Saturday, Aug 23rd & Sunday, Aug 24th at 6:00am - Balloons Launch from Hot Springs Airport

WHEN TO ARRIVE: We recommend arriving at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport (located at 27858 US-385, visit our “Get Here” page for directions) around 5:00am to get parked and find a comfortable spot to see the balloons. There are handicap parking spots available - please speak with one of the traffic guides to reach them. Please follow all traffic directions for your safety.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?: The weather is pretty chilly at this early hour in the morning, even in late summer, so a light jacket may be recommended. Many folks bring blankets to sit on the grass. Feel free to bring your own seating (e.g. folding camping chairs). Being so close to a large body of water like Angostura Reservoir, we would also recommend bug spray. You should bring your own water bottles so you stay hydrated, we just ask that what you bring with you, you take out. And of course, don’t forget your camera or smartphone! The balloons are an absolutely beautiful sight as the sun rises. Please use the hashtag #FallRiverBalloonFest in any posts you share out! While you may bring your camera or phone to capture the event--please, DO NOT BRING DRONES or aerial devices of any kind to any of the festival events. We have a professional and licensed drone pilot that is the dedicated operator for this Festival, but all other DRONES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Thank you for your cooperation to help keep our pilots and passengers safe.

CAN WE APPROACH THE BALLOONS & PILOTS?: You may approach the balloons, however we are asking that you be mindful and aware of ropes, fans, and equipment. Please listen to the instructions of the Pilots and Crew.

WHEN WILL THE BALLOONS LAUNCH?: Balloon pilots have a meeting shortly before the scheduled launch to gauge the weather. There’s a lot of science that goes into launching, and if the winds are too strong, if it’s raining, or they feel there’s any danger, the balloons may not launch. But if they do (and they usually do!) they will begin inflation around 6:00am.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF THE MORNING LAUNCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED?: Please keep an eye on the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook page (Facebook.com/FallRiverHotAirBalloonFestival) for updates on the day of the launch for any changes to our schedule, including cancellations or postponements.

DO THE BALLOONS LAND AT THE AIRPORT?: No, hot air balloons do not fly back to the airport, they go where the wind takes them, and the pilot lands in a safe location. If you arrive late expecting to see the balloons, you may be disappointed, and we don’t want that! So please try to be on time.

Saturday, Aug 23rd at 7:30pm - Night Glow

CENTENNIAL PARK & MICHAEL J. FITZMAURICE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE VETERANS HOME

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?: There may be limited or no illumination at many of the glow/candlestick burner display locations after the shows are done, so we strongly recommend that you bring a flashlight for yourself. After dusk, it may be quite cool in the evening, so we recommend a light jacket. There may be limited concessions, so we also strongly recommend bringing your own water bottles and bug spray. Please note, alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought to participating businesses and locations - please do not bring alcohol to the Festival.

CAN WE APPROACH THE BALLOONS?: You may approach the balloons, but again, we are asking that you be mindful and aware of ropes, fans, and equipment. Please listen to the instructions of the Pilots and Crew. Be sure to clear the area as the balloons deflate. We cannot overstate the importance of bringing a flashlight to the Night Glow so the pilots and crew are able to see you in the darkness.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF THE “NIGHT GLOW” HAS BEEN CANCELLED?: Please keep an eye on the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook page (Facebook.com/FallRiverHotAirBalloonFestival) for updates on the day/evening of the festival for any changes to our schedule, including cancellations or postponements.