As May gets underway, Medicine Hat is getting ready for a familiar sight in the sky.
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 21 to 24.
Balloon flights are scheduled for both mornings and evenings, with launch locations changing based on wind conditions. That means spectators may see balloons lifting off from different parts of the city throughout the weekend.
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 22 and Saturday, May 23, 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.
On Saturday, May 23, the festival will host a Community Day. The day begins with a 9:30 a.m. Hues for Humanity 5 km colour run from the Medicine Hat Tourism Centre. Activities then shift to Medicine Hat College for a pancake breakfast, market, youth art party, and BBQ from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then, cap off the evening with the magical Balloon Glow at Kin Coulee Park (around 8:30 PM) with food, entertainment, and community fun.
There is also a new option for visitors this year. The Sunrise & Skylines VIP Experience includes a one-night stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Medicine Hat, along with trolley rides to events and access to premium viewing areas. Packages are priced at $499 plus tax for two people.
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. The
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and the 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 about mental health. 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 21 to 24, 2026
Balloon Glow @ Kin Coulee Park
Friday, May 22, Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM)
Saturday, May 23, Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM)
Saturday, May 23, Balloon Glow Community Day
Balloon Flights
Thursday, May 21 | 6:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Friday, May 22 | 6:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 23 | 6:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 24 | 6:00 AM
Where:
Various Venues, Medicine Hat
How Much: Free
Balloon Flights & Stay: $499
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