The countdown is on to the opening ceremonies of Heritage Inn‘s annual International Balloon Festival, which takes place each year in High River, Alta.
So if you’re obsessed with that scene from The Wizard of Oz where the wizard and his friends sail away to Kansas on a hot air balloon, you definitely won’t want to miss this.
Now in its ninth year, the festival will feature hot air balloon pilots from all over the world. While none of them are from Oz, there will be representation from the United States and Europe, along with a roster of pilots who live in High River, Calgary, and across Alberta.
From Sept. 24 to Sept. 28, you can watch these colourful balloons launch and take flight for free in High River, Alta. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take to the air in a passenger ride of your own.
What to expect
For four days, international pilots will take flight in dozens of hot air balloons at Heritage Inn’s International Balloon Festival.
These colourful, floating balloons are incredible to watch as they travel gently across the sky.
Flights will be scheduled in the morning and evening to coincide with the most promising weather conditions. Flights one hour after sunrise and two hours before sunset offer the most stable wind conditions for safe travel in hot air balloons.
If you’re itching to get up in the air, passenger rides will also be offered at the festival by Kiss The Sky, and tickets are $445 per person.
Light up the sky
One of the most exciting aspects of the annual festival is the Balloon Glow, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
This evening flight is an experience like no other, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy the sunset and wander under the gentle giants after they’ve been inflated.
You’ll feel the heat and hear the blasts of the flare burners as these awe-inspiring balloons light up the night sky with a whimsical glow.
There’s a little bit of magic to the art of hot air ballooning, and if you’ve ever wanted to set sail on one yourself, this is your chance! We can’t wait.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025
Where: High River Macleod Trail launch field — Macleod Trail SW and Deibert Close SW, High River, Alta.
Cost: Free; $445 for a private ride
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, their dogs Bandit and Stanley, and walks along the Bow River.
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