Magic In The Sky
The skies over High River are a breathtaking display of light, colour, and sound every September at the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival.
Dozens of hot air balloons lift off over five thrilling days in the fall along with the spectacular Friday night Balloon Glow make this Festival an event for all ages.
Bring the whole family and experience the magic of ballooning in the foothills of southern Alberta.
September 23 - 27, 2026
The countdown is on to the Opening Ceremonies!
The Balloon Glow is HERE!
September 25, 2026 • 5-9pm
We are EXCITED to be back with the Balloon Glow.
Come on down and have a magical evening with balloons.
The event is FREE to attend for everyone.
** DO NOT PAY FOR ANY TICKETS OR LIVESTREAM OF THE FESTIVAL **
** WE DO NOT HAVE A FACEBOOK GROUP **
The on-site parking area used during launches is available during the Balloon Glow for VIPs and crew only.
Balloon Glow Parking Options
1) On-site Accessible Parking (FREE)
- your provincially issued placard is required
- access by south entrance only
- arrive before 5pm as vehicle access to the site will be closed at 5pm
2) Park 'N Ride ($20/vehicle CASH ONLY):
- N: NW Rodeo Grounds off 498 Ave / Hwy 543
- S: Next to Co-op 12 Ave SE
3) Park 'N Walk ($20/vehicle CASH ONLY)
- W: east side of High Country Dr across from Tim Horton's
4) General Street Parking (Free)
If you live in High River near Wallaceville, feel free to walk on over to the Wallaceville Glow site.
Geocordinates: (50.584738,-113.873963)
• NO DOGS - leave them at home. Period. Service dogs allowed.
• CASH & CARDS - Park N Ride & Park N Walk are CASH ONLY and are some vendors. Plus you'll be covered if the cc/debit terminals go down **Free On-site Accessible Parking south entrance only **
• STURDY FOOTWEAR - the Glow site is a large field to traverse and the grass gets cold in the evening
• BATTERIES FULLY CHARGED - this is not the time to discover your phone or camera needs to plug in
• WATCH SCHEDULE - don't arrive at the last minute. If the weather changes we may need to start Glowing before 7:30pm. Check our website and socials for any updates.
Chasing * Reminder *
Reminder when following balloons in flight, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES enter a landowner's driveway or field. You must stay on public roads. Remain at a safe distance behind chase vehicles and give them the right-of-way. Crews need to get to their pilots and balloons as safely and swiftly as possible.
Soar Into Fall: The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
Look up! The skies above High River come alive every September as the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival fills the foothills with colour and community spirit.
For five days, dozens of hot air balloons from around the world take flight, and neighbours and visitors gather for the iconic Friday night Balloon Glow — a spectacular evening full of sights, sounds, and excitement walking amongst glowing balloons, food trucks, live music, and family fun.
Rooted in local pride and powered by hundreds of incredible volunteers, the Festival is more than a spectacle. It’s a highly anticipated tradition that brings our community together while welcoming guests and pilots from across Alberta, Canada, and beyond.
Mark your calendars for the end of September and join us in High River for an uplifting event you’ll remember for years to come!
Passenger Rides
SOLD OUT
UPDATED: The available balloon rides for 2026's Festival have sold out. We're excited to start flying! Come out and watch! Here's the Festival Flight Schedule for launch dates and times.