This hot balloon festival in Alberta will absolutely blow you away.

Over in Medicine Hat, there’s a fantastical festival thrown every year centred around, you guessed it, hot air balloons. This weekend, according to Tourism Medicine Hat, up to 35 hot air balloons will take flight above the city for a magical view and an even more magical experience.

Whether you decide to meet the pilots and take a closer look at the aircraft themselves, or maybe you’re just excited for the community events surrounding the festival, you’re absolutely going to have a good time.

What to expect

Keep in mind that this festival is a free, family-friendly event. It’ll be running from May 21 to 24, with flights taking off every morning and night, with the exception of Sunday, which will only have a morning flight.

Each hot air balloon flight will happen at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. promptly.

On Friday, the real community fun begins. At dusk, around 8 p.m., there is the Balloon Glow Neon Theme, where hot air balloons are tethered to the ground. Here, they illuminate a gorgeous light, and you can meet the pilots and take a closer look at these magical balloons.

In addition to this interactive opportunity, there will also be local food trucks and live entertainment.

Saturday is the biggest day of them all, however. Not only are there two flights on this day, but you can expect the Hues for Humanity Colour Run, a pancake breakfast, an artisan market, and so much more. Not to mention, there will be two free movie showings at noon and 3 p.m.

If you miss the Balloon Glow Neon Theme night on Friday, you can always check it out on Saturday. Be warned, however, there will be no theme night on Sunday, so Saturday is your last chance.

Looking for the flight take-off zones? Keep updated on social media, where the festival will update everyone on the finalization of locations. With the festival coming up this weekend, the locations are sure to be released promptly.

If you’re a hot air balloon fanatic or even just the slightest bit fascinated, it’s totally worth it to check out this free festival. Don’t miss your chance this weekend. It only comes once a year, so mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of fun.

Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival

When: Thursday, May 21, 2026, to Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. flights
Where: TBA
Cost: Free

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Alyssa Gallardo

Alyssa Gallardo

Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.

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