Telluride Balloon Fest 2025: Kicking Off a Sky-High Celebration

There’s nothing quite like the magic of ballooning in Telluride—and this weekend, the skies above our favorite box canyon are bursting with color, community, and celebration.

We officially kicked off the 2025 Telluride Balloon Fest on Friday, June 6, and the energy is already sky-high. Pilots from all over have begun to arrive, and the town is buzzing with excitement for a weekend filled with flying, glowing, and giving back.

Friday: Balloons, Schools, and Smiles

Friday morning, pilots Jeff Haliczer of Gallup, New Mexico, and Marissa Myers of Pagosa Adventure brought the magic of ballooning directly to local students with a school demonstration. Jeff inflated his signature balloon Synchronicity, while Marissa wowed the crowd with her interactive walk-through balloon Pride.

Kids and adults alike got to walk inside the balloon, climb into the basket, and experience the wonder of hot air balloons up close. For many, it was their first time seeing just how massive and beautiful a balloon can be from the ground. The experience was educational, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Meanwhile, Marilyn, our fearless board chair, and her devoted crew were busy all day putting final touches in place—from signage to sponsorships—to make sure everything is ready for launch.

Friday evening brought the first pilot check-in and safety briefing, setting the stage for the full weekend ahead. With the weather forecast looking ideal, we're ready to fly—but as always in Telluride, we only fly in absolutely perfect conditions. The box canyon is breathtaking, but it’s also one of the most technical and challenging places to fly in the country.

Saturday: Lift-Off and the Beloved Glo

This morning, the field at Town Park will come alive as pilots prepare for our first official launch of the festival at 6:15 a.m. As the sun rises over the San Juan Mountains, balloons will begin to inflate, bringing color and awe to the crisp mountain air. Locals and early risers can grab coffee and breakfast goodies from the Telluride High Breast Cancer Awareness Club while watching the magic unfold.

Tonight at 7:30 p.m., don’t miss the iconic Main Street Glo, where balloons will inflate along Colorado Avenue for a spectacular, glowing display against the mountain backdrop. It’s a favorite tradition for visitors and locals alike—and our cherished crew member Denise Santille, along with her daughter Shelby, says it’s the event they’re most excited for.

We’ll also have the Pride walk-through balloon set up on the street this evening, offering families and festivalgoers a chance to experience the inside of a hot air balloon up close—perfect for kids, photos, and first-time balloon fans.

🌄 Sunday: One More Chance to Soar

The weekend wraps with one final Town Park Balloon Launch at 6:15 a.m. Sunday morning. Join us one last time for coffee, community, and one more chance to watch the skies come alive.

💵 The $2 Bill Project: A Small Bill with a Big Lift

This year, we’re continuing our grassroots economic impact initiative with the $2 bill program. During the event, pilots and crew are spending only $2 bills at local businesses as a visual way to track how much the festival contributes to the town.

If you see a $2 bill this weekend—it came from the sky!It’s a fun, simple way to show how our festival supports the Telluride economy in real-time.

Generosity Takes Flight

We also want to give a huge thank you to the many local businesses that so generously donated gift certificates, meals, and merchandise to our pilots. Every single pilot went home with not just great memories, but also incredible gifts—from meals at top restaurants to unique local “swag.” It’s a heartwarming reminder of how much this community values the role of ballooning in Telluride’s culture and economy.

The 2025 Telluride Balloon Fest is already off to a dreamy start. Whether you’re here for the breathtaking views, the balloon glow, or just a walk through the middle of the magic—we can’t wait to share the sky with you.

See you at the glow tonight!