Calgary 
What are your plans for the last weekend of May? Nothing yet? Then, plan a trip to Medicine Hat to see hot air balloons flying above the city.
Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival
Organized by Willy and Cindy Taillon of Coulee Balloon and Our Collective Journey, a local nonprofit, to raise awareness about mental wellness, the fourth edition of Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival will float to the Hat from May 22 to 25.
Balloon flights take place in the mornings and evenings during the festival. Depending on the wind direction determined shortly before flight time, the balloons launch from various city sites.
Hot Air Balloon festivals are famous for their “Night Glows.” This is when you can watch the balloons “glow” in the dark. There are two night glow events this year, on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, at approximately. 8:30 p.m. at Kin Coulee Park.
During this event, the balloons will be tied to the ground at sunset. The burners inside the balloons will be lit, providing them with an enchanting glow. This is one magical sight you’ll want to make sure you see!
On Saturday, May 24, the festival will host a Community Day. Start your day browsing the Rise Up Market at the Public Library, then swing by Towne Square for food trucks or let the kids get creative at the Art Party at the Esplanade. Catch two free movies at the Monarch: Inside Out at noon and Inside Out 2. Then, cap off the evening with the magical Balloon Glow at Kin Coulee Park (around 8:30 PM) with food, entertainment, and community fun.
If you are visiting Medicine Hat for the weekend, do not forget to visit Medalta Museum and all the other exciting activities the Palliser Region offers.
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If you cannot get to Medicine Hat for the Balloon Festival and would like to take in the Night Glow, visit High River in September for the annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex are two other famous Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Canada.
Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival – Trip Planning
Credit: Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival
What:
Hot air balloon pilots from across Canada are taking to the skies over Medicine Hat to raise awareness. The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is a family-friendly event that will bring the community together at no cost to witness balloons soaring over our beautiful landscape in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area.
When: May 22 to 25, 2025
Balloon Glow @ Kin Coulee Park
Friday, May 23, Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM)
Saturday, May 24, Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM)
Saturday, May 24, Balloon Glow Community Day
Where:
Various Venues, Medicine Hat
How Much: Free
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