Categories: Lifestyle

A magical hot air balloon festival will soon take place in an Alberta city

Photo via @riseupyxh / Instagram

Spring has sprung, the sun is high, and soon the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Alberta will once again take to the sky!

From Waterton to High Level, there are plenty of incredible events happening in Wild Rose Country this season, but few will be able to top Medicine Hat’s most colourful experience.

Up, up, and away!

Described as a metaphor for rising above life’s challenges, this exciting event will feature pilots from across North America, as well as hot air balloon rides, food trucks, and live entertainment.

This will be its fourth year back, and once again, the festival will bring awareness to Our Collective Journey, an organization that creates a safe and supportive environment for recovery and resistance building.

Interested? From May 22 to 25, this family-friendly experience will bring the community together for FREE, but there are a few things of note.

Flights will take place at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, depending on the weather.

Balloon Glow, their nighttime display, will light the night around 8:30 p.m. on May 23 and 24 in Kin Coulee Park.

Their community event is also on Saturday, where guests can take part in their colour run, art party, and yoga class, before grabbing a bite to eat or watching a movie at the Monarch.

The festival, like many before it, will wrap up on Sunday with one last early-morning flight, so only the early birds will get the worm — but don’t fret!

There’s a pretty good chance it’ll be back next year.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend, Alberta, so mark it down on your calendar and enjoy.

It’s sure to lift your spirits!