Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off

This is the year to go if you have not experienced the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off. It’s a fantastic experience and this year, the schedule is jam-packed. Check out all of the events at Memorial Park and plan your 2022 Labor Day weekend with friends and family. Even if you would rather steer clear of the crowds, look to the sky from your Colorado Springs home on these dates to watch for hot air balloons each morning.

Labor Day Lift Off Schedule of Events

If you are a morning person, head to the balloon lift off. If you are a night owl, come for the balloon glow. However, if you would like the full experience, come to both. Each offers its own sense of wonder. 

Saturday, September 3 Morning Schedule

5:30 AM  Park and Concessions Open 

6:30 AM  Opening Ceremony 

7:00 AM  Bud Light/Mimosa Garden Open 

7:00 AM Balloon Lift Off 

8:30 AM  Remote Control Balloon Display

9:00 AM  USAFA Wings of Blue Skydive Jumpers 

9:30 AM Krispy Kreme Donut Eating Contest

10:00 AM  Prospect Lake Events | Upa Downa Stand Up Paddle Board Rental 

Saturday, September 3 Afternoon Schedule

3:30 PM Park and Concessions Open, including the Bud Light/Mimosa Garden 

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Concert Series | Missy & The Dirty Secrets

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Aerial Acrobats – Aerial Aura

6:00 PM  Remote Control Balloon Display 

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM  Concert Series | Reminiscent Souls (feat. Suga Bear and Lady Shay)

7:00 PM Balloon Glow 

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Concert Series | Reminiscent Souls (feat. Suga Bear and Lady Shay)

10:00 PM Park and Concessions Close

Sunday, September 4 Morning Schedule

5:30 AM Park and Concessions Open 

6:30 AM Opening Ceremony 

7:00 AM Bud Light/Mimosa Garden Open 

7:00 AM Balloon Lift Off 

8:30 AM Remote Control Balloon Display 

8:30 AM International Jump Rope Demonstration

9:00 AM USAFA Wings of Blue Skydive Jumpers 

9:00 AM Orangetheory 5k at Labor Day Lift Off

9:30 AM Krispy Kreme Donut Eating Contest

10:00 AM Prospect Lake Events | Upa Downa Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Sunday, September 4 Afternoon Schedule

3:30 PM Park and Concessions Open 

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Concert Series | Mosquito Pass

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Aerial Acrobats – Aerial Aura

3:30 PM Bud Light/Mimosa Garden Open 

6:00 PM Remote Control Balloon Display 

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Concert Series | The Martini Shot Band

7:00 PM Balloon Glow

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Concert Series | The Martini Shot Band

10:00 PM Park and Concessions Close

Monday, September 5 Morning Schedule

5:30 AM Park and Concessions Open 

6:30 AM Opening Ceremony

7:00 AM Bud Light/Mimosa Garden Open 

7:00 AM Balloon Lift Off 

8:30 AM Concert Series | 4ID Mile High Rock Band

9:00 AM Remote Control Balloon Display

Parking for Labor Day Lift Off

If you would like to ensure a parking spot for yourself, you can purchase a parking pass for any of the above-mentioned sessions. These are available in both the morning and the afternoon. When you purchase a spot, this guarantees it until 7:30 AM for morning sessions and 6:30 PM for afternoon sessions. After these times, any unfilled spots become open to the public. 

Keep in mind that traffic will be impacted because of temporary road closures. There are five lots available in addition to handicap and tour bus parking. Find a parking map and links to buy parking passes here. 

Orangetheory 5k and LDLO

The first annual Orangetheory 5k at Labor Day Lift Off will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022. The race starts at 7 AM, but participants are invited to come early to experience the balloon lift off. Runners start at the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial, which is on the northwest corner of Memorial Park. Participants will then run through the side streets of Memorial Park, around Prospect Lake, and finish the race back at the memorial. 

Parking is free for all 5k runners on a first-come, first-served basis in Lot R. Because of road closures, allow extra time for your commute. Packet pick-up is available in the Briargate area at:

Orange Theory Fitness (Falcon Landing) 

7469 N. Academy Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Packet pick-up is available:

Thursday, September 1 from 11 AM to 7 PM

Saturday, September 3 from 12 PM to 3 PM

Sign up for the 5k here. The cost is $30 per runner, plus fees.

Balloon Rides

Have you ever looked up at the hot air balloons in the sky and thought, wow, I’d like to try that? Well, this is your chance. With so many balloons in the city for this event, this is the perfect opportunity to go up for a hot air balloon ride. The process is simple. First, book your balloon ride here. 

Then, on the day of your ride, check-in at the Rainbow Ryder’s Tent. which is located on the field of Memorial Park at 6 AM. After checking in, you will be escorted to the launch field where the balloons will be inflated. This gives you the chance to see your balloon come to life. Once the balloon is inflated and ready, you will lift off the ground among many other balloons. The flight lasts for between 45 minutes and an hour. Be sure to bring your camera! You won’t want to forget the amazing views. Once you land, you will get a flight certificate and the chance to enjoy a celebratory toast. After this, you will be driven back to the festival in a Rainbow Ryder chase vehicle. The cost for this grand adventure is $345 per person, which includes a non-refundable $10 booking fee.

Participate in the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off Every Year

Residents of Colorado Springs enjoy the Labor Day Lift Off every year. Even if you don’t want to travel to Memorial Park, it is always fun to see the hot air balloons fly through the sky every morning during this event. Residents all over the area from Northgate to Southwest Colorado Springs relish in the cool morning air filled with hot air balloons. Plus, the fun continues for weeks to come, as the conditions at the beginning of September are ideal for hot air balloons. 

This is just one of the many events throughout the year that makes Colorado Springs an amazing place to live. If you are ready to buy a home in Colorado Springs, work with an experienced professional. Mark Main has won Best of the Springs for local realtor and he is dedicated to helping his clients. Reach out to Mark today and begin your home search with Best CS Homes.