Calgary 
Standing beneath an inflated hot-air balloon is quite different from watching one disappear across the Alberta sky. At High River’s Balloon Glow, visitors can walk among the balloons while pilots fire their burners, illuminating the envelopes from inside.
That experience returns Friday, September 25 as part of the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, running September 23 to 27. The Glow itself is free, requires no ticket and runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
What will you actually see?
The evening builds gradually. Food vendors, a DJ, dancers and a walk-in balloon fill the hours before sunset. Balloon inflation is scheduled to begin around 7 p.m.; the Glow runs from approximately 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can then move through the field among the inflated balloons rather than watching from behind a distant viewing line.
Credit: High River Balloon Festival
More than 20 pilots are registered for 2026, coming from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, the United States, United Kingdom and Belgium. Among the more recognizable special-shape balloons are Princess Nelly, a giant pink elephant, and Bella and Buster the Bulldogs. Alberta pilot Shane Lockyer is also bringing Starburst, a new multi-coloured competition balloon.
One important distinction: balloons do not launch during Friday evening’s Glow. Come for illuminated balloons at ground level, not an evening mass ascension.
What has changed for 2026?
The biggest logistical change affects the whole festival.
In 2025, regular balloon flights launched from the Macleod Trail field while the Glow was held at Wallaceville. For 2026, all scheduled festival launches move to Wallaceville, so spectators now use the same general site for morning and evening flights and Friday’s Glow.
Flights are scheduled Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and evening, Friday morning, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning. They are highly weather-dependent, and organizers warn that a go/no-go decision can be made at the last minute.
That makes the Glow the more predictable choice for visitors primarily interested in seeing balloons up close. If you have a full weekend, though, combining Friday’s Glow with a Saturday or Sunday morning launch gives you two very different views of ballooning.
What should you know before going?
Free admission does not mean a completely free evening if you want convenient parking. The official Park & Ride and Park & Walk options cost $20 per vehicle, cash only. Downtown street and public parking are alternatives.
Expect crowds and walking. Accessible parking is available at the Glow site with a provincial placard, but vehicles must arrive before 5 p.m. Pets are not permitted, apart from registered service animals, and organizers describe the Glow as a high-sensory environment.
If making a day of High River, the Museum of the Highwood and Visitor Information Centre is downtown and provides an easy daytime stop before heading to Wallaceville.
Trip Planning – Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
What: The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival returns to High River for the 9th year in a row. Featuring balloons from around the world, there will be lots to see in the skies over High River!
Festival dates: September 23 to 27, 2026.
Balloon Flights: Wednesday | 5:30 p.m.
Thursday | 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Friday | 7:30 a.m.
Saturday | 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Sunday | 7:30 a.m. – Final Fiesta Flight
Balloon Glow: Friday, September 25, 5 to 9 p.m. Balloon inflation is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the Glow from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Times can change with weather.
Weather: Balloon flights are weather-dependent and may be cancelled or placed on standby shortly before launch. Check the festival’s website or social channels before travelling.
Location: Wallaceville Launch/Glow Site, near Centre Street and Macleod Trail, High River
Parking: Park & Ride or Park & Walk, $20 per vehicle, cash only. Downtown public and street parking are also available.
- Park & Ride Shuttles
- $20 per vehicle (CASH ONLY)
- South pick-up: beside Calgary Co-op on 12 Ave SW
- North pick-up: NW entrance to rodeo grounds off 498 Ave / Hwy 543
- You can ride the shuttle between your car and Wallaceville site as often as you like. NOTE: There is no guarantee on how fast the round-trip shuttle trip will take due to varying vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the area.
- Park & Walk
- $20 per vehicle (CASH ONLY)
- North-end: across from Tim Horton’s
- Public Parking
- Downtown area: street and public parking
- Residential streets
Food: Food vendors will be on site.
Accessibility: Designated accessible parking is available with a Service Alberta parking placard. Arrive before 5 p.m. for site access.
Pets: No pets or companion animals. Registered service animals are permitted.
Admission: Free. No ticket required.
Passenger balloon rides: Sold out for 2026; a waitlist is available.
