The air is crisp and the morning quiet remains unbroken. With a cup of coffee in hand, looking skyward at 5:45 a.m., the magic begins. Paramotors dance through the air, executing synchronized maneuvers. It’s the perfect prelude to when the true heartbeat of the weekend takes flight: the Morning Mass Ascension. Dozens of hot-air balloons begin to inflate, rise, and lift off together, filling the morning sky with a breathtaking canopy of color.
Then dusk settles in, and a buzz of excitement fills the air. Against the backdrop of the mountain shadows, dozens of balloons slowly come to life, their colorful envelopes glowing from within. The illuminated display resembles a field of giant flickering lanterns beneath the darkening sky, creating a visual symphony that feels almost magical.
Together, these events create a double spectacle that turns everyone on the ground into children again.
Welcome to the Erie Balloon Festival!
The Mass Ascension and Night Glow are just two of the many attractions held this year on July 10-12 in Erie at Weld County Road 5 & Colliers Parkway. This FREE three-day event invites neighbors from all over Colorado to witness a premier celebration of flight. If you want to do more than just watch, you can experience a taste of the magic firsthand. Hop into a tethered balloon for just $20 (cash only) to catch a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the entire festival grounds!
Behind it all is the Erie Chamber of Commerce and Tamlyn Grace, also known as the Balloon Meister. A licensed hot-air balloon pilot and seasoned event planner, this marks Tamlyn’s second year directing the festival. Founded 29 years ago by Steve Hunter, the event was built on a vision to create a place where balloonists and spectators could gather to share the wonder of flight. Since then, the festival has attracted more than 10,000 attendees and grown to feature 30 balloons this year.
Among the massive fleet taking flight during the morning launches are the whimsical special-shaped balloons, a beloved tradition in ballooning.Two of this year’s featured guests are CLAW’d the crab and Somethin’ Fishy, a massive fishbowl.
You’ll also see Joelly, a giant baby bee, piloted by longtime balloonist Michael Glen. Widely known as the “Rolling Pilot,” Michael holds the distinction of being the world’s first paraplegic hot-air balloon pilot, serving as an enduring inspiration to the aviation community and beyond.
To say ballooning is in Michael’s blood is an understatement; he took his first flight with his parents when he was just two weeks old. Raised in a ballooning family, Michael spent his childhood attending rallies and events, dreaming of becoming a pilot one day.
An avid athlete and adventurer, Michael’s life changed at age 21 when a single-vehicle rollover accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He spent months rebuilding strength and independence while struggling with the loss of his athletic identity. Despite the challenges, Michael remained determined to return to ballooning. Initially, the FAA denied his request for a student pilot license because of his disability. With support from the ballooning community, the decision was reversed. He eventually found a specially designed balloon basket called a Duo Chariot, allowing him to fly independently.
“To me, my story is just me,” said Michael. “I’m just a guy in a wheelchair that’s living life and trying to live it to its fullest.” For Michael, ballooning represents freedom, challenge and possibility. Now living in Arizona and sharing his journeys on Instagram as @rollingpilot, he’s excited to participate in the festival. “There is something special about seeing hot air balloons take off and float in the sky; it turns us all into children with eyes of amazement.”
Come out to meet Michael and all the other balloon pilots at this year’s Erie Balloon Festival! Whether it’s watching Joelly drift across the morning sky or witnessing dozens of glowing balloons illuminate the evening, the event offers the kind of wonder that makes people of all ages stop, look up and smile.
Your Guide to the Sky
Balloon Meister Tamlyn Grace (pictured center) highlights a few can’t-miss moments from this year’s Erie Balloon Festival, taking place Friday through Sunday, July 10-12, 2026. For a full schedule and festival details, visit erieballoonfestival.com.
Friday – Sunday Morning
- 5:30 a.m. | Field & Food Trucks Open
- 5:45 a.m. | Paramotor Aerial Show
- 6:00 a.m. | Morning Mass Ascensions & Tether Rides Begin ($20 cash per person)
Saturday Evening
- 5:00 p.m. | Field, Food Trucks & Walk Throughs Open
- 5:30 p.m. | Tether Rides Begin ($20 cash per person)
- 6:00 p.m. | Story Time with Megan Duggan, author of Bix’s Balloons (Presented by Chick-fil-A)
- 7:30 p.m. | Special Evening Paramotor Performance
- 8:00 p.m. | Night Glow