the Town Park Athletic Field. Families are welcome as there will also be plenty of local cuisine and kids’ activities.

Mass Balloon Ascension – Saturday and Sunday events are held around 8 am. More than 40 balloons float off together- Saturday over downtown and Sunday over Pagosa Lakes by the golf course. There is an additional evening balloon glow on Saturday night during Bands & Brews.

5K Color Run/Walk – This colorful “race” coincides with Saturday morning’s hot air balloon launch. The 5K walk, run, skip or dance is untimed and not competitive.