Saturday & Sunday · 7:30–8:30 AM
Morning Balloon Launches
Balloons inflate and lift off shortly after sunrise, when the desert air is calm. It's the best time to see balloons in flight.
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Balloon task competition
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, pilots launch from off-site locations and fly into the festival grounds, aiming for targets placed on the field. Guests can watch:
- Fly-ins, as pilots navigate toward a target on Airstream Field
- Marker drops and bag drops
- Precision tasks that test skill, timing, and wind reading
Tips
- Arrive early. Gates open at 7 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
- Dress in layers. January mornings in the desert are cold.
- Check balloon status before you leave home. Launches depend on calm winds.
- Days
- Saturday & Sunday
- Planned time
- 7:30–8:30 AM
- Weather
- All balloon activities are weather permitting.